The Frequency of Metabolic Complications in Infant of a Diabetic Mother

Abstract

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is the most common metabolic disorder complicating pregnancy. About 1-14% of all pregnancies are complicated by diabetes mellitus. Metabolic complications are frequently occurring complication in infants of diabetic mother. Objective: To determine the frequency of metabolic complications in infant of diabetic mother. Study Design: Cross sectional study. Duration of Study: January 2016 to June 2016. Setting: Department of Pediatric Medicine Unit-1, Allied Hospital, Faisalabad. Sample size: The total sample size is 295 cases. Sampling Technique: Non probability purposive sampling. Methodology: After taking permission from ethical committee of the hospital total 295 patients who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled in the study. Informed consent was obtained from parents. Demographic details like name, age, gestational age at birth and gender was obtained. Neonates were assessed for presence of metabolic complications by drawing 3 ml venous blood and sending it to pathology lab for blood glucose levels, serum calcium and magnesium. Hypocalcaemia, hypomagnesaemia, and hypoglycemia were assessed as per operational definition. Results: In our study, out of 295 cases, mean age was calculated as 14.09+4.75 days, 46.44%(n=137) were male while 53.56%(n=158) were females. Frequency of metabolic complications in infant of diabetic mother was recorded as 18.31%(n=54), 7.11%(n=21) had hypomagnesemia and 39.66%(n=117) had hypoglycemia. Conclusion: We concluded that the frequency of hypoglycemia is more common in infant of diabetic mother. However, early diagnoses and start of early treatment may help in reduction of mortality and morbidity of these patients.