Am J Perinatol 2016; 33(10): 966-971
DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1583193
Original Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Early Postpartum Glucose Testing in Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Erika F. Werner
1   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
,
Phinnara Has
2   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women & Infants Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island
,
Gofran Tarabulsi
3   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia
,
Joyce Lee
2   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women & Infants Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island
,
Andrew Satin
4   Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

08 January 2016

05 March 2016

Publication Date:
27 April 2016 (online)

Abstract

Objective Given that most women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) never undergo the recommended 6 to 12 weeks postpartum glucose tolerance test (GTT), we assessed the feasibility of performing GTTs on postpartum day 2.

Study Design We conducted a prospective cohort study in which women with GDM received a 75-g 2-hour GTT on postpartum day 2. We assessed the feasibility of this GTT and compared the results to the standard of care GTT at 6 to 12 weeks postpartum. We also evaluated maternal and pregnancy characteristics of women who return for 6 to 12 weeks GTTs compared with those lost to follow-up.

Results In this study, 98 of 106 participants (92%) completed the postpartum day 2 GTT; 59% had normal glucose values at that time. Only 49 women returned at 6 to 12 weeks postpartum. Among women who had testing at both time points, the 2 days postpartum GTT were 100% sensitive and 94% specific for diabetes mellitus but less sensitive and specific for milder forms of abnormal glucose. Women who did not complete the 6 to 12 weeks postpartum GTT were less educated (p < 0.01) and more often had Medicaid (p < 0.01).

Conclusion Performing GTTs on postpartum day 2 is feasible and should be further investigated as an alternative postpartum testing regimen in GDM.

 
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