Associations of Maternal Early-Pregnancy Glucose Concentrations With Placental Hemodynamics, Blood Pressure, and Gestational Hypertensive Disorders.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Gestational diabetes mellitus is associated with increased risks of gestational hypertension and preeclampsia. We hypothesized that high maternal glucose concentrations in early pregnancy are associated with adverse placental adaptations and subsequently altered uteroplacental hemodynamics during pregnancy, predisposing to an increased risk of gestational hypertensive disorders.

METHODS:

In a population-based prospective cohort study from early pregnancy onwards, among 6,078 pregnant women, maternal early-pregnancy non-fasting glucose concentrations were measured. Mid and late pregnancy uterine and umbilical artery resistance indices were assessed by Doppler ultrasound. Maternal blood pressure was measured in early, mid, and late pregnancy and the occurrence of gestational hypertensive disorders was assessed using hospital registries.

RESULTS:

Maternal early-pregnancy glucose concentrations were not associated with mid or late pregnancy placental hemodynamic markers. A 1 mmol/l increase in maternal early-pregnancy glucose concentrations was associated with 0.71 mm Hg (95% confidence interval 0.22-1.22) and 0.48 mm Hg (95% confidence interval 0.10-0.86) higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure in early pregnancy, respectively, but not with blood pressure in later pregnancy. Also, maternal glucose concentrations were not associated with the risks of gestational hypertension or preeclampsia.

CONCLUSIONS:

Maternal early-pregnancy non-fasting glucose concentrations within the normal range are associated with blood pressure in early pregnancy, but do not seem to affect placental hemodynamics and the risks of gestational hypertensive disorders.

• Authors: Jan S Erkamp, Madelon L Geurtsen, Liesbeth Duijts, Irwin K M Reiss, Annemarie G M G J Mulders, Eric A P Steegers, Romy Gaillard, Vincent W V Jaddoe
• Journal: American journal of hypertension (Am J Hypertens) Vol. 33 Issue 7 Pg. 660-669 (07 18 2020) ISSN: 1941-7225 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 32322887 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: © The Author(s) 2020. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of American Journal of Hypertension, Ltd.

Chemical References

• Blood Glucose

Topics

• Adult
• Blood Glucose
• Blood Pressure
• Female
• Humans
• Hypertension, Pregnancy-Induced (blood, etiology)
• Placental Circulation
• Pregnancy
• Prospective Studies
• Young Adult