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Does Maternal Hypoglycemia during Screening Glucose Assessment Identify a Pregnancy At-Risk for Adverse Perinatal Outcome?

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To determine the perinatal outcome in pregnancies with maternal hypoglycemia following a second trimester oral glucose challenge test (GCT).

STUDY DESIGN:

Retrospective case–control study of pregnancies undergoing a second trimester 1-hour oral glucose challenge test (GCT). Hypoglycemic pregnancies (<88 mg/dl) were matched with pregnancies with 1-hour glucoses of >88 mg/dl. Antepartum, intrapartum, and neonatal outcomes were assessed.

RESULTS:

Over 29 months, 334 hypoglycemic singleton pregnancies were matched with 334 controls. A greater number of special/neonatal intensive care unit (SCN/NICU) admissions occurred in the hypoglycemic group (48/334 (14.4%) vs 29/334 (8.7%) in the control group) (p=0.02). The SCN/NICU admission rate remained after controlling for maternal hypertension, smoking, and preterm birth (p=0.037). The development of pregnancy-induced hypertension in women with hypoglycemia 24/334 (7.2%) compared with euglycemic women 13/334 (3.9%, p<0.06) was not significant.

CONCLUSION:

Admission to SCN/NICU is increased in pregnant women with hypoglycemia following a GCT.

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The views expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Navy, Department of Defense, or the United States Government. We are military service members. This work was prepared as part of our official duties. Title 17 U.S.C. 105 provides that “Copyright protection under this title is not available for any work of the United States Government.” Title 17 U.S.C. 101 defines a United States Government work as a work prepared by a military service member as part of that person's official duties.

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Feinberg, J., Magann, E., Morrison, J. et al. Does Maternal Hypoglycemia during Screening Glucose Assessment Identify a Pregnancy At-Risk for Adverse Perinatal Outcome?. J Perinatol 25, 509–513 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.jp.7211336

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