TITLE:
Prediction of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in Early Pregnancy: Is Abdominal Skin Fold Thickness 20 mm or More an Independent Risk Predictor?
AUTHORS:
Vaduneme Kingsley Oriji, John Dimkpa Ojule, Bassey Offiong Fumudoh
KEYWORDS:
Gestational Diabetes Mellitus, Risk Factors, Detection, Early Pregnancy, Port Harcourt
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Biosciences and Medicines,
Vol.5 No.11,
November
20,
2017
ABSTRACT: Background:
Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is associated with several maternal and
perinatal complications. Early detection and treatment can improve pregnancy
outcomes. Objectives: To determine the prevalence, risk factors and predictors
of GDM in early pregnancy at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital,
(UPTH), Port Harcourt Nigeria. Methods: A cohort of 235 mothers who registered
for antenatal care between 15 - 18
weeks of gestation at UPTH was prospectively studied. Their socio-demographic
data, examination findings, anthropometric measurements, fasting blood sugar at
booking and OGTT results at 28 weeks gestation were collated and entered into
PC with SPSS for windows version 21.0 which was also used for the analysis. Variables
were expressed as absolute numbers, percentages or means with standard deviations
and significant differences determined using chi square test or the student “t”
test as appropriate. The level of significance was set at P Women who had GDM were significantly
older (P = 0.001), had higher weight (t = 2.95, P = 0.01), BMI (t = 2.29, P = 0.02), abdominal skin fold
thickness (t = 4.15, P = 0.001), blood pressure (t = 3.38, P = 0.001) compared to women who did not. Previous history of GDM was
significantly different between two groups as χ2 = 93.56 and P = 0.001. Abdominal skin fold thickness and prior GDM history were found to be
independent predictors of GDM on application of multiple logistic regression
analysis. Conclusion: The prevalence of GDM in Port Harcourt is 14.9% and major risk factors are obesity, previous GDM
history, advanced age and hypertension. Abdominal skin fold thickness ≥ 20 mm
is an independent predictor. The risk of developing GDM can be predicted in
early second trimester using algorithm incorporating risk factor screening and
anterior abdominal wall skin fold thickness estimation.