Impact of Maternal Diabetic Status on Neonatal Cardiovascular Development: A Study of Congenital Cardiac Anomalies

Abstract

Background: Maternal diabetes mellitus is associated with various fetal and neonatal complications, including congenital malformations. Cardiovascular anomalies represent one of the most common congenital defects observed in infants of diabetic mothers due to altered embryonic cardiac development caused by maternal hyperglycemia.

Objective: To evaluate the impact of maternal diabetic status on neonatal cardiovascular development by determining the frequency and pattern of congenital cardiac anomalies in infants born to diabetic mothers.

Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Fauji Foundation Hospital, Rawalpindi from June 2020 to June 2021. A total of 180 neonates born to diabetic mothers were included through non-probability consecutive sampling. Demographic and maternal characteristics were recorded. All neonates underwent two-dimensional echocardiography for identification of congenital cardiac anomalies. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23. Frequencies and percentages were calculated for categorical variables, while means and standard deviations were calculated for quantitative variables.

Results: A total of 180 neonates were enrolled. The mean maternal age was 30.55 ± 6.71 years and mean maternal BMI was 26.98 ± 4.61 kg/m². The mean neonatal age at examination was 9.53 ± 7.25 hours and mean birth weight was 2.52 ± 0.87 kg. Male infants constituted 44.4% while females represented 55.6% of the study population. Congenital cardiac anomalies were frequently observed. Transposition of Great Arteries (TGA) was identified in 22.7% of neonates, Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) in 18.5%, Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) in 10.5%, Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) in 3.0%, and Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) in 1.9%.

Conclusion: Maternal diabetes significantly influences neonatal cardiovascular development and is associated with a substantial burden of congenital cardiac anomalies. Early screening through echocardiography and strict maternal glycemic control during pregnancy may help reduce adverse neonatal cardiovascular outcomes.