Abnormal glucose screening test followed by normal glucose tolerance test and pregnancy outcome

OBJECTIVE: To study the pregnancy outcome of patients with abnormal glucose screening test followed by normal glucose tolerance test.

METHODS: In Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Sultanate of Oman, a study was made to compare the complication of pregnancy, infant weight, placental weight and neonatal morbidity in women with and without abnormal glucose screening test, it was performed between July 1999 and June 2000. Hundred postnatal files form each group was analyzed. The Chi square test, and test for comparison of proportion were the statistical tests used.

RESULTS: Although women with abnormal glucose screening test were older, there was no evidence in this study that increasing parity is a risk factor for abnormal glucose screening test. Candidiasis and polyhydramnios was significantly more frequent in the group with abnormal glucose screening test. The women with abnormal glucose screening test were at higher risk for elective cesarean section, whereas the number of emergency cesarean sections and instrumental deliveries was not significantly different. The mean birth weight of infants in the abnormal glucose screening test group was higher and also, macrosomia was significantly more frequent in this group. The mean weight of placenta from women with abnormal glucose screening test was higher than that of placenta from women with normal glucose screening test.

CONCLUSION: The results of this study are consistent with the previous reports that minor abnormalities of glucose metabolism without gestational diabetes are a significant risk factor for fetal overgrowth and its attendant problems.