January - March 2023, Volume 19, Issue 1

Milani N, Safari Ghalezou M, Farkhani EM, Vakili V, Mazloum Khorasani Z, Kabiri M

Assessment of Neonatal and Maternal Complications in Pregnant Women with Gestational Diabetes in the Iranian Population

Acta Endo (Buc) 2023, 19 (1): 59-67
doi: 10.4183/aeb.2023.59

Context. Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is one of the most common complications during pregnancy. It is also a growing problem worldwide and is associated with many maternal and fetal complications during and after pregnancy. Objective. This study aimed to investigate the neonatal and maternal complications of gestational diabetes in the Iranian population of pregnant women. Design. This prospective cohort study was carried out on the health assessment data of pregnant women in the age range of 18-45 years who were referred to health centers affiliated with Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran, from March 2019 to September 2020. Subjects and Methods. Overall, 2,500 pregnant women with GDM and 7,700 healthy pregnant women were enrolled in the GDM and healthy groups, respectively. Individuals’ data were recorded in an electronic health record system (SINA System) and were later collected and analyzed. Results. Significant between-group differences were observed in terms of cesarean delivery risk, hypertension, fetal macrosomia, preeclampsia, preterm birth, fetal birth weight, and neonatal icterus in GDM and non-GDM groups. However, no significant differences were found in terms of stillbirth, and low birth weight between the two groups. Based on the logistic regression model, GDM significantly increased the risk of cesarean delivery, fetal macrosomia, and neonatal icterus. Conclusions. The fetal macrosomia leading to the cesarean delivery, and neonatal icterus were determined as the significant complications of GDM in the Iranian population. These results can provide valuable insight into healthcare planning.

Keywords: Fetal complications, Gestational diabetes, Maternal complications, Pregnant women, Cohort study.

Correspondence: Mona Kabiri, PhD, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Ghaem Hospital, Clinical Research Development Unit, P.O. Box: 9176699199, Mashhad, Iran, E-mail: kabirimn@mums.ac.ir