Fetal and Neonatal Complications of Gestational Diabetes: A Survey in Two Referral Hospitals of Yaoundé, Cameroon

Abstract

The in-utero exposition of fetuses to Gestational Diabetes (GDM) is known to induce a wide range of metabolic modifications, with possible complications in neonates. We intended to investigate these outcomes in such fetuses and neonates delivered in two referral hospitals of Yaoundé in Cameroon. conducted an observational study with cross-sectional design at the Yaoundé Central Hospital (YCH) and the Yaoundé Gynaeco-Obstetric and Pediatric Hospital (YGOPH). The study lasted for seven months and consisted of investigations from files of all women admitted with GDM and their neonates, from January 2018 to January 2020. Data were analyzed using SPSS software (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) version 20. The main results obtained were the following: women admitted in the service during the same period, with 5.2% incidence. The majority of neonates were big and macrosomes (22: 64.7%). Prematurity occurred in 14 (41.7%), while hypoglycemia was found in 13 (38.4%) neonates. Neonatal infection was manifested by 8 (23.52%) neonates. Fetal distress was recorded in 8 (23.3%) cases, with respiratory distress being noted in 4 (11.7%) neonates, while 3 (8.3%) neonates suffered jaundice. There were 2 abortions (5.8%) and 2 (5.8%) stillbirths, making a death rate of 4 on 34 pregnancies (11.6%). Birth obstetrical trauma was found in 1 (2.5%) neonate, while no complications occurred in 2 (5.2%) cases. From these results, we deduced neonatal complications in GDM in our context were not very different from those expected, as macrosomia, preterm and hypoglycemia were predominant complications. However, it appeared that fetuses from such pregnancies are particularly vulnerable, with significant rates of distress, prematurity, and high death rate. This indicates the need for keen fetal monitoring and effective neonatal management of such babies.