Metabolic Complications and Outcome of Infants Born to Diabetic Mothers

Abstract

Objective: To determine the metabolic
complications and outcome of infants born to
diabetic mothers.
Methods: In this descriptive, cross-sectional study
infants born to diabetic mothers were included.
Detailed physical examination of the newborn to
assess the general condition with emphasis on birth
trauma, cardiac, respiratory system examination and
skeletal deformities was carried out. Routine
investigations like complete blood count, X-ray
chest, metabolic profile including blood sugar and
serum calcium were done of all the babies. All the
study neonates suspected of having congenital heart
disease underwent echocardiography once they
stabilized. Outcomes whether discharge or expired
was noted and association of mortality with various
variables were seen.
Results: Forty six babies were enrolled in this study
out of which males were 43.5% and females were
56.5%.Mean birth weight ranged from 1 to 5.5 kg.
Majority of the babies had tachypnea at birth. The
most common metabolic complications noted were
hypoglycemia (73.9 %), hyperbilirubinemia (52.2 %)
and hypocalcaemia (21.7 %). Six patients required
mechanical ventilation and overall mortality was
8.7%
Conclusion: High proportion of metabolic
complications is seen in neonates born to diabetic
mothers. Prompt recognition and treatment of these
complications can lead to improved outcome.