Risk of Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes Among Pregnant Individuals With Gestational Diabetes by Race and Ethnicity in the United States, 2014-2020

Markers of Cardiovascular Risk Associated with Pregnancy

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The purpose of the review is to summarize the unique cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors encountered during pregnancy and to provide the reader with a framework for acquiring a comprehensive obstetric history during the cardiovascular (CV) assessment of women.

RECENT FINDINGS

Individuals with a history of pregnancies complicated by hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), gestational diabetes (GDM), preterm delivery, low birth weight, and fetal growth restriction during pregnancy are at a higher risk of developing short- and long-term CV complications compared to those without adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs). Women with a history of APOs can be at increased risk of CVD even after achieving normoglycemia and normal blood pressure control postpartum. Risk assessment and stratification in women must account for these APOs as recommended by the 2019 American College of Cardiology (ACC)/American Heart Association (AHA) guideline on the primary prevention of CVD. Early recognition, monitoring, and treatment of APOs are key to limiting CVD complications late in maternal life. Recognition of APOs as female-specific cardiovascular risk factors is critical for risk stratification for women and birthing persons. Further research is needed to understand the complex interplay between genetics, environmental, behavioral, and maternal vascular health, and the association between APOs and CVD risk.

Structural Racism, Social Determinants of Health, and Provider Bias: Impact on Brain Development in Critical Congenital Heart Disease

Critical congenital heart disease (cCHD) has neurodevelopmental sequelae that can carry into adulthood, which may be due to aberrant brain development or brain injury in the prenatal and perinatal/neonatal periods and beyond. Health disparities based on the intersection of sex, geography, race, and ethnicity have been identified for poorer pre- and postnatal outcomes in the general population, as well as those with cCHD. These disparities are likely driven by structural racism, disparities in social determinants of health, and provider bias, which further compound negative brain development outcomes. This review discusses how aberrant brain development in cCHD early in life is affected by reduced access to quality care (ie, prenatal care and testing, postnatal care) due to divestment in non-White neighbourhoods (eg, redlining) and food insecurity, differences in insurance status, location of residence, and perceived interpersonal racism and bias that disproportionately affects pregnant people of colour who have fewer economic resources. Suggestions are discussed for moving forward with implementing strategies in medical education, clinical care, research, and gaining insight into the communities served to combat disparities and bias while promoting cultural humility.

Hyperglycaemia in pregnancy and offspring blood pressure: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Hyperglycemia in pregnancy (HIP) is suggested to be a risk factor for elevated blood pressure (BP) in offspring. However, the empirical evidence was mixed. Thus, this systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to synthesize current evidence assessing the association between HIP and BP in offspring.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, and Embase to identify articles published from inception until 9 February 2021. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed to calculate a pooled effect size and 95% confidence interval (CI). Furthermore, the effects were evaluated separately while grouping by the offspring's sex, region, economic level, published year, insulin treatment status, and BP measurement. Each article was independently reviewed for quality.

RESULTS

Of 3385 citations identified, 23 studies involving 88695 offspring were included. The study found that the offspring of women with HIP had an increased level of both systolic blood pressure (SBP; mean difference 1.90, 95% CI 1.09 to 2.70 mmHg, P < 0.001) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP; mean difference 0.87 mmHg, 95% CI 0.11 to 1.17 mmHg, P = 0.02) compared with those whose mothers with normal blood glucose during pregnancy. According to subgroup analyses, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) appeared to have varied impacts on offspring BP by sex of offspring, region and economic level of family, published year, maternal insulin treatment status, and BP measurement.

CONCLUSION

Current evidence showed that HIP was associated with an elevated BP in offspring. Prenatal interventions targated on reducing HIP might be beneficial for controlling for offspring BP.

Trends in gestational diabetes mellitus among nulliparous pregnant individuals with singleton live births in the United States between 2011 to 2019: an age-period-cohort analysis

BACKGROUND

The rate of gestational diabetes mellitus has increased over the past decade. An age, period, and cohort epidemiologic analysis can be used to understand how and why disease trends have changed over time.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to estimate the associations of age (at delivery), period (delivery year), and cohort (birth year) of the pregnant individual with trends in the incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus in the United States.

STUDY DESIGN

We conducted an age, period, and cohort analysis of nulliparous pregnant adults aged 18 to 44 years with singleton live births from the National Vital Statistics System from 2011 to 2019. Generalized linear mixed models were used to calculate the adjusted rate ratios for the incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus for each 3-year maternal age span, period, and cohort group compared with the reference group for each. We repeated the analyses with stratification according to self-reported racial and ethnic group (non-Hispanic Asian-Pacific Islander, non-Hispanic Black, Hispanic, and non-Hispanic White) because of differences in the incidence of and risk factors for gestational diabetes mellitus by race and ethnicity.

RESULTS

Among 11,897,766 pregnant individuals, 5.2% had gestational diabetes mellitus. The incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus was higher with increasing 3-year maternal age span, among those in the more recent delivery period, and among the younger birth cohort. For example, individuals aged 42 to 44 years at delivery had a 5-fold higher risk for gestational diabetes mellitus than those aged 18 to 20 years (adjusted rate ratio, 5.57; 95% confidence interval, 5.43-5.72) after adjusting for cohort and period. Individuals who delivered between 2017 and 2019 were at higher risk for gestational diabetes mellitus than those who delivered between 2011 and 2013 (adjusted rate ratio, 1.24; 95% confidence interval, 1.23-1.25) after adjusting for age and cohort. Individuals born between 1999 and 2001 had a 3-fold higher risk for gestational diabetes mellitus than those born between 1969 and 1971 (adjusted rate ratio, 3.12; 95% confidence interval, 2.87-3.39) after adjusting for age and period. Similar age, period, and cohort effects were observed for the assessed racial and ethnic groups, with the greatest period effects observed among Asian and Pacific Islander individuals.

CONCLUSION

Period and birth cohort effects have contributed to the rising incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus in the United States from 2011 to 2019.

Gestational Diabetes Self-Care Behavior: An Empowerment Educational Intervention Based on BASNEF Model

Background

Gestational diabetes is a widespread pregnancy-related health problem. Its associated complications can be minimized by empowering women to enhance their self-care behavior. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of an educational intervention using the Beliefs, Attitudes, Subjective Norms, and Enabling Factors (BASNEF) model on Gestational Diabetes Self-Care Behaviors (GD-SCB) among gestational diabetic woman.

Materials and Methods

A randomized controlled clinical trial was performed at the outpatient clinic, El-Shatby hospital, Alexandria, Egypt, on 180 gestational diabetic women (91 intervention and 89 control groups). Data were collected from April to November 2019 using an interviewing schedule involving sociodemographic characteristics and obstetrics/medical history, BASNEF model questionnaire, and gestational diabetes self-care behavior scale.

Results

The findings revealed that an absence of statistically significant differences in sociodemographic characteristics and obstetrics/medical history between the intervention and control groups. Two months post-intervention, all BASNEF model subcontracts and total GD-SCB showed significant improvement in the intervention than the control group; knowledge (F1 = 173.92, p < 0.001), personal beliefs (F₁ = 286.54, p < 0.001), subjective norms (F₁ = 248.82, p < 0.001), behavioral intention (F₁ = 235.43, p < 0.001), enabling factors (F₁ = 59.71, p < 0.001), and total GD-SCB (F₁ = 775.10, p < 0.001). The effect size showed that 48.60% of the improvement within the intervention group total GD-SCB was due to the intervention.

Conclusions

Empowerment through education using the BASNEF model for enhancing GD-SCB was effective and beneficial. Therefore, it can serve as a basic framework for constructing and executing educational programs in the field.

Insulin sensitivity, β cell function, and adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with gestational diabetes

BACKGROUND

The potential impact of β cell function and insulin sensitivity on adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) remains uncertain. We aimed to investigate the association between β cell dysfunction, insulin resistance, and the composite adverse pregnancy outcomes.

METHODS

This observational study included 482 women diagnosed with GDM during pregnancy. Quantitative metrics on β cell function and insulin sensitivity during pregnancy were calculated using traditional equations. The association of β cell dysfunction and insulin resistance with the risk of the composite adverse pregnancy outcomes was investigated using multivariable-adjusted logistic regression models.

RESULTS

Multivariable-adjusted odds ratios (ORs) of adverse pregnancy outcomes across quartiles of homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were 1.00, 0.95, 1.34, and 2.25, respectively (P for trend = 0.011). When HOMA-IR was considered as a continuous variable, the multivariable-adjusted OR of adverse pregnancy outcomes was 1.34 (95% confidence interval 1.16-1.56) for each 1-unit increase in HOMA-IR. Multivariable-adjusted ORs of adverse pregnancy outcomes across quartiles of homeostatic model assessment for β cell function (HOMA-β) were 1.00, 0.51, 0.60, and 0.53, respectively (P for trend = 0.068). When HOMA-β was considered as a continuous variable, the multivariable-adjusted OR of adverse pregnancy outcomes was 0.57 (95% CI 0.24-0.90) for each 1-unit increase in HOMA-β. However, other quantitative metrics were not associated with the composite adverse pregnancy outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrated a significant association of β cell function and insulin sensitivity with the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. We have provided additional evidence on the early identification of adverse pregnancy outcomes besides the glycemic values.

Trends, Predictors, and Outcomes of Cardiovascular Complications at Delivery Associated With Gestational Diabetes: A National Inpatient Sample Analysis (2004-2019)

Background Gestational diabetes (GD) is associated with increased risk of long-term cardiovascular complications. However, data on acute peripartum cardiovascular complications are not well established. Hence, we aimed to investigate the association of GD with acute cardiovascular outcomes at the time of delivery admission. Methods and Results We used data from the National Inpatient Sample (2004-2019). International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) or Tenth Revision (ICD-10) codes were used to identify delivery hospitalizations and GD diagnosis. A total of 63 115 002 weighted hospitalizations for deliveries were identified, of which 3.9% were among individuals with GD (n=2 435 301). The prevalence of both GD and obesity increased during the study period (P trends<0.01). Individuals with GD versus those without GD had a higher prevalence of obesity, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. After adjustment for age, race or ethnicity, comorbidities, insurance, and income, GD remained independently associated with cardiovascular complications including preeclampsia (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.97 [95% CI, 1.96-1.98]), peripartum cardiomyopathy (aOR, 1.15 [1.08-1.22]), acute kidney injury (aOR, 1.16 [1.11-1.21]), stroke (aOR, 1.15 [1.09-1.23]), and arrhythmias (aOR, 1.48 [1.46-1.50]), compared with no GD. Moreover, delivery hospitalizations among individuals with GD were associated with increased length (3 versus 2 days, P<0.01) and cost of hospitalization ($4909 versus $3682, P<0.01). Even in the absence of preeclampsia, GD was associated with elevated cardiovascular risk. Conclusions Individuals with GD had a higher risk of preeclampsia, peripartum cardiomyopathy, acute kidney injury, stroke, and arrhythmias during delivery hospitalizations. As rates of GD are increasing globally, efforts to improve preconception cardiometabolic health and prevent GD may represent important strategies to improve peripartum maternal outcomes and mitigate long-term cardiovascular risk.

Trends in hospitalizations and emergency department visits among women with hyperglycemia in pregnancy between 2008 and 2017 in Taiwan

INTRODUCTION

We investigated health service utilization, including hospitalizations and emergency department visits, for women with hyperglycemia in pregnancy between 2008 and 2017 in Taiwan.

METHODS

Data from the Health and Welfare Data Science Center were used to conduct this nationwide population-based study. We identified pregnant women and the date of childbirth according to Birth Certificate Applications from 2007 to 2018. The study population was divided into four groups: known DM, newly diagnosed DM, GDM, and no DM/GDM. To assess quality of healthcare during the gestation period, trends in 30-day readmission rate, number of emergency department visits/hospitalizations per 100 childbirths, and length of hospital stay from 2008 to 2017 were examined.

RESULTS

A total of 1830511 childbirths and 990569 hospitalizations were identified for analyses. Between 2008 and 2017, women with hyperglycemia in pregnancy (known DM, newly diagnosed DM, and GDM) had a higher rate of hospitalization, a longer length of hospital stay, and higher rates of various maternal and fetal outcomes, compared with women with no DM/GDM. Nevertheless, the differences between women with GDM and those with no DM/GDM in the aforementioned outcome measures were modest. Women with GDM had a modest decrease in the 30-day readmission rate (p for trend 0.046) with no significant difference in the number of emergency department visits during the study period.

DISCUSSION

Our findings provide evidence of the quality of healthcare for women with GDM between 2008 and 2017 in Taiwan.

One-step versus two-step screening for diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus in Iranian population: A randomized community trial

OBJECTIVES

There is considerable worldwide controversy regarding optimal screening and diagnostic approaches for GDM. This study aimed to compare the prevalence, maternal and neonatal outcomes of a One-step with a Two-step approach for the screening and diagnosis of GDM in a large community sample of pregnant women.

METHODS

We conducted a secondary analysis of a randomized community non-inferiority trial of GDM screening in Iran. For the current study, all pregnant women who met the inclusion criteria were randomized into two groups for GDM screening. The first group of women (n = 14611) was screened by a One-step screening approach [75-g 2-h oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)] and the second group (n = 14160) by a Two-step method (the 50-g glucose challenge test followed by the 100-g OGTT). All study participants were followed up until delivery, and the adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes were recorded in detail.

RESULTS

GDM was diagnosed in 9.3% of the pregnant women who were assigned to the One-step and in 5.4% of those assigned to the Two-step approach with a statistically significant difference between them (p < 0.001). Intention-to-treat analyses showed no significant differences between the One-step and the Two-step group in the unadjusted risks of the adverse pregnancy outcomes of macrosomia, primary cesarean-section, preterm birth, hypoglycemia, hypocalcemia, hyperbilirubinemia, preeclampsia, neonatal intensive care unit admission, birth trauma, low birth weight, and intrauterine fetal death. Results remained unchanged after adjustment for potential confounder variables including gestational age at enrollment and delivery, maternal body mass index, gestational weight gain, type of delivery, treatment modality, and GDM diagnosis in the first trimester.

CONCLUSION

We found that although the rates of GDM more than doubled with the One-step strategy, the One-step approach was similar to the Two-step approach in terms of maternal and neonatal outcomes. These findings may warn that more caution should be exercised in adopting the One-step method worldwide. Future research is needed to assess the long-term harm and benefits of those approaches to GDM screening for both mothers and their offspring.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

https://www.irct.ir/trial/518, identifier (IRCT138707081281N1).