Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) are common but their correlated is not well understood.
OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to determine the association of the occurrence of PIH among patients with GDM.
METHODS: This was retrospective study conducted among pregnant patients diagnosed with GDM. Chart review was done noting the occurrence of PIH, maternal characteristics including details on family history of diabetes and neonatal outcomes. Comparisons of the different variables under study were statistically analyzed.
RESULTS: A total of 93 patients of 6,248 deliveries were diagnosed with GDM (0.015%) in which 16 women also developed PIH (17.2%). There was no significant difference in the age, gravity, parity, age of gestation at diagnosis of GDM, and age of gestation on admission. There was a significant association between a patient's family history of hypertension with the occurrence of PIH among GDM cases (OR 3.89,95%CI 1.19-12.76, P=0.01). There was no significant difference in the manner of delivery (p=0.66), comparison of the APGAR scores, birthweight, and birthlength (p >0.05). However, there was a significantly greater proportion of small for gestational age (SGA) neonates among those with PIH and GDM (P=0.03). There was likewise a significantly longer NICU stay of neonates born of mothers with PIH and GDM (P=0.05).
CONCLUSION: The incidence of PIH among GDM patients is higher than the general population. Family history of hypertension predisposed a GDM patient to developed PIH. PIH in GDM predisposes to adverse neonatal outcomes.