Association of Serum Calcium and Magnesium Levels in Infants Born to Early and Late Onset Gestational Diabetic Mothers Admitted In Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is significant health concerns affecting maternal and neonatal outcomes worldwide, babies born to mothers with gestational diabetes are at increased risk of metabolic imbalances, like hypoglycemia, hypocalcaemia and hypomagnesaemia. Adequate levels of serum calcium and magnesium are crucial for various physiological functions, including bone development, muscle function, and neuromuscular stability in newborns. Studies suggest that gestational diabetes may impact these mineral levels in infants, potentially leading to complications such as hypocalcaemia and hypomagnesaemia.

Objective: This study aims to compare serum magnesium levels and its association with serum calcium level in infants born to mothers with early GDM and late GDM, providing insights into the impacts of maternal diabetes on newborns.

Methodology: This retrospective cohort study was conducted at the jjm medical College Davangere . Total 105 infants within 72 hours of birth were selected from the pediatrics departments. Serum levels of magnesium and calcium were measured. Data were analyzed using t-tests and chi-square tests to assess differences between infants of late onset GDM and early onset GDM mothers and to understand correlation between these two parameters in IDMs.

Results: The study revealed that hypomagnesaemia and hypocalcaemia were higher in infants of PGDM mothers compared to GDM mothers. Association of hypomagnesaemia and hypoglycemia were significant in early GDM infants than in late GDM infants (90% vs. 35.29% p=0.001, 60% vs. 43.1% p=0.010).

Conclusion: Infants of early onset GDM mothers are at a higher risk of hypomagnesaemia and hypocalcaemia. In order to improve neonatal outcome of those admitted in NICU, these findings help in the individualized and timely prenatal care depending on the type of maternal diabetes