Trends and racial and ethnic disparities in the prevalence of pregestational type 1 and type 2 diabetes in Northern California: 1996-2014

BACKGROUND

Despite concern for adverse perinatal outcomes in women with diabetes mellitus before pregnancy, recent data on the prevalence of pregestational type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus in the United States are lacking.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to estimate changes in the prevalence of overall pregestational diabetes mellitus (all types) and pregestational type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus and to estimate whether changes varied by race-ethnicity from 1996-2014.

STUDY DESIGN

We conducted a cohort study among 655,428 pregnancies at a Northern California integrated health delivery system from 1996-2014. Logistic regression analyses provided estimates of prevalence and trends.

RESULTS

The age-adjusted prevalence (per 100 deliveries) of overall pregestational diabetes mellitus increased from 1996-1999 to 2012-2014 (from 0.58 [95% confidence interval, 0.54-0.63] to 1.06 [95% confidence interval, 1.00-1.12]; P_trend <.0001). Significant increases occurred in all racial-ethnic groups; the largest relative increase was among Hispanic women (121.8% [95% confidence interval, 84.4-166.7]); the smallest relative increase was among non-Hispanic white women (49.6% [95% confidence interval, 27.5-75.4]). The age-adjusted prevalence of pregestational type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus increased from 0.14 (95% confidence interval, 0.12-0.16) to 0.23 (95% confidence interval, 0.21-0.27; P_trend <.0001) and from 0.42 (95% confidence interval, 0.38-0.46) to 0.78 (95% confidence interval, 0.73-0.83; P_trend <.0001), respectively. The greatest relative increase in the prevalence of type 1 diabetes mellitus was in non-Hispanic white women (118.4% [95% confidence interval, 70.0-180.5]), who had the lowest increases in the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (13.6% [95% confidence interval, -8.0 to 40.1]). The greatest relative increase in the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus was in Hispanic women (125.2% [95% confidence interval, 84.8-174.4]), followed by African American women (102.0% [95% confidence interval, 38.3-194.3]) and Asian women (93.3% [95% confidence interval, 48.9-150.9]).

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of overall pregestational diabetes mellitus and pregestational type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus increased from 1996-1999 to 2012-2014 and racial-ethnic disparities were observed, possibly because of differing prevalence of maternal obesity. Targeted prevention efforts, preconception care, and disease management strategies are needed to reduce the burden of diabetes mellitus and its sequelae.

Early Screening and Treatment of Women with Prediabetes: A Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE

To examine whether women with prediabetes benefit from early treatment for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

STUDY DESIGN

Women with a glycosylated hemoglobin A1C (A1C) of 5.7 to 6.4% at <14 weeks were recruited. Participants were randomized to usual care or treatment for GDM with diet, blood glucose monitoring, and insulin as needed. The primary outcome was a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test at 26 to 28 weeks. Secondary outcomes included cesarean delivery, birthweight, weight gain, and A1C change.

RESULTS

Between May 2012 and June 2014, 95 women were enrolled and 83 had data for analysis; 42 were randomized to treatment and 41 to usual care. The groups were similar in baseline characteristics with 40% obese. There was no difference in the primary outcome (treatment 45.2% vs. control 56.1%; relative risk [RR] 0.80; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.53-1.24) except that women in the treatment group had a significantly lower A1C over time than women in the control group (p = 0.04). Nonobese women (n = 50) treated for GDM experienced a 50% reduction in GDM compared with controls (29.6 vs. 60.9%; RR 0.49; 95% CI 0.25-0.95).

CONCLUSION

Early treatment for women with a first-trimester A1C of 5.7 to 6.4% did not significantly reduce the risk of GDM except in nonobese women.

The diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus: new paradigms or status quo?

The Hyperglycemia and Adverse Pregnancy Outcome (HAPO) Study showed significant perinatal risks at levels of maternal hyperglycemia below values that are diagnostic for diabetes. A Consensus Panel of the International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups (IADPSG) reviewed HAPO Study results and other work that examined associations of maternal glycemia with perinatal and long-term outcomes in offspring and published recommendations for diagnosis and classification of hyperglycemia in pregnancy in 2010. Subsequently, some commentaries and debate challenged the IADPSG recommendations. In this review, we provide details regarding some points that were considered by the IADPSG Consensus Panel but not published and address the following issues: 1) what should be the frequency of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM); 2) were appropriate outcomes and odds ratios used to define diagnostic thresholds for GDM; 3) to improve perinatal outcome, should the focus be on GDM, obesity, or both; 4) should results of randomized controlled trials of treatment of mild GDM influence recommendations for diagnostic thresholds; and, 5) other issues related to diagnosis of GDM. Other groups are independently considering strategies for the diagnosis of GDM. However, after careful consideration of these issues, we affirm our support for the recommendations of the IADPSG Consensus Panel.

Assessment of costs and benefits of management of gestational diabetes mellitus

The purpose of this pilot study was to perform a cost-identification analysis of care for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) by determining the direct costs of the diagnostic procedures and treatment used for the outpatient management of GDM (program input costs) and the direct costs of maternal hospitalization after diagnosis of GDM, delivery of the baby, and newborn care (outcome costs). Reimbursed average charges in the Northern California (NoCal) managed care market in 1996 were used to establish the direct costs, and the direct costs were then applied to the elements of care and pregnancy outcomes of three GDM management programs in NoCal, Southern California (SoCal), and New England (NewEng), using prospectively collected data. Reimbursed amounts for the detailed elements of GDM management (program input costs) are presented in the categories of diagnosis of GDM, diabetes treatment supplies, doctor's office visits, office visits to ancillary providers, and fetal surveillance. Program input costs per patient were $817 for diet-treated and $1,838 for insulin-treated women in NoCal, and were estimated to be $882 for diet-treated and $1,425 for insulin-treated women in NewEng. Program input costs for women requiring insulin treatment who were randomized to premeal or postprandial blood glucose testing (N Engl J Med 333:1237, 1995) in SoCal were estimated to be $3,596 per patient for the premeal group and $3,770 per patient for the postprandial group. Reimbursed amounts for health care expenditures related to pregnancy outcomes are detailed in the categories of hospital and physician charges for maternal antepartum hospitalization ($1,864 for 2 days), vaginal delivery with 50% use of epidural anesthesia ($4,050), cesarean section ($5,932), and neonatal intensive care ($9,130 for 4 days). Outcome costs per patient were $5,792 for diet-treated and $6,462 for insulin-treated women in NoCal. Outcome costs per patient were estimated to be $6,096 for diet-treated and $11,216 for insulin-treated women in NewEng, and $8,013 for the premeal blood glucose group and $7,495 for the postprandial blood glucose group in SoCal (both groups required insulin treatment). Incremental cost-effectiveness of postprandial monitoring in the SoCal controlled trial was $35 per patient in input costs per cesarean section averted and $25 per patient in input costs per neonatal intensive care unit day prevented. The benefit-to-cost ratio of the difference in input and outcome costs was 2.98 in favor of postprandial monitoring in the SoCal study. Cost analysis should be included in clinical trials of the management of GDM.

Diabetic nephropathy and pregnancy

Knowledge of the pathogenic mechanisms of diabetic nephropathy (by which hyperglycemia, hyperfiltration, and hypertension cause the gradual development of microproteinuria, mesangial expansion, and eventual glomerular closure) provides the basis for effective treatment. Intensified glycemic control and antihypertensive therapy that is safe for the fetus are crucial for success during pregnancy. Considered outcome measures include perinatal survival, size at birth, child development, and long-term maternal renal function.

Metabolic interactions of diabetes and pregnancy

Many of the embryonic and fetal abnormalities that occur in pregnancies complicated by maternal diabetes are the result of development in a metabolically abnormal environment. Diabetic embryopathy (birth defects and spontaneous abortions) results from maternal metabolic abnormalities during the first 6-7 weeks of gestation. The embryopathy appears to be multifactorial in origin, and the resulting defects remain important causes of morbidity and mortality in diabetic pregnancies. Diabetic fetopathy (predominantly macrosomia and neonatal hypoglycemia) results from fetal overnutrition and hyperinsulinemia during the second and third trimesters. Fetopathy may cause significant morbidity not only in the perinatal period, but also in later life as overweight infants grow up to be overweight children and young adults. Careful regulation of maternal metabolism from the preconceptional period onward can reduce greatly or even eliminate the excess risks that have been incurred by infants of diabetic mothers in the past. Successful management of maternal diabetes requires knowledge of the alterations in intermediary metabolism that normally occur during pregnancy, as discussed in this chapter.

Early-pregnancy proteinuria in diabetes related to preeclampsia

OBJECTIVE

To test the hypothesis that the risk of preeclampsia in diabetic mothers is increased with incipient diabetic nephropathy as well as with overt nephropathy.

METHODS

Pregnancy outcome was studied in 311 women with class B-RF diabetes from two institutions. Using 104 women without chronic hypertension followed at the University of California, San Francisco, we constructed a receiver-operating characteristic curve relating 24-hour urinary total protein before 20 weeks' gestation to the subsequent development of preeclampsia. From the curve, a predictive cutoff level of proteinuria was selected and tested in two validation groups not used to construct the curve: 158 women without chronic hypertension followed at the University of Cincinnati and 49 women with chronic hypertension from both institutions.

RESULTS

The receiver-operating characteristic curve showed an increased risk of preeclampsia with early-pregnancy proteinuria of 190 mg/day or more. In the Cincinnati validation group, the rate of preeclampsia was 7% in women with early-pregnancy proteinuria of less than 190 mg/day, 31% with proteinuria of 190-499 mg/day, and 38% with proteinuria of 500 mg/day or more. In the chronic-hypertension validation group, the rates were 0, 50, and 58%, respectively. By multiple logistic regression, the increased risk of preeclampsia with proteinuria above 190 mg/day persisted after controlling for the effects of parity, chronic hypertension, retinopathy, and glycemic control.

CONCLUSIONS

Diabetic gravidas with early-pregnancy proteinuria of 190-499 mg/day are at increased risk for preeclampsia. The risk is comparable to that in women with overt diabetic nephropathy and is independent of chronic hypertension. We speculate that diabetic women with proteinuria in this range have incipient or subclinical diabetic nephropathy.

Maternal and perinatal implications of diabetic nephropathy

Nephropathy is a serious and challenging complication of diabetes with regard to maternal health, fetal well-being, and outcome of infants. This article describes the available information and the controversies regarding clinical course, pregnancy complications, and treatment.

Cost-benefit analysis of preconception care for women with established diabetes mellitus

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether the additional costs of preconception care are balanced by the savings from averted complications. Several studies have demonstrated the efficacy of preconception care in reducing congenital anomalies in infants born of mothers with pre-existing diabetes mellitus.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This study used literature review, consensus development among an expert panel of physicians, and surveys of medical care personnel to obtain information about the costs and consequences of preconception plus prenatal care compared with prenatal care only for women with established diabetes. Preconception care involves close interaction between the patient and an interdisciplinary health-care team as well as intensified evaluation, follow-up, testing, and monitoring. The outcome measures assessed in this study are the medical costs of preconception care versus prenatal care only and the benefit-cost ratio.

RESULTS

The costs of preconception plus prenatal care are $17,519/delivery, whereas the costs of prenatal care only are $13,843/delivery. Taking into account maternal and neonatal adverse outcomes, the net savings of preconception care are $1720/enrollee over prenatal care only and the benefit-cost ratio is 1.86. The preconception care program remained cost saving across a wide range of assumptions regarding incidence of adverse outcomes and program cost components.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite significantly higher per delivery costs for participants in a hypothetical preconception care program, intensive medical care before conception resulted in cost savings compared with prenatal care only. Third-party payers can expect to realize cost savings by reimbursing preconception care in this high-risk population.

Increased depth of trophoblast invasion after chronic constriction of the lower aorta in rhesus monkeys

OBJECTIVE

Our purpose was to investigate whether a reduction in uteroplacental perfusion pressure would produce changes in trophoblast-uterine interactions at the cellular level.

STUDY DESIGN

Strictures were placed around the abdominal aortas of rhesus monkeys at 116 +/- 7 days of pregnancy to reduce uteroplacental perfusion pressure. Placental bed biopsy specimens were obtained at cesarean section, and cytotrophoblasts were identified by means of an anticytokeratin antibody.

RESULTS

In monkeys without aortic strictures, interstitial trophoblast invasion was restricted to the outer half of the endometrium. Endovascular trophoblast invasion involved the entire endometrial portion of uterine vessels and extended through the subjacent half of their myometrial segments. In seven of nine monkeys with aortic strictures the depth of interstitial trophoblast invasion was substantially increased and extended throughout the entire decidua and at least a portion of the myometrium. In contrast, the pattern of endovascular trophoblast invasion was identical to that observed in the placental beds of control animals.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that uteroplacental perfusion pressure or oxygen content may be important physiologic factors controlling the depth of interstitial cytotrophoblast invasion.

Experimental preeclampsia produced by chronic constriction of the lower aorta: validation with longitudinal blood pressure measurements in conscious rhesus monkeys

OBJECTIVES

Our goals were (1) to determine whether hypertension, proteinuria, and glomerular endotheliosis can be produced by chronic reduction of lower aortic pressure in pregnant rhesus monkeys and (2) to study the time course of the development of hypertension by means of longitudinal arterial blood pressure measurements in conscious, unrestrained pregnant rhesus monkeys.

STUDY DESIGN

Indwelling arterial catheters were placed at 103 +/- 4 days of gestation (term 160 days) for measurement of arterial pressure before and after reduction of lower aortic pressure. At 116 +/- 7 days lower aortic pressure was reduced by 24 +/- 11 mm Hg in 11 monkeys (experimental group) by a stricture on the aorta just below the renal arteries; six monkeys (controls) underwent a sham operation. Resting on the aorta just below the renal arteries; six monkeys (controls) underwent a sham operation. Resting pressures were measured three to five times per week by a tether-and-swivel system.

RESULTS

Baseline arterial pressure averaged 81 +/- 6 mm Hg. In the experimental group four monkeys had adverse outcomes (one maternal death with severe hypertension, one abruptio placentae with stillbirth, and two spontaneous preterm deliveries with hypertension). There was one preterm delivery in the control group. Of the seven monkeys with aortic stricture who continued to term, four developed sustained hypertension (mean pressure 18 +/- 6 mm Hg above baseline), proteinuria, and moderate-to-severe glomerular endotheliosis. None of the controls had hypertension or proteinuria, but two had endotheliosis.

CONCLUSION

These observations confirm that a syndrome resembling preeclampsia can be produced by a reduction of lower aortic pressure, and they demonstrate that the associated hypertension is not an artifact of anesthesia. This model may prove useful in studying the pathophysiologic mechanisms of preeclampsia.

Randomized trial of human versus animal species insulin in diabetic pregnant women: improved glycemic control, not fewer antibodies to insulin, influences birth weight

OBJECTIVE

Macrosomia occurs in infants of diabetic mothers in spite of "nearly normal maternal blood glucose levels" with insulin treatment. Insulin antibodies may carry bound insulin into the fetal blood and thus may be associated with fetal hyperinsulinemia and macrosomia in these infants. Our objective was to test the hypothesis that human insulin is associated with lower insulin antibody levels and less macrosomia than is animal species insulin.

STUDY DESIGN

Forty-three insulin-requiring pregnant (< 20 weeks' gestation) women, previously treated with animal insulin, were randomized to human and animal insulins and studied at weeks 10 through 20, 24, 28, 32, 36, and 38, at delivery, and at 3 months post partum. Infant blood was drawn at delivery (cord) and at 1 day and 3 months post partum 1 hour after a glucose-amino acid challenge.

RESULTS

Women receiving human insulin required significantly less insulin per kilogram of body weight and showed significant dampening of glucose excursions (p < 0.05 for each comparison). Infants born to mothers receiving human insulin weighed 2880 +/- 877 gm compared with 3340 +/- 598 gm for infants of women treated with animal insulin (p < 0.05). There was no difference in insulin antibody levels between groups for either mothers or infants. Infants born to mothers receiving human insulin had a 1 hour C-peptide level after the glucose-amino acid challenge at 3 months of age of 0.21 +/- 0.13 pmol/ml compared with 0.32 +/- 0.13 pmol/ml (p = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Administration of human insulin to pregnant diabetic women has a therapeutic advantage over animal insulin, with less maternal hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia, fewer larger-for-gestational-age infants, and less neonatal hyperinsulinemia. Our data do not support the hypothesis that maternal antibodies to insulin influence infant birth weight.

Relationship of fetal macrosomia to maternal postprandial glucose control during pregnancy

OBJECTIVE

To determine the gestational ages at which maternal hyperglycemia is most closely related to fetal macrosomia; to determine whether macrosomia is related to elevations of fasting glucose, postprandial glucose, or both; and to assess the relationship of macrosomia to maternal insulin dose and caloric intake.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

One hundred eleven consecutive pregnant women with Class B through RF diabetes were studied longitudinally from 13 to 36 wk gestation. Macrosomia was defined by birthweight greater than 90th percentile for gestational age based on California norms. Women who delivered macrosomic infants were compared with those without macrosomic infants on pre- and postprandial blood glucose, GHb, insulin dose, macronutrient intake, and several other maternal variables.

RESULTS

Macrosomia occurred in 32 (29%) cases, although several measures indicated reasonable glycemic control throughout pregnancy. Women delivering macrosomic infants did not differ from those without macrosomic infants in maternal age, prepregnant weight, duration of diabetes, White class, macronutrient intake, GHb, or fasting glucose. Macrosomia was associated with higher postprandial glucose levels up to 32 wk gestation and lower insulin doses from 29 to 36 wk gestation. In multiple logistic regression, macrosomia was significantly associated with postprandial glucose only between 29 and 32 wk gestation. Postprandial glucose values less than 7.3 mM (less than 130 mg/dl) were associated with a higher risk of small-for-gestational-age infants (18%) compared with values above this level (1%).

CONCLUSIONS

Because macrosomia was related to postprandial glucose but not fasting glucose, we conclude that postprandial glucose measurement should be a part of routine care for diabetes in pregnancy. A target 1-h postprandial glucose value of 7.3 mM (130 mg/dl) may be the level that optimally reduces the incidence of macrosomia without increasing the incidence of small-for-gestational-age infants.

Erythropoietin in pregnancies complicated by severe anemia of renal failure

BACKGROUND

Recombinant human erythropoietin has been approved for treatment of the anemia of renal failure since 1989, yet data regarding the safety and efficacy of this drug in pregnancy are limited. We used recombinant human erythropoietin to treat the anemia of renal disease in three pregnant women.

CASES

Nadir hematocrit values before initiation of erythropoietin were 19-23%. Erythropoietin, 50-160 U/kg/week subcutaneously, was begun at 14-26 weeks' gestation. Initially, the rise in hematocrit averaged 0.6-2% each week, with peak values of 26.7-32%. Iron supplementation was given simultaneously. Maternal and neonatal outcomes were favorable despite the development of preeclampsia or worsening renal function requiring early delivery.

CONCLUSION

In this small series, erythropoietin begun during the second trimester in a dose of about 100 U/kg/week, in conjunction with orally administered iron, appeared to be effective in treating the anemia of renal failure during pregnancy. Additional experience is needed to evaluate the safety of this medication during pregnancy.

Financial implications of implementing standards of care for diabetes and pregnancy

This article examines the financial implications of implementing standards of care for pregnancy among women with diabetes, including both the costs of enhanced treatment and the savings of avoided adverse outcomes. Numerous studies have demonstrated the harmful effects of poor blood glucose control for both mother and fetus. Standards set forth by the American Diabetes Association aim to reduce maternal complications and fetal adverse outcomes, such as congenital malformations. Because the precise configuration of resources required to meet these standards was not outlined in the American Diabetes Association statement, a panel of physicians (all specialists in pregnancy care for women with diabetes) was convened to develop a model program. Implementing such a program during the preconception and prenatal periods will represent an intensification of resource use in the outpatient setting. However, through these preventive measures, medical care costs for maternal and fetal complications can be avoided.

Obstetric complications with GDM. Effects of maternal weight

Obstetric complications recorded prospectively were assessed retrospectively in 150 women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and 305 control subjects matched for age, parity, and ethnicity. Intensive diet therapy and self-monitoring of capillary blood glucose were used to obtain postprandial euglycemia; 22% of GDM subjects required insulin. GDM and control subjects were grouped by body mass index to detect any influence of maternal prepregnancy weight on outcome. Polyhydramnios, preterm labor, and pyelonephritis were not more frequent in GDM, but hypertension without proteinuria (7.3 vs. 3.3%) and preeclampsia (8 vs. 3.9%) were more frequent in GDM. The frequency of hypertensive complications in GDM was not totally attributable to being overweight. Abnormalities of labor, birth trauma, and fetal macrosomia were not more common in GDM; 6.7% of the infants of mothers with GDM weighed greater than 4200 g at birth compared with 3.6% of control infants (NS), and 10% were large for gestational age and sex compared with 6.6% of control infants (NS). Despite this, cesarean delivery was more common in GDM (35.3 vs. 22%, P less than 0.01), mostly due to significantly more cesarean births without labor.

Urinary protein/creatinine ratio before and during pregnancy in women with diabetes mellitus

Quantitation of urinary protein excretion has traditionally involved collection of a 24-hour urine specimen. Recent reports have suggested that the ratio of protein to creatinine in a single-voided urine specimen may be used as a screening test of proteinuria, obviating the need for a 24-hour urine collection. This study was undertaken to determine whether the urinary protein/creatinine ratio was correlated with 24-hour protein excretion in women with diabetes, to determine whether pregnancy had any effect on the correlation, and to test the accuracy of estimates of 24-hour protein excretion on the basis of the protein/creatinine ratio. We studied 329 24-hour urine specimens from 133 women with classes B through RF diabetes. The protein/creatinine ratio was highly correlated with total protein excretion (r = 0.977, p less than 0.0001). The correlation was not affected by pregnancy, trimester, or preeclampsia. Three methods were used to predict protein excretion on the basis of the ratio. Compared with actual protein excretion, predicted values had mean errors of 19% to 27%; 6% to 13% of predictions were in error by greater than or equal to 50%. Because of these large errors, we conclude that this method of estimating protein excretion has limited value in pregnant women with diabetes.

Pregnancy complicated by collagen vascular disease

Pregnancies complicated by collagen vascular diseases present a challenge to the obstetrician, internist, and other consulting physicians caring for the patient. Although most pregnancies complicated by these disorders result in satisfactory outcomes, a significant number develop manifestations sufficiently serious to require admission to an intensive care unit. Such manifestations include lupus nephritis, CNS lupus, ARDS, massive alveolar hemorrhage, scleroderma renal crisis, pulmonary hypertension, severe myositis, and diffuse vasculitis. Of the numerous therapeutic options available, many may be used to optimize maternal and perinatal outcome.

Spontaneous abortion and congenital malformations in diabetes

The first few weeks after conception are a critical period for the embryo of a diabetic mother. If the mother is in good glycaemic control during this time, the risk of spontaneous abortion or major congenital malformation is low. Otherwise, the risk increases in proportion to the degree of blood glucose elevation. Glycohaemoglobin determination in the first trimester can be useful in retrospectively evaluating the degree of glycaemic control present around the time of conception and in roughly estimating the risk of spontaneous abortion or major malformation. For women with high risk, early prenatal diagnosis of congenital anomalies is warranted using detailed ultrasound examination, fetal echocardiography and alpha-fetoprotein determinations. Encouraging diabetic women to achieve strict control prior to conception should virtually eliminate the excess risk of spontaneous abortion or major malformation.

Preconception care of diabetes. Glycemic control prevents congenital anomalies

To test the value of intensive management of diabetes before and during early pregnancy, 84 women recruited prior to conception were compared with 110 women who were already pregnant referred at 6 to 30 weeks' gestation. All underwent daily measurement of fasting and postprandial capillary blood glucose levels. Mean blood glucose levels during embryogenesis and organogenesis were within 3.3 to 7.8 mmol/L in 50% of preconception subjects and exceeded 10 mmol/L in 6.5%. One major congenital anomaly occurred in 84 infants (1.2%) of women treated before conception compared with 12 anomalies in 110 infants (10.9%) of mothers in the postconception group. Transient symptomatic hypoglycemia occurred during embryogenesis in 60% of women in the preconception group, with a median frequency of 2.7 episodes per week, but was not associated with excess malformations. We conclude that education and intensive management for glycemic control of diabetic women before and during early pregnancy will prevent excess rates of congenital anomalies in their infants.

Insulin-like growth factors in fetal macrosomia with and without maternal diabetes

Insulin-like growth factors (IGFs/somatomedins) have been implicated as regulators of fetal growth. This study investigates whether IGFs are related to macrosomia in infants of normal or insulin-dependent diabetic mothers. Cord concentrations of IGF-I (radioimmunoassay), total IGF (radioreceptor assay) and IGF binding protein (radiobinding assay) were measured in 15 term infants of diabetic mothers (IDM) and 29 term infants of nondiabetic mothers. In infants of control mothers cord IGF and total IGF levels were significantly higher in large-for-gestational-age than appropriate-for-gestational-age infants; but this relationship was lost in IDM, in whom IGF-I concentrations were similar to control infants. IGF binding protein levels were not significantly different in any of these groups. The absence of elevated IGF levels in macrosomic IDM indicates that the pathologic process does not involve a simple increase in these growth factors.

Serum and urinary magnesium, calcium and copper levels in insulin-dependent diabetic women

Eighteen insulin-dependent diabetic (IDD) and 15 healthy control women participated in a study of the relationship between glycemic control or renal function measurements and the levels of magnesium, calcium and copper in the serum and urine. In the IDD women glycosylated hemoglobin averaged 9.8 +/- 0.5% and the fasting plasma glucose was 1.89 +/- 0.19 g/L. The glomerular filtration rate, approximated from creatinine clearance, averaged 125 +/- 16 ml/min in the IDD women in comparison to 82 +/- 4 ml/min in the controls. IDD women had lower serum (p less than 0.001) and higher urinary (p less than 0.01) magnesium levels than did the controls; serum and urinary copper levels and serum ceruloplasmin levels all were higher (p less than 0.01) in the IDD women. There was no difference in either serum or urinary calcium levels between the two groups. In the IDD women serum magnesium was related to urinary glucose (r = -0.758, p less than 0.01) and to glycosylated hemoglobin (r = -0.603, p less than 0.01); none of the other measurements of serum or urinary minerals was related to measures of glucose control. Urinary calcium and copper levels, but not urinary magnesium, were correlated with the glomerular filtration rate (r = 0.476, p less than 0.05 and r = 0.554, p less than 0.05, respectively). The results of this study suggest that IDD alters the utilization of magnesium, calcium, and copper, but that these three minerals are not affected in the same way by physiological changes associated with the disease.

Hyperzincuria in IDDM women. Relationship to measures of glycemic control, renal function, and tissue catabolism

Eighteen women with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) and 15 nondiabetic women participated in a study of the relationship of zincuria to measures of glycemic control, renal function, and tissue catabolism. In the IDDM women, mean +/- SE glycosylated hemoglobin was 9.8 +/- 0.5%, and fasting plasma glucose was 189 +/- 19 mg/dl; duration of diabetes averaged 15 yr. In comparison with control women, the IDDM women excreted four times as much zinc in the urine. However, the total plasma zinc concentration was significantly higher in the IDDM than in the control women (14.7 vs. 13.4 microM). The increased urinary zinc loss in the IDDM women was not related to urine volume, urinary glucose excretion, fasting plasma glucose concentration, percent glycosylated hemoglobin, or an increased glomerular filtration rate. Total urinary protein losses were four times higher in the IDDM women than in the control women, and these urinary protein losses correlated with the urinary zinc losses (P less than .007). There was no relationship between urinary zinc and the excretion of any of the amino acids, urea, or ammonia. The results of this study show that hyperzincuria in diabetes is not associated with lower plasma zinc levels. An increased zinc absorption, decreased intestinal zinc excretion, or increased tissue catabolism may support higher plasma zinc levels.

Use of the subcutaneous terbutaline pump for long-term tocolysis

Nine patients in preterm labor requiring long-term tocolysis were managed with subcutaneous terbutaline administered via a portable infusion pump. All had failed oral tocolytic therapy and were therefore faced with prolonged hospitalization. In this feasibility study, the patients were treated at home and monitored with portable tocodynamometers and home nursing visits. Uterine activity data were transmitted via telephone to the study center and terbutaline pump infusion rates were adjusted accordingly. Terbutaline pump therapy consisted of a combination of low-dose continuous basal infusion supplemented with intermittent high-dose boluses. Total daily drug dosage remained exceptionally low (less than 3 mg/24 hours). The mean gestational age at initiation of therapy was 29.6 +/- 3.7 weeks, and pregnancy was prolonged an average of 9.2 +/- 4.3 weeks. The minimum gestational age at delivery was 37.3 weeks. Patient tolerance was excellent and, in a total 394 patient-days of therapy, there were no significant complications. We conclude that the portable subcutaneous terbutaline pump may be a promising new method for long-term outpatient tocolysis in patients who cannot be maintained on oral therapy.

Measurement of fetal shoulder width with computed tomography in diabetic women

We conducted a feasibility study of the use of computed tomography (CT) to measure the width of the fetal shoulders and to predict large birth weight in infants of diabetic mothers. Computed tomography pelvimetry using low-dose digital radiographs was performed before delivery at term in 22 diabetic women. Shoulder width was estimated by direct electronic measurement on a single axial section through the shoulders of the fetus, and by orthopedic calipers within 48 hours of birth. Shoulder width by CT was 11.4-16.5 cm, and correlated significantly with postnatal measurements (r = 0.66, P = .01). Shoulder width by CT also correlated well with birth weight (r = 0.84, P less than .01), and measured more than 14 cm in all seven infants with birth weights more than 4200 g. Using 14 cm as a positive test and birth weight 4200 g as an abnormal result, the predictive value of a positive test was 78% and the predictive value of a negative test was 100%. This technique deserves further evaluation in assessing the risk of shoulder dystocia in potentially macrosomic infants.

Milk composition of insulin-dependent diabetic women

The macronutrient, trace mineral, and immunological contents of milk of five moderately controlled, insulin-dependent diabetic women were studied at 3 months postpartum. Concentrations of total nitrogen, lactose, fat, and energy were not distinguishable from those in milk of nondiabetic women. Glucose concentrations in milk from diabetic women were significantly higher (p less than 0.001) and more variable. The macro- and trace minerals (Ca, P, Mg, K, Zn, Cu, and Fe) were within normal ranges with the exception of Na which was higher in milk from the diabetic women (p less than 0.05). The concentrations of lactoferrin and secretory IgA were not statistically different from reference norms. Milk composition of five insulin-dependent diabetic women was not distinguishable from that of the reference population, with the exceptions of Na and glucose concentrations, which were slightly elevated.

Pregnancy following renal transplantation in class T diabetes mellitus

Nine cases of pregnancy complicated by diabetes and prior renal transplantation are reviewed. Maternal and fetal death occurred in a patient with foot and leg ulcers associated with preexisting peripheral vascular disease. Pregnancy-induced hypertension occurred in six cases. Spontaneous weight-bearing fractures occurred in two patients. No episodes of renal allograft rejection occurred. Evidence of fetal compromise was present in six cases. All fetuses were delivered by cesarean section prior to term, with live births occurring from 31 1/2 to 36 weeks' gestation. A single case of hypospadias was the only congenital defect. Prepregnancy screening for complications of diabetes and renal transplantation is advised and euglycemia should be achieved before and during pregnancy. Advanced diabetic vascular disease puts these gestations at significant risk.

Erythropoiesis in infants of diabetic mothers

Neonatal polycythemia is a well-established perinatal complication in infants of diabetic mothers (IDM). To investigate the regulation of erythropoiesis in these infants, we measured cord blood erythropoietin (EP) levels by a sensitive radioimmune assay and examined the growth of erythroid progenitor colonies in a series of IDM and control infants. Fifteen of 18 diabetic mothers were managed on a protocol emphasizing careful glycemic control throughout pregnancy; 10 had glycosolated hemoglobin values within the normal, nondiabetic range during the third trimester. Cord blood EP was elevated in one of 18 IDM and in two of 13 controls (p = NS). In IDM, cord blood EP values were higher in infants delivered following maternal labor and were inversely correlated with umbilical artery pH (r = -0.72; p = 0.006). Growth of burst forming units-erythroid was similar in IDM and controls in the presence of 0.1 to 2.0 U of exogenous EP per ml of methylcellulose medium. Individual infants tended to respond consistently over the entire range of EP doses tested. The number of burst forming units-erythroid observed did not correlate with cord blood EP, birth weight, or neonatal hematocrits. We conclude that: umbilical cord blood EP levels are generally normal in IDM delivered by mothers in whom good glycemic control is maintained throughout gestation, cord blood EP values are strongly influenced by perinatal events, and the response of erythroid progenitors to EP is intrinsically normal in IDM. These data suggest that polycythemia is an adaptive response in IDM and is not associated with a primary abnormality in erythropoiesis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Continuous subcutaneous insulin therapy during early pregnancy

Intensive metabolic control of diabetes is probably important during formation of the embryo early in pregnancy. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy and complications of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion therapy during the fifth to the tenth week of gestation. Twenty-four insulin-dependent subjects were trained to use blood glucose self-monitoring and the Auto Syringe portable insulin infusion pump (AS6C). Regular insulin was administered as a basal infusion of 18 +/- 8 U/24 hours (+/- SD) (12.2 +/- 3.9 mU . kg-1 . h-1) and as bolus injections of 6 +/- 3 U before meals and 1.2 +/- 1 U before snacks. Reasonable control of fasting (119 +/- 30 mg/dL) and postprandial (133 +/- 34 mg/dL) hyperglycemia was achieved, accompanied by an average of 2.2 +/- 1.5 symptomatic hypoglycemic episodes per week. The frequency of complications with this new therapy declined as the authors gained experience in teaching the system. The persistence of good diabetic control in many of the subjects after they returned to conventional insulin therapy points to the need for a controlled trial of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion therapy versus intensive conventional therapy in pregnancy.

Continuous long-term intravenous beta-sympathomimetic tocolysis

This report concerns the clinical course and outcome of 16 patients treated by continuous long-term intravenous beta-sympathomimetic tocolysis (greater than or equal to 1 week's intravenous therapy). Half of the patients received such therapy for at least 5 weeks. Intravenous tocolysis was adjusted to decrease uterine activity and maintain a satisfactory pulse and blood pressure. Parenteral tocolysis was continued until there was a successful transition to oral therapy, until fetal maturity, or until maternal/fetal indications for delivery were noted. Data indicate that the cardiovascular and metabolic effects were pronounced mostly during the first 3 to 4 days of therapy and then returned toward pretreatment values. In none of the study patients was the treatment discontinued because of drug-related problems, electrocardiogram changes, chorioamnionitis, or fever. The experience indicates that, in a selected group of patients and under close supervision, continuous long-term intravenous beta-sympathomimetic tocolysis may be considered a safe therapeutic modality able to prolong pregnancy with a more desirable outcome.

Characteristics of uterine activity during the breast stimulation stress test

Characteristics of uterine activity produced by nipple stimulation were studied in 185 consecutive breast stimulation stress tests. Adequate contractions were produced in 95.6% of tests. Exaggerated uterine response (contractions occurring more than once every two minutes or lasting more than 90 seconds) was present in 45.5% of the patients. Twenty-one percent of the patients with such uterine activity also had a fetal heart rate (FHR) deceleration (hyperstimulation breast stimulation stress test), without adverse fetal outcome. The time in minutes from start of nipple stimulation to the first contraction (stimulation contraction interval) was recorded for each patient. Significant difference was not observed in the stimulation contraction interval distribution between the groups with and without exaggerated uterine activity. The authors conclude that there is a relatively high incidence of exaggerated uterine activity response to the breast stimulation stress test and that close surveillance of mother and fetus is warranted during antepartum nipple stimulation.

Ultrasonography in preterm labor

A prospective study was conducted with ultrasonography in a group of 48 patients who presented with significant premature uterine activity. The study attempted to characterize the ultrasonographic signs exhibited by the cervix and lower uterine segment in conjunction with preterm labor. These signs, their frequency of occurrence, and possible clinical significance are described.

Intravenous terbutaline and simultaneous beta 1-blockade for advanced premature labor

Seventeen patients in advanced premature labor (cervical dilatation greater than or equal to 3 cm and effacement greater than or equal to 50%) were randomized in a double-blind protocol to receive metoprolol (a beta 1-adrenergic antagonist) or a placebo in conjunction with intravenous and oral terbutaline (a beta 2-agonist) in an attempt to inhibit the side effects of terbutaline. Both groups of patients had a dose-related increase in heart rate and systolic blood pressure and a decrease in diastolic blood pressure. Laboratory studies revealed significant hyperglycemia, hypokalemia, hypocalcemia, and acidosis during the intravenous terbutaline infusion, all of which normalized during oral terbutaline therapy. There were no significant differences in the cardiovascular or metabolic responses to terbutaline between the metroprolol and placebo patients. The mean delay in delivery was 5.7 days, with 59% of patients having delivery delayed for 48 hours or more. The mean prolongation time was shorter, but not statistically significant, for those patients receiving metroprolol. Despite the use of high-dose terbutaline, there were no significant complications of therapy. There was little efficacy of infusion dosages above 40 micrograms/min or repeated courses of intravenous tocolysis. Although recent reports do not recommend tocolysis in these patients, this study suggests that combined beta-mimetics and glucocorticoids may be the optimal care for patients in advanced premature labor, in particular, those with infants of very low birth weight.