The effect of maternal weight on neonatal cardiac functions following diabetic and non-diabetic pregnancies.

Objective: We aimed to study myocardial functions of infants appropriate and large for gestational age (IDM-AGA, IDM-LGA) of diabetic mothers (IDM) and AGA and LGA infants of non-diabetic mothers comparatively.

Methods: Newborns were assessed between 24 and 72 h. M-Mode, pulsed wave, and tissue Doppler echocardiography were performed.

Results: A negative correlation was found between shortening fraction and maternal weight at delivery in the LGA group (p=0.009, r=-0.58). E/Early diastolic (E') ratio and deceleration time were increased in IDM-AGA than AGA group (p=0.02, p=0.02). There was a negative correlation between maternal blood glucose and E/A ratio (p=0.015 r=-0.63), a positive correlation between maternal blood glucose and mitral A, late diastolic (A') wave in IDM-AGA (p=0.014 r=0.63, p=0.016 r=0.62). Maternal weight gain during pregnancy was in correlation with measured and tei index in IDM-AGA group (p=0.008 r=0.72). Maternal age, pre-pregnancy weight, and weight at delivery and mitral E were higher in IDM-LGA group than IDM-AGA (p=0.03, p=0.01, p=0.003, p=0.012).

Conclusion: We found that maternal weight has a negative effect on myocardial function in LGA newborns. Diastolic functions were found impaired in IDM-AGA infants and in infants of mothers with high blood glucose. Maternal weight gain during pregnancy has a negative effect on myocardial functions.