Clinical analysis of diabetes in pregnancy with stillbirth

We analyzed the clinical characteristics of patients with diabetes in pregnancy (DIP) associated with stillbirth and explored strategies to reduce its incidence. We retrospectively analyzed 71 stillbirths associated with DIP (group A) and 150 normal pregnancies (group B) during 2009 to 2018. The incidence of the following was higher in group A (P < .05): hypertensive disorders (38.03% vs 6.00%), placenta previa (14.08% vs 2.67%), placental abruption (5.63% vs 0.67%), fetal malformation (8.45% vs 0.67%), fasting plasma glucose (FPG) >= 7.0 mmol/L (46.48% vs 0.67%), 2-h postprandial plasma glucose >= 11.1 mmol/L (57.75% vs 6.00%), HbA1c >= 6.5% (63.38% vs 6.00%), and polyhydramnios (11.27% vs 4.67). The incidence of oligohydramnios (4.23% vs 6.67%) was lower in group A than in group B (P < .05). According to the gestational age at the time of stillbirth, Group-A cases were subgrouped into miscarriages (20-27(+6) weeks), premature deliveries (28-36(+6) weeks), and full-term deliveries (>= 37 weeks). Age, parity, and DIP type did not differ among the subgroups (P > .05). Among patients with DIP, antenatal FPG, 2-h postprandial plasma glucose, and HbA1c were significantly associated with stillbirth (P < .05). Stillbirth was first detected at 22 weeks and typically occurred at 28-36(+6) weeks. DIP was associated with a higher incidence of stillbirth, and FPG, 2-h postprandial plasma glucose, and HbA1c were potential indicators of stillbirth in DIP. Age (odds ratio [OR]: 2.21, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.67-2.74), gestational hypertension (OR: 3.44, 95% CI: 2.21-4.67), body mass index (OR: 2.86, 95% CI: 1.95-3.76), preeclampsia (OR: 2.29, 95% CI: 1.45-3.12), and diabetic ketoacidosis (OR: 3.99, 95% CI: 1.22-6.76) were positively correlated with the occurrence of stillbirth in DIP. Controlling perinatal plasma glucose, accurately detecting and managing comorbidities/complications, and timely termination of pregnancy can reduce the incidence of stillbirths associated with DIP.

Automated summary

We analyzed the clinical characteristics of patients with diabetes in pregnancy (DIP) associated with stillbirth and found that hypertensive disorders, placenta previa, placental abruption, fetal malformation, high plasma glucose levels, and polyhydramnios were associated with higher incidences of stillbirth in DIP. Antenatal plasma glucose levels and HbA1c were significantly associated with stillbirth in DIP. Age, hypertensive disorders, body mass index, preeclampsia, and diabetic ketoacidosis were positively correlated with the occurrence of stillbirth in DIP. Controlling perinatal plasma glucose, managing comorbidities/complications, and timely termination of pregnancy can reduce the incidence of stillbirths associated with DIP.