Effects of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus on Fetal Cardiac Morphology
2024

Effects of Gestational Diabetes on Fetal Heart Structure

Sample size: 40 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Söylemez Esra, Sağol Sermet

Primary Institution: Ege University

Hypothesis

This study aims to investigate the possible effects of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) on fetal heart structure and the relationship of this effect with maternal blood sugar control.

Conclusion

Babies of mothers with GDM had a significantly thicker interventricular septum, but no significant correlation was found between maternal glycemic control and fetal cardiac morphology.

Supporting Evidence

  • An increase in IVS thickness was observed in the fetuses of mothers with GDM.
  • 63.2% of pregnant women with GDM managed their blood sugar levels through diet.
  • The cardiothoracic ratio was significantly lower in the GDM group.

Takeaway

This study found that babies of mothers with gestational diabetes have thicker heart walls, which could mean they need extra check-ups to stay healthy.

Methodology

This cross-sectional study examined 19 women with GDM and 21 healthy pregnant women using ultrasonography to evaluate fetal heart structure.

Limitations

The study had a small sample size and used a single glycemic control parameter.

Participant Demographics

Participants were aged 19-41 years, with a mean age of 29 years and a mean BMI of 26.6.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p = 0.048

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.3390/medsci12040073

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