The role of male foetal sex on maternal and neonatal outcomes in pregnancies complicated by gestational diabetes—secondary analysis of a randomised placebo controlled clinical trial of metformin in gestational diabetes (EMERGE)
Secondary analysis finds foetal sex affects outcomes in gestational diabetes, suggesting tailored interventions.
Key Points
This analysis aims to assess how male foetal sex influences maternal and neonatal outcomes in gestational diabetes and the effects of metformin.
Conducted a secondary analysis of the EMERGE randomised controlled trial.
Analyzed outcomes based on foetal sex and metformin exposure.
Evaluated insulin usage, fasting glucose levels at 32 and 38 weeks, and foetal size.
Higher plasma glucose levels at 60 minutes in women carrying male foetuses (9.69 vs. 9.37 mmol/L, p = 0.039).
Male pregnancies showed lower fasting glucose levels with metformin at 32 weeks (4.88 vs. 5.01 mmol/L, p = 0.014) and 38 weeks (4.49 vs. 4.69 mmol/L, p = 0.002).
Reduced insulin usage in male pregnancies exposed to metformin (38% vs. 53%, p = 0.014).
Female metformin-exposed offspring had higher rates of low birth weight (<2500 g) compared to placebo (8.3% vs. 1.9%, p = 0.032), an observation not seen in males.