Neonatal outcome in newborns from mothers with endocrinopathies

Abstract

Introduction. Hypothyroidism and gestational diabetes are common endocrine disorders in pregnancy. Our aim is to evaluate the outcome of newborns from mothers with hypothyroidism and from mothers with gestational diabetes.

Patients and methods. The study analysed 216 newborns: 112 from mothers with gestational diabetes and 104 from mothers with hypothyroidism. For each case, we included as a control a newborn of same sex and gestational age from a mother without diabetes or thyreopathy.

Results. In newborns from mothers with gestational diabetes there was an increased frequency of hypoglycaemia and hypocalcaemia, of lower head circumference and of small-for-gestational age (SGA) birth or macrosomy (LGA) than controls. The newborns from mothers with hypothyroidism are more frequently SGA or LGA and they have a slightly increased risk of hypoglycaemia.

Conclusions. Newborns from mothers with diabetes mellitus or hypothyroidism have an increased risk of being SGA or LGA, and to develop a mild transient hypoglycaemia. Newborns from mothers with diabetes mellitus have also an increased risk to develop hypocalcaemia and to have a lower head circumference than controls. Thus, to prevent SGA or LGA births, it is very important an early diagnosis and treatment, and a strict metabolic control of these conditions.

Keywords:

• Gestational diabetes
• maternal hypothyroidism
• neonatal outcome

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.