Luigi Frigerio

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to determine the role of metabolic maternal parameters in predicting large for gestational age (LGA) neonates of women with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).

STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of a group of singleton pregnancy with T1DM who delivered in our hospital from June 2004 and June 2012. We compared maternal and fetal out- comes of women who delivered LGA with ones who had AGA new-borns. Statistical analysis was performed with Fisher and T-test.

RESULTS: A total of 80 women with T1DM delivered during the study period. Fifty-four (67%) women had AGA and 26 (33%) LGA babies. No differencies were found in maternal characteristics (maternal age, BMI, duration of diabetes, pre-pregnancy diabetic complications, parity) in the study population. Metabolic parameters were evaluated monthly since 5th to 36th week. No significant correlations were found between LGA rate and maternal total cholesterol or HDL cholesterol levels and uric acid. Maternal A1C levels and fasting serum triglyceride were significantly higher in the second and in the third trimester in LGA group compared with other mothers (Table).
CONCLUSION: These observations are in accordance with other reports and suggest that there is an association between A1C levels and heavier neonates in T1DM women. Maternal triglycerids may be considered a new predictor of neonatal birthweight. Lipid levels throughout preg- nancy and their association need to be studied in women with type 1 diabetes mellitus.