TITLE:
Ultrasound and Biological Characteristics of the Liver in Newborns of Diabetic or Hypertensive Mothers at CHUZ-SL (Cotonou II and III), Benin
AUTHORS:
Alphonse Sako Avocefohoun, Raimatou Lewemon Omonlola Akpona, Papin Sourou Montcho, Francis T. M. Hounsou, Nadège Nina Boko, Achade Pascal Chogou, Alassane Abdou Karim Youssao, Worou Nicodème Chabi
KEYWORDS:
Gestational Diabetes, Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy, Newborn, Hepatomegaly, Cotonou-Benin
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Biophysics,
Vol.16 No.4,
August
24,
2026
ABSTRACT: Gestational diabetes and pregnancy-induced hypertension are common conditions associated with neonatal complications, including growth abnormalities and metabolic disorders. However, their impact on neonatal liver morphology remains poorly documented in Africa. This study aims to analyze the factors associated with morphological changes in the liver among newborns born to diabetic or hypertensive mothers in Cotonou. This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study conducted at CHUZ-SL (Cotonou II and III) in Benin. The study included newborns aged 0 to 21 days born to diabetic, hypertensive, or healthy mothers, selected consecutively. Maternal diabetes was classified according to WHO criteria, and hypertension was defined as BP ≥ 140/90 mmHg. The hepatic liver span was systematically measured by ultrasound. A multivariate linear regression analysis was performed with a significance level set at p