Low-Dose Prednisone Exposure During Pregnancy Increases Risk of GDM and Impaired Glucose Tolerance: Study Finds
China: A recent single-center, prospective cohort study has revealed potential risks associated with the use of low-dose prednisone during pregnancy, particularly concerning glucose metabolism. The study, published in the Journal of Reproductive Immunology, found that prolonged use of low-dose prednisone during pregnancy may disrupt postprandial blood glucose levels and elevate the risk of developing gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).
"Regular monitoring of blood glucose and C-peptide levels is advised for patients undergoing prednisone treatment during pregnancy," the researchers wrote.
In this single-center prospective cohort study, Qiaohong Wang, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China, and colleagues investigated the impact of low-dose prednisone treatment during pregnancy on blood glucose levels in patients who had experienced spontaneous abortion.
For this purpose, the researchers enrolled patients with a history of spontaneous abortion. They divided them into two groups based on whether they were exposed to low-dose prednisone during pregnancy. All participants underwent an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in both early and late pregnancy, and fasting serum C-peptide and HbA1c levels were measured at the same time. The study then analyzed the incidence of diabetes mellitus (DM), impaired fasting glucose, impaired glucose tolerance, and gestational diabetes mellitus. A total of 355 patients were included in the study.
Based on the study, the researchers reported the following findings:
- No significant difference in OGTT between the two groups were observed in the first trimester.
- Patients in the prednisone group showed a significant increase in fasting serum C-peptide.
- Regarding late pregnancy, patients in the prednisone group showed a significant increase in 2-h plasma glucose.
- Patients in the prednisone group also had a higher incidence of GDM.
- Family history of DM and receiving low-dose prednisone were significantly associated with a higher risk of gestational glycometabolism abnormality in patients with spontaneous abortion.
The study found that prolonged use of low-dose prednisone during pregnancy can impair glucose tolerance in late pregnancy and increase the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus. A family history of diabetes mellitus and exposure to low-dose prednisone were identified as independent risk factors for gestational glycometabolic abnormalities.
"Based on these findings, we recommend routine monitoring of blood glucose and C-peptide levels in patients receiving prednisone during pregnancy," the researchers concluded.
Reference:
Wang, Q., Bai, W., Li, C., Zhang, X., & Zhao, A. (2024). Effect of low dose prednisone on glucose metabolism levels in patients with spontaneous abortion: A single-center, prospective cohort study. Journal of Reproductive Immunology, 166, 104395. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jri.2024.104395
Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.
NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.