Gestational diabetes mellitus: The optimal time of delivery

Microbial Etiology, Antimicrobial Resistance, and Risk Factors of Surgical Site Infections in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Patients Undergoing Elective Pre-Labor Cesarean Deliveries

Background

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) significantly increases the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, including elective pre-labor cesarean deliveries. Postoperative surgical site infections (SSIs) pose a significant concern, underscoring the need for a detailed investigation into their causes and preventative measures. The aim of this study is to systematically identify and analyze the microbial etiology and antimicrobial resistance profiles of pathogens responsible for SSIs in GDM patients undergoing elective pre-labor cesarean deliveries. Additionally, this research aims to elucidate the risk factors contributing to SSIs, with a specific focus on operation duration, amniotic fluid contamination, and genital tract inflammation, and their correlation with the incidence of SSIs.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted at our Hospital between September 2018 and July 2023, involving 150 GDM patients who underwent elective pre-labor cesarean deliveries. Patients were categorized into infected and uninfected groups based on postoperative SSIs. Clinical data were meticulously collected and analyzed using SPSS software (version 27.0). Independent sample t-tests and chi-square tests were employed for statistical analysis.

Results

Microbial profiling revealed that Gram-negative bacteria, primarily E. coli, constituted approximately 59.46% of the isolated strains, exhibiting significant resistance to commonly used antibiotics such as ampicillin and cefotaxime. Elevated levels of biomarkers, including Procalcitonin (PCT) and Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), were significantly associated with SSIs. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified operation time ≥1-hour, amniotic fluid contamination, and genital tract inflammation as significant risk factors.

Conclusion

This study highlights the microbial etiology, resistance patterns, and risk factors for SSIs in GDM cesarean patients, emphasizing the need for tailored preoperative evaluations.

An overview of diabetes mellitus in pregnant women with obesity

Rates of obesity are increasing world-wide with an estimated 1billion people projected to be obese by 2030 if current trends remain unchanged. Obesity currently considered one of the most significant associated factors of non-communicable diseases poses the greatest threat to health. Diabetes mellitus is an important metabolic disorder closely associated with obesity. It is therefore expected that with the increasing rates of obesity, the rates of diabetes in pregnancy will also be rising. This disorder may pre-date pregnancy (diagnosed or undiagnosed and diagnosed for the first time in pregnancy) or may be of onset in pregnancy. Irrespective of the timing of onset, diabetes in pregnancy is associated with both fetal and maternal complications. Outcomes are much better if control is maximised. Early diagnosis, multidisciplinary care and tailored management with optimum glycaemic control is associated with a significant reduction in not only pregnancy complications but long-term consequences on both the mother and offspring. This review brings together the current understanding of the pathogenesis of the endocrine derangements that are associated with diabetes in pregnancy how screening should be offered and management including pre-pregnancy care and the role of newer agents in management.

Antepartum Fetal Surveillance and Optimal Timing of Delivery in Diabetic Women: A Narrative Review

Antepartum fetal surveillance (AFS) is essential for pregnant women with diabetes to mitigate the risk of stillbirth. However, there is still no universal consensus on the optimal testing method, testing frequency, and delivery timing. This review aims to comprehensively analyze the evidence concerning AFS and the most advantageous timing for delivery in both gestational and pregestational diabetes mellitus cases. This review's methodology involved an extensive literature search encompassing international diabetes guidelines and scientific databases, including PubMed, MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and Scopus. The review process meticulously identified and utilized pertinent articles for analysis. Within the scope of this review, a thorough examination revealed five prominent international guidelines predominantly addressing gestational diabetes. These guidelines discuss the utility and timing of fetal well-being assessments and recommendations for optimal pregnancy resolution timing. However, the scarcity of clinical trials directly focused on this subject led to a reliance on observational studies as the basis for most recommendations. Glucose control, maternal comorbidities, and the medical management received are crucial in making decisions regarding AFS and determining the appropriate delivery timing.