Neonatal Morbidity in Macrosomic Newborns Born to Diabetic and Nondiabetic Mothers

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study is to compare the early neonatal problems of macrosomic babies born to diabetic (DM) and nondiabetic mothers (NDM). Materials and methods: The files of 220 babies with a birthweigh of 4000 g or more were analysed retrospectively. The babies born to mothers with missing data were not included (n=61). The data of 63 babies born to DM (group I) and 96 babies born to NDM (group II) were analysed (n=159). Maternal age, gravida, delivery method, gestational age, gender, anthropometric measurements, cord blood gases, APGAR scores, birth trauma, respiratory problems, hypoglycemia, polycythemia, hyperbilirubinemia, pathologic weight loss, and duration of hospitalization were recorded. Results: There were no differences in the number of births, cesarean delivery rate, gender, anthropometric measurements, need for delivery room resuscitation, APGAR scores, birth trauma, respiratory problems, polycythemia, hyperbilirubinemia, and length of hospital stay (0.05). Cord blood pH values were lower, =between two groups (p hematocrit levels were higher in group I) but these were not clinically significant. In group I, gestational age was lower (39.1 vs 39.7 weeks), mean hematocrit level was higher (59% vs 57%) (p<0.05) but no difference in the incidence of polycythemia, hypoglycemia was more frequent (31% vs 14.5%), and the number of pregnancies was higher (2.8 vs 2.3) (p<0.05). In group II, pathologic weight loss was more frequent (41% vs 27%) (p<0.05). There was no difference in the frequency of hypoglycemia requiring intravenous therapy (p>0.05). Most of the babies in both groups were boys (63%, 69%) and cesarean delivery rate was high (73%, 68%). Conclusions Hypoglycemia ismore frequent inmacrosomic babies born to DM. However macrosomic babies born to NDM also experience hypoglycemia more frequently than babies with normal weight. There are no differences for other complications between two groups, therefore similar follow-up principles should apply to all macrosomic babies whether the mother is diabetic or not.