Key result
Maternal diabetes linked to ~23% greater fetal epicardial fat thickness vs non-diabetic pregnancies.
Why the study?
Fetal epicardial fat thickness in diabetic pregnancies compared to non-diabetic pregnancies was not well characterized.
Is fetal epicardial fat thickness increased in diabetic pregnancies compared to non-diabetic pregnancies?
Cross-Sectional (n=56)
Is fetal epicardial fat thickness increased in diabetic pregnancies compared to non-diabetic pregnancies?
Absolute Event Rate: 1.43% vs 1.16%
p-value: p=0.02
Fetal epicardial fat thickness is increased in the second trimester of diabetic pregnancies, potentially serving as a novel marker for altered fetal metabolism.
Fetal EFT in diabetic pregnancies is hypothesis-generating; larger prospective studies needed before any clinical role.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate fetal epicardial fat thickness (EFT) in diabetic and control pregnancies. METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional study was performed in which fetal EFT was measured in the second trimester in 28 diabetics and 28 non-diabetic patients. Maternal BMI, estimated fetal weight, birth weight, fetal abdominal circumference, and subcutaneous fat thickness were also collected. Statistical analysis was carried out by means of chi-square, Wilcoxon rank-sum test, Student's T test, and linear regression as appropriate. RESULTS: EFT was significantly higher in diabetic (1.43 mm) vs. control fetuses (1.16 mm), P = 0.02. This relationship remained significant when controlling for covariates. CONCLUSIONS: EFT was higher in fetuses of diabetic mothers vs. fetuses from controls. If confirmed in prospective studies, this may represent a novel marker for altered fetal metabolism due to maternal diabetes.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Jackson et al. (2015) conducted a cross-sectional in Diabetic pregnancies (n=56). Maternal diabetes vs. Non-diabetic pregnancies was evaluated on Fetal epicardial fat thickness (EFT) (p=0.02). Maternal diabetes was associated with significantly higher fetal epicardial fat thickness compared to non-diabetic pregnancies (1.43 mm vs 1.16 mm, P=0.02).
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: