Anxiety and Depression in Early Gestation and the Association with Subsequent Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in a Disadvantaged Population

Published online: 12 October 2023Objectives: Evaluate the association between poor mental health and risk of developing gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in a cohort of women from a socioeconomically disadvantaged community. Methods: A total of 1363 nulliparous women with singleton pregnancies recruited to the Screening Tests to Predict Poor Outcomes of Pregnancy study in Adelaide, Australia. Women were assessed for mental health in the first trimester, including likelihood of depression, high functioning anxiety, perceived stress and risk of developing a mental health disorder. GDM was diagnosed based on the International Association of Diabetes in Pregnancy Study Group (IADPSG) criteria. Socioeconomic status was measured using the New Zealand Socioeconomic Index (NZSEI). Results: Complete mental health data was available for 1281 participants. There was no statistically significant difference in SEI, depression, risk of mental health issues, high functioning anxiety and perceived stress between women who developed GDM and those who did not. There was no difference in history of depression nor risk of developing a high mental health disorder in first trimester after adjusting for SEI, BMI in first trimester, smoking status in first trimester and maternal age between women with a GDM pregnancy and those who did not. Conclusions for Practice: There was no difference in markers of poor mental health in early pregnancy between women who subsequently did or did not develop GDM. Cohort participants were socioeconomically disadvantaged, potentially contributing to the lack of apparent differences in depression observed between groups. Socioeconomically disadvantaged women should be targeted in pre-conception planning to reduce risk of GDM.Maleesa M. Pathirana, Prabha H. Andraweera, Shalem Leemaqz, Emily Aldridge, Margaret A. Arstall, Gustaaf A. Dekker, Claire T. Robert

Early pregnancy cardio metabolic risk factors and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome 10 years after the first pregnancy

Background We aimed to compare risk factors for CVD 10 years postpartum among women who had ≥ 1 compared to no cardio metabolic risk factor in early first pregnancy. Methods Women of the SCOPE (Screening fOr Pregnancy Endpoints) study from Adelaide, South Australia were invited to participate in a cardiovascular risk assessment 10 years after the delivery of the first child. Data from 141 women who completed all the assessments are included in the analyses. Result Compared to women who did not have any cardio metabolic risk factor at 15 ± 1 weeks’ gestation during the first pregnancy, those who had ≥ 1 risk factor were 5.5 times more likely to have metabolic syndrome 10 years postpartum (aOR = 5.5, 95% CI 1.8–17.3, p = 0.004). Women who had ≥ 1cardio metabolic risk factor during the first pregnancy were more likely to be obese (p = 0.001), have high total cholesterol levels (p <0.001) or have increased insulin resistance (p <0.001) 10 years later compared to women who had no risk factor during the first pregnancy. 63.5% of the women with no cardio metabolic risk factor compared to 39% of women who had ≥ 1 risk factor in first pregnancy, had neither a complicated first pregnancy nor was diagnosed with MetS 10 years postpartum (p = 0.023). Conclusion Cardio metabolic risk factors at the booking visit in the first pregnancy may be useful in identifying young women at risk of future CVD.Prabha H. Andraweera, Michelle D. Plummer, Amy Garrett, Shalem Leemaqz, Melanie R. Wittwer, Emily Aldridge, Maleesa M. Pathirana, Gus A. Dekker, Claire T. Roberts, Margaret A. Arstal

Gestational diabetes mellitus and cardio-metabolic risk factors in women and children at 3 years postpartum

Introduction: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is thought to be associated with cardio-metabolic risk factor development in women and their children during the early postpartum period and early childhood. We hypothesized that these women and their children would exhibit increased abnormal cardio-metabolic risk factors three years after pregnancy. Methods: Women from the Screening Tests to Predict Poor Outcomes of Pregnancy study were invited to attend a followup with the child from their index pregnancy at 3 years postpartum. Women and children were assessed for anthropometric measures and haemodynamic function. Fasting blood samples were obtained from women to assess lipid and glucose status. Results: A total of 281 woman-child dyads participated in the 3-year follow-up, with 40 women developing GDM during their index pregnancy. Fasting serum insulin was higher in women with GDM in index pregnancy compared to those with an uncomplicated pregnancy. However, this association was mediated by early pregnancy BMI and socioeconomic index (SEI). The rate of metabolic syndrome was higher in the GDM group than the uncomplicated pregnancy group. Maternal GDM was associated with elevated maternal fasting serum triglycerides at 3 years after adjustment for early pregnancy BMI and SEI. Children exposed to GDM in utero had higher waist circumference compared to children born after an uncomplicated pregnancy, but this is mediated the above covariates. Conclusion: Exposure to GDM is associated with elevated serum triglycerides in women at 3 years postpartum but other cardiometabolic outcomes in women and children appear to be mediated by early pregnancy BMI and SEI.Maleesa M. Pathirana, Prabha H. Andraweera, Emily Aldridge, Shalem Y. Leemaqz, Madeline Harrison, Jade Harrison, Petra E. Verburg, Margaret A. Arstall, Gustaaf A. Dekker, Claire T. Robert

Evaluating the effectiveness of the 4CMenB vaccine against invasive meningococcal disease and gonorrhoea in an infant, child and adolescent program: protocol

Invasive meningococcal disease causes significant morbidity and mortality worldwide, with serogroup B being one of the predominant serogroups in Australia for many years. The South Australian (SA) State Government recently funded the introduction of a 4CMenB vaccination program for infants, children and adolescents. In addition to protecting against invasive meningococcal disease, emerging evidence suggests the 4CMenB vaccine may also be effective against gonorrhoea due to genetic similarities between Neisseria meningitidis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The proposed project aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the SA 4CMenB vaccination program against invasive meningococcal disease and gonorrhoea through a combination of observational studies using routine surveillance and research data. The main methodological approaches involve an interrupted time series regression model, screening, and case-control analyses with different sets of controls to estimate vaccine impact and effectiveness. These analyses are designed to minimize potential biases inherent in all observational studies and to provide critical data on the effectiveness of the 4CMenB vaccine against two diseases of major global public health concern.Helen S. Marshall, Prabha H. Andraweera, Bing Wang, Mark McMillan, Ann P. Koehler, Noel Lally ... et al

Maternal metabolic factors and the association with gestational diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

First published: 14 April 2022Gestational diabetes (GDM) is associated with several adverse outcomes for the mother and child. Higher levels of individual lipids associate with risk of GDM, and metabolic syndrome, a clustering of risk factors also increases risk for GDM. Metabolic factors can be modified by diet and lifestyle. This review comprehensively evaluates the association between metabolic syndrome and its components, measured in early pregnancy, and risk for GDM. Databases (CINAHL, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library) were searched from inception to 5 May 2021. Eligible studies included ≥1 metabolic factor (waist circumference, blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose, triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, measured at 2 . Data were pooled by random-effects models and expressed as odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals. Of 7213 articles identified, 40 unique articles were included in meta-analysis. In analyses adjusting for maternal age and body mass index, GDM was increased with increasing fasting plasma glucose (OR 1.92; 95% CI 1.39-2.64, k=7 studies) or having metabolic syndrome (OR 2.52; 1.65, 3.84, k=3). Women with overweight (OR 2.17; 95% CI 1.89, 2.50, k=12) or obesity (OR 4.34; 95% CI 2.79-6.74, k=9) also were at increased risk for GDM. Early pregnancy assessment of glucose or the metabolic syndrome, offers a potential opportunity to detect and treat individual risk factors as an approach toward GDM prevention; weight loss for pregnant women with overweight or obesity is not recommended. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.Nahal Habibi, Aya Mousa, Chau Thien Tay, Mahnaz Bahri Khomami, Thiannon K. Patten, Prabha H. Andraweera, Molla Wassie, Jared Vandersluys, Ali Aflatounian, Tina Bianco-Miotti, Shao J. Zhou, Jessica A. Griege

Maternal folate, one-carbon metabolism and pregnancy outcomes

Single nucleotide polymorphisms and pre- and peri-conception folic acid (FA) supplementation and dietary data were used to identify one-carbon metabolic factors associated with pregnancy outcomes in 3196 nulliparous women. In 325 participants, we also measured circulating folate, vitamin B12 and homocysteine. Pregnancy outcomes included preeclampsia (PE), gestational hypertension (GHT), small for gestational age (SGA), spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Study findings show that maternal genotype MTHFR A1298C(CC) was associated with increased risk for PE, whereas TCN2 C766G(GG) had a reduced risk for sPTB. Paternal MTHFR A1298C(CC) and MTHFD1 G1958A(AA) genotypes were associated with reduced risk for sPTB, whereas MTHFR C677T(CT) genotype had an increased risk for GHT. FA supplementation was associated with higher serum folate and vitamin B12 concentrations, reduced uterine artery resistance index and increased birth weight. Women who supplemented with <800 μg daily FA at 15-week gestation had a higher incidence of PE (10.3%) compared with women who did not supplement (6.1%) or who supplemented with ≥800 μg (5.4%) (P < .0001). Higher serum folate levels were found in women who later developed GDM compared with women with uncomplicated pregnancies (Mean ± SD: 37.6 ± 8 nmol L-1 vs. 31.9 ± 11.2, P = .007). Fast food consumption was associated with increased risk for developing GDM, whereas low consumption of green leafy vegetables and fruit were independent risk factors for SGA and GDM and sPTB and SGA, respectively. In conclusion, maternal and paternal genotypes, together with maternal circulating folate and homocysteine concentrations, and pre- and early-pregnancy dietary factors, are independent risk factors for pregnancy complications.Tanja Jankovic-Karasoulos, Denise L. Furness, Shalem Y. Leemaqz, Gustaaf A. Dekker, Luke E. Grzeskowiak, Jessica A. Grieger, Prabha H. Andraweera, Dylan McCullough, Dale McAninch, Lesley M. McCowan, Tina Bianco-Miotto, Claire T. Robert

Cardiovascular risk factors in offspring exposed to gestational diabetes mellitus in utero: systematic review and meta-analysis

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 06 January 2020Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a pregnancy complication that affects one in seven pregnancies. Emerging evidence demonstrates that children born of pregnancies complicated by GDM may be at increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in adulthood. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine cardiovascular risk factors in offspring exposed to GDM in utero. PubMed, CINAHL, SCOPUS, and EMBASE databases were searched. Information was extracted on established CVD risk factors including blood pressure, lipids, blood glucose, fasting insulin, body mass index (BMI), and endothelial/microvascular function. The review protocol is registered in PROSPERO (CRD42018094983). Prospective and retrospective studies comparing offspring exposed to GDM compared to controls (non-GDM pregnancies) were considered. We included studies that defined GDM based on the International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups (IADPSG) definition, or prior definitions. The PRISMA guidelines were followed in conducting this systematic review. Methodological quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. Study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment were done by two independent reviewers. The data were pooled using a random-effects model. Of 59 eligible studies, 24 were included in the meta-analysis. Offspring exposed to GDM had higher systolic blood pressure (mean difference (MD): 1.75 mmHg, 95% CI 0.57-2.94; eight studies, 7264 participants), BMI z-score (MD 0.11, 95% CI 0.02-0.20; nine studies, 8759 participants), and glucose (standard MD 0.43, 95% CI 0.08-0.77; 11 studies, 6423 participants) than control participants. In conclusion, offspring exposed to GDM have elevated systolic blood pressure, BMI, and glucose. Those exposed to GDM in utero may benefit from early childhood blood pressure measurements.Maleesa M. Pathirana, Zohra S. Lassi, Claire T. Roberts and Prabha H. Andraweer

Author response to: Cardiovascular risk factors in offspring exposed to gestational diabetes mellitus in utero: systematic review and meta-analysis

Letter to the EditorThis commentary is an author response to Yu and colleagues regarding the manuscript entitled ‘Cardiovascular risk factors in offspring exposed to gestational diabetes mellitus in utero: Systematic review and meta-analysis’. We address their concern regarding minor errors in our manuscript, our search strategy and assessment of heterogeneity.Maleesa M. Pathirana, Zohra S. Lassi, Claire T. Roberts, and Prabha H. Andraweer

Participatory Action Research for Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health: A Scoping Review

Introduction: Youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health (SRH) interventions are essential for the health of adolescents (10–19 years). Co-designing is a participatory approach to research, allowing for collaboration with academic and non-academic stakeholders in intervention development. Participatory action research (PAR) involves stakeholders throughout the planning, action, observation, and reflection stages of research. Current knowledge indicates that co-producing SRH interventions with adolescents increases a feeling of ownership, setting the scene for intervention adoption in implementation settings. Objectives: This scoping review aims to understand the extent of adolescents’ participation in PAR steps for co-designed SRH interventions, including the barriers and facilitators in co-designing of SRH intervention, as well as its effectiveness on adolescents’ SRH outcomes. Methods: Database searching of PubMed, Medline, Embase, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and organisational websites was performed, identifying 439 studies. Results: Upon screening, 30 studies (published between 2006–2021) met the inclusion criteria. The synthesis identified that adolescents were involved in the planning and action stages of the interventions, but not in the observation and reflection stages. Although the review identified the barriers and facilitators for co-designing SRF interventions, none of the included studies reported on the effectiveness of co-designing SRH interventions with adolescents; therefore, meta-analysis was not performed. Conclusions: While no specific outcome of the interventions was reported, all papers agreed that adolescent co-designing in ASRH interventions should occur at all stages to increase understanding of local perceptions and develop a successful intervention.Zohra S Lassi, Ebony Grace Neideck, Bridget Mary Aylward, Prabha H. Andraweera, and Salima Meheral

Cardiovascular risk factors in those born preterm - systematic review and meta-analysis

Emerging evidence demonstrates a link between preterm birth (PTB) and later life cardiovascular disease (CVD). We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare conventional CVD risk factors between those born preterm and at term. PubMed, CINAHL, SCOPUS, and EMBASE databases were searched. The review protocol is registered in PROSPERO (CRD42018095005). CVD risk factors including systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), body mass index, lipid profile, blood glucose, and fasting insulin among those born preterm (<37 weeks' gestation) were compared with those born at term (≥37 weeks' gestation). Subgroup analyses based on gender, age, gestational at birth (<32 weeks' gestation and <28 weeks' gestation), and PTB associated with small for gestational age or average for gestational age were also performed. Fifty-six studies provided data on 308,987 individuals. Being born preterm was associated with 3.26 mmHg (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.08 to 4.44) higher mean SBP and 1.32 mmHg (95% CI: 0.61 to 2.04) higher mean DBP compared to being born at term. Subgroup analyses demonstrated that SBP was higher among (a) preterm compared to term groups from early adolescence until adulthood; (b) females born preterm but not among males born preterm compared to term controls; and (c) those born at <32 weeks or <28 weeks compared to term. Our meta-analyses demonstrate higher SBP and DBP among those born preterm compared to term. The difference in SBP is evident from early adolescence until adulthood.Prabha H. Andraweera, Bradley Condon, Gemma Collett, Stefania Gentilcore, Stefania Gentilcore, Zohra S. Lass