Prevalence and predictive risk factors of hypertensive disorders in pregnant women at high risk for gestational diabetes. The PREeclampsia in DIabetiC gestaTION (PREDICTION) study.

PURPOSE

Women with gestational diabetes (GDM) have increased risk of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (HDP). However, knowledge remains limited for women with high-risk metabolic profiles, regardless of GDM diagnosis. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of HDP among women at high risk for GDM, while simultaneously identifying potential predictive clinical risk factors of HDP.

METHODS

Pregnant women who performed a 75-gr Oral Glucose Tolerance Test for the selective screening (based on pre-pregnancy risk factors) of GDM were prospectively enrolled (October 2019-June 2022). The development of HDPwas assessed. Logistic regression and ROC-curve analysis were used to identify predictive risk factors for HDP.

RESULTS

Of the 398 women enrolled (53.5% with GDM), 30 (8%) developed HDP. Women developing HDP had more frequently a family history of type 2 diabetes, a personal history of GDM or preeclampsia, and showed higher pregestational BMI and first-trimester fasting plasma glucose. Moreover, at GDM screening, they had higher fasting and 1-hour glucose levels, and higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure. At logistic regression, systolic and diastolic blood pressure were the strongest risk factors for HDP. The risk increased for systolic blood pressure ≥ 127 mmHg (61% sensitivity, 86% specificity, PPV:27%, NPV:86%) and diastolic blood pressure ≥ 82 mmHg (57% sensitivity, 92% specificity, PPV:38%, NPV:96%).

CONCLUSION

Women at high risk for GDM with poor metabolic profile have higher prevalence of HDP. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure at the time of GDM screening may identify women with higher risk of developing HDP, regardless of GDM diagnosis.