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Neonatal outcomes in twin pregnancies complicated by gestational diabetes compared with non-diabetic twins

Abstract

Objective:

To compare neonatal outcomes of twin pregnancies with gestational diabetes (GDM) and preexisting diabetes with non-diabetic twin pregnancies.

Study Design:

US birth data from 2006 to 2009 was used to compare twin pregnancies of 16 562 GDM and 2137 preexisting diabetic with 258 857 non-diabetic twin gestations. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) were calculated to assess effects of GDM and preexisting diabetes on neonatal outcomes.

Result:

Twin pregnancies with GDM vs non-diabetic twin pregnancies demonstrated decreased 5-min Apgar scores <4 (aOR 0.8, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.68–0.94), fewer births before 32 weeks gestation (aOR 0.72, 95% CI 0.68–0.76), decreased birth weight less than the tenth percentile (aOR 0.84, 95% CI 0.81–0.89) and fifth percentile (aOR 0.85, 95% CI 0.81–0.89) and a trend toward lower rates of neonatal death (aOR 0.84, 95% CI 0.68–1.02).

Conclusion:

Certain adverse outcomes in pregnancies with GDM may be attenuated in twin gestations; however, further investigation is warranted.

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Acknowledgements

Assistance in preparation of manuscript for submission was provided by Judith Hibbard, MD (Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA). No financial compensation was provided.

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Correspondence to M E Foeller.

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Foeller, M., Zhao, S., Szabo, A. et al. Neonatal outcomes in twin pregnancies complicated by gestational diabetes compared with non-diabetic twins. J Perinatol 35, 1043–1047 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1038/jp.2015.133

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