Diabetes, gestational Archives - Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia
, , , , Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2024;46:e-rbgo48
, , , , Evaluate the prevalence of macrosomic newborns (birth weight above 4000 grams) in a high-risk maternity from 2014 to 2019, as well as the maternal characteristics involved, risk factors, mode of delivery and associated outcomes, comparing newborns weighing 4000-4500 grams and those weighing above 4500 grams.
This is an observational study, case-control type, carried out by searching for data in hospital’s own system and clinical records. The criteria for inclusion in the study were all patients monitored at the service who had newborns with birth weight equal than or greater than 4000 grams in the period from January 2014 to December 2019, being subsequently divided into two subgroups (newborns with 4000 to 4500 grams and newborns above 4500 grams). After being collected, the variables were transcribed into a database, arranged in frequency tables. For treatment and statistical analysis of the data, Excel and R software were used. This tool was used to create graphs and tables that helped in the interpretation of the results. The statistical analysis of the variables collected included both simple descriptive analyzes as well as inferential statistics, with univariate, bivariate and multivariate analysis.
From 2014 to 2019, 3.3% of deliveries were macrosomic newborns. The average gestational age in the birth was 39.4 weeks. The most common mode of delivery (65%) was cesarean section. Diabetes mellitus was present in 30% of the deliveries studied and glycemic control was absent in most patients. Among the vaginal deliveries, only 6% were instrumented and there was shoulder dystocia in 21% of the cases. The majority (62%) of newborns had some complication, with jaundice (35%) being the most common.
Birth weight above 4000 grams had a statistically significant impact on the occurrence of neonatal complications, such as hypoglycemia, respiratory distress and 5th minute APGAR less than 7, especially if birth weight was above 4500 grams. Gestational age was also shown to be statistically significant associated with neonatal complications, the lower, the greater the risk. Thus, macrosomia is strongly linked to complications, especially neonatal complications.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2024;46:e-rbgo48
, , , , Evaluate the prevalence of macrosomic newborns (birth weight above 4000 grams) in a high-risk maternity from 2014 to 2019, as well as the maternal characteristics involved, risk factors, mode of delivery and associated outcomes, comparing newborns weighing 4000-4500 grams and those weighing above 4500 grams.
This is an observational study, case-control type, carried out by searching for data in hospital’s own system and clinical records. The criteria for inclusion in the study were all patients monitored at the service who had newborns with birth weight equal than or greater than 4000 grams in the period from January 2014 to December 2019, being subsequently divided into two subgroups (newborns with 4000 to 4500 grams and newborns above 4500 grams). After being collected, the variables were transcribed into a database, arranged in frequency tables. For treatment and statistical analysis of the data, Excel and R software were used. This tool was used to create graphs and tables that helped in the interpretation of the results. The statistical analysis of the variables collected included both simple descriptive analyzes as well as inferential statistics, with univariate, bivariate and multivariate analysis.
From 2014 to 2019, 3.3% of deliveries were macrosomic newborns. The average gestational age in the birth was 39.4 weeks. The most common mode of delivery (65%) was cesarean section. Diabetes mellitus was present in 30% of the deliveries studied and glycemic control was absent in most patients. Among the vaginal deliveries, only 6% were instrumented and there was shoulder dystocia in 21% of the cases. The majority (62%) of newborns had some complication, with jaundice (35%) being the most common.
Birth weight above 4000 grams had a statistically significant impact on the occurrence of neonatal complications, such as hypoglycemia, respiratory distress and 5th minute APGAR less than 7, especially if birth weight was above 4500 grams. Gestational age was also shown to be statistically significant associated with neonatal complications, the lower, the greater the risk. Thus, macrosomia is strongly linked to complications, especially neonatal complications.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2019;41(12):682-687
The present study aims to understand to what extent obesity is related to adversematernal, obstetrical, and neonatal outcomes in a Portuguese obstetrical population.
A retrospective case-control study was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics of a differentiated perinatal care facility. The study compared 1,183 obese pregnant womenwith 5,399 normal or underweight pregnantwomen for the occurrence of gestational diabetes, hypertensive pregnancy disorders, and preterm birth. Mode of delivery, birthweight, and neonatal intensive care unit (ICU) admissionswere also evaluated. Mean blood glucose values were evaluated and compared between groups, in the first and second trimesters of pregnancy. Only singleton pregnancies were considered.
The prevalence of obesity was 13.6%. Obese pregnant women were significantly more likely to have cesarean sections (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.0, p< 0.001), gestational diabetes (aOR 2.14, p< 0.001), hypertensive pregnancy disorders (aOR 3.43, p< 0.001), and large-for-gestational age ormacrosomic infants (aOR 2.13, p< 0.001), and less likely to have small-for-gestational age newborns (aOR 0.51, p< 0.009). No significant differences were found in terms of pretermbirths, fetal/neonatal deaths, low birthweight newborns, and neonatal ICU admissions among cases and controls. Maternal obesity was significantly associated with higher mean blood glucose levels, in the first and second trimesters of pregnancy.
Obesity is associated with increased risks of adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes. These risks seem to increase progressively with increasing body mass index (BMI) class. Female obesity should be considered a major public health issue and has consequences on maternal-fetal health.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2019;41(12):682-687
The present study aims to understand to what extent obesity is related to adversematernal, obstetrical, and neonatal outcomes in a Portuguese obstetrical population.
A retrospective case-control study was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics of a differentiated perinatal care facility. The study compared 1,183 obese pregnant womenwith 5,399 normal or underweight pregnantwomen for the occurrence of gestational diabetes, hypertensive pregnancy disorders, and preterm birth. Mode of delivery, birthweight, and neonatal intensive care unit (ICU) admissionswere also evaluated. Mean blood glucose values were evaluated and compared between groups, in the first and second trimesters of pregnancy. Only singleton pregnancies were considered.
The prevalence of obesity was 13.6%. Obese pregnant women were significantly more likely to have cesarean sections (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.0, p< 0.001), gestational diabetes (aOR 2.14, p< 0.001), hypertensive pregnancy disorders (aOR 3.43, p< 0.001), and large-for-gestational age ormacrosomic infants (aOR 2.13, p< 0.001), and less likely to have small-for-gestational age newborns (aOR 0.51, p< 0.009). No significant differences were found in terms of pretermbirths, fetal/neonatal deaths, low birthweight newborns, and neonatal ICU admissions among cases and controls. Maternal obesity was significantly associated with higher mean blood glucose levels, in the first and second trimesters of pregnancy.
Obesity is associated with increased risks of adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes. These risks seem to increase progressively with increasing body mass index (BMI) class. Female obesity should be considered a major public health issue and has consequences on maternal-fetal health.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2015;37(12):565-570
DOI 10.1590/SO100-720320150005488
To determine the influence of breastfeeding on the results of a postpartum oral glucose tolerance test in women recently diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus.
The data were obtained from the electronic medical records of the Endocrinopathy Sector during pregnancy, HCMED laboratory system ofHospital das Clínicas of São Paulo , and by telephone. According to the inclusion criteria adopted, 132 patients were eligible for the study. For statistical analysis, the patients were divided into two groups according to whether or not they breastfed. The results were analyzed by the Student t-test and by the Mann-Whitney, Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests, depending on the variable analyzed, with the level of significance set at p<0.05.
Of the 132 patients included in the study, 114 breastfed and 18 did not. Most of the patients in both groups were overweight or obese. The breastfeeding group had a lower pre-pregnancy Body Mass Index than the non-breastfeeding group (p=0.006). Insulin was introduced earlier in the group that did not breastfeed (23.21±4.33 versus 28.84±6.17; p=0.04). The group that did not breastfeed had a higher mean postpartum fasting glucose value in the oral glucose tolerance test than the group that breastfed (91.3±8.7 versus 86.5±9.3; p=0.01). Breastfeeding acted as a protective factor against the development of glucose intolerance in the postpartum oral glucose tolerance test (OR=0.27; 95%CI 0.09-0.8). By logistic regression, breastfeeding was shown to be an independent protective factor.
There was a statistically significant relationship between breastfeeding and a decreased risk of developing glucose intolerance. Breastfeeding should be encouraged because it is an effective, low cost intervention easily accessible to all patients during the postpartum period.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2015;37(12):565-570
DOI 10.1590/SO100-720320150005488
To determine the influence of breastfeeding on the results of a postpartum oral glucose tolerance test in women recently diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus.
The data were obtained from the electronic medical records of the Endocrinopathy Sector during pregnancy, HCMED laboratory system ofHospital das Clínicas of São Paulo , and by telephone. According to the inclusion criteria adopted, 132 patients were eligible for the study. For statistical analysis, the patients were divided into two groups according to whether or not they breastfed. The results were analyzed by the Student t-test and by the Mann-Whitney, Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests, depending on the variable analyzed, with the level of significance set at p<0.05.
Of the 132 patients included in the study, 114 breastfed and 18 did not. Most of the patients in both groups were overweight or obese. The breastfeeding group had a lower pre-pregnancy Body Mass Index than the non-breastfeeding group (p=0.006). Insulin was introduced earlier in the group that did not breastfeed (23.21±4.33 versus 28.84±6.17; p=0.04). The group that did not breastfeed had a higher mean postpartum fasting glucose value in the oral glucose tolerance test than the group that breastfed (91.3±8.7 versus 86.5±9.3; p=0.01). Breastfeeding acted as a protective factor against the development of glucose intolerance in the postpartum oral glucose tolerance test (OR=0.27; 95%CI 0.09-0.8). By logistic regression, breastfeeding was shown to be an independent protective factor.
There was a statistically significant relationship between breastfeeding and a decreased risk of developing glucose intolerance. Breastfeeding should be encouraged because it is an effective, low cost intervention easily accessible to all patients during the postpartum period.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2013;35(9):407-412
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032013000900005
PURPOSE: In placentas from uncomplicated pregnancies, Hofbauer cells either disappear or become scanty after the fourth to fifth month of gestation. Immunohistochemistry though, reveals that a high percentage of stromal cells belong to Hofbauer cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in morphology and density of Hofbauer cells in placentas from normal and pathological pregnancies. METHODS: Seventy placentas were examined: 16 specimens from normal term pregnancies, 10 from first trimester's miscarriages, 26 from cases diagnosed with chromosomal abnormality of the fetus, and placental tissue specimens complicated with intrauterine growth restriction (eight) or gestational diabetes mellitus (10). A histological study of hematoxylin-eosin (HE) sections was performed and immunohistochemical study was performed using the markers: CD 68, Lysozyme, A1 Antichymotrypsine, CK-7, vimentin, and Ki-67. RESULTS: In normal term pregnancies, HE study revealed Hofbauer cells in 37.5% of cases while immunohistochemistry revealed in 87.5% of cases. In first trimester's miscarriages and in cases with prenatal diagnosis of fetal chromosomal abnormalities, both basic and immunohistochemical study were positive for Hofbauer cells. In pregnancies complicated with intrauterine growth restriction or gestational diabetes mellitus, a positive immunoreaction was observed in 100 and 70% of cases, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Hofbauer cells are present in placental villi during pregnancy, but with progressively reducing density. The most specific marker for their detection seems to be A1 Antichymotrypsine. It is remarkable that no mitotic activity of Hofbauer cells was noticed in our study, as the marker of cellular multiplication Ki-67 was negative in all examined specimens.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2013;35(9):407-412
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032013000900005
PURPOSE: In placentas from uncomplicated pregnancies, Hofbauer cells either disappear or become scanty after the fourth to fifth month of gestation. Immunohistochemistry though, reveals that a high percentage of stromal cells belong to Hofbauer cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in morphology and density of Hofbauer cells in placentas from normal and pathological pregnancies. METHODS: Seventy placentas were examined: 16 specimens from normal term pregnancies, 10 from first trimester's miscarriages, 26 from cases diagnosed with chromosomal abnormality of the fetus, and placental tissue specimens complicated with intrauterine growth restriction (eight) or gestational diabetes mellitus (10). A histological study of hematoxylin-eosin (HE) sections was performed and immunohistochemical study was performed using the markers: CD 68, Lysozyme, A1 Antichymotrypsine, CK-7, vimentin, and Ki-67. RESULTS: In normal term pregnancies, HE study revealed Hofbauer cells in 37.5% of cases while immunohistochemistry revealed in 87.5% of cases. In first trimester's miscarriages and in cases with prenatal diagnosis of fetal chromosomal abnormalities, both basic and immunohistochemical study were positive for Hofbauer cells. In pregnancies complicated with intrauterine growth restriction or gestational diabetes mellitus, a positive immunoreaction was observed in 100 and 70% of cases, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Hofbauer cells are present in placental villi during pregnancy, but with progressively reducing density. The most specific marker for their detection seems to be A1 Antichymotrypsine. It is remarkable that no mitotic activity of Hofbauer cells was noticed in our study, as the marker of cellular multiplication Ki-67 was negative in all examined specimens.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2012;34(11):494-498
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032012001100003
PURPOSE: To describe trends in prevalence, indicators of care and pregnancy outcomes for women with pre-existing type I or type II diabetes. METHODS: Cohort study of all consecutive singleton pregnancies complicated by pre-existing type I or type II diabetes followed from 2004 to 2011 at a tertiary perinatal care centre (n=194). We collected data from the medical records and described trends in demographics, clinical history, indicators of care before or during pregnancy and glycaemic control. We also studied perinatal outcomes, including gestational age at delivery, mode of delivery, and birthweight. RESULTS: The overall incidence of pregestational diabetes was 4.4 per 1000, with no significant changes throughout the study period. The number of type 2 diabetes cases also remained constant. In 67% of cases delivery occurred after 37 weeks (maximum 80% in 2010 - 11). During this period there was a significant reduction in rates of elective caesarean section (p=0.03) and in the incidence of large infants for gestational age (p=0.04). Indicators of glycaemic control were favorable throughout pregnancy, with no significant trends detected during the study period. However, preconceptional care indicators were substandard, with no significant improvement. CONCLUSIONS: A multidisciplinary approach to diabetic management and obstetric practice contributed to adequate glycaemic control throughout pregnancy and to improved pregnancy outcomes. Preconceptional care remains a key challenge.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2012;34(11):494-498
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032012001100003
PURPOSE: To describe trends in prevalence, indicators of care and pregnancy outcomes for women with pre-existing type I or type II diabetes. METHODS: Cohort study of all consecutive singleton pregnancies complicated by pre-existing type I or type II diabetes followed from 2004 to 2011 at a tertiary perinatal care centre (n=194). We collected data from the medical records and described trends in demographics, clinical history, indicators of care before or during pregnancy and glycaemic control. We also studied perinatal outcomes, including gestational age at delivery, mode of delivery, and birthweight. RESULTS: The overall incidence of pregestational diabetes was 4.4 per 1000, with no significant changes throughout the study period. The number of type 2 diabetes cases also remained constant. In 67% of cases delivery occurred after 37 weeks (maximum 80% in 2010 - 11). During this period there was a significant reduction in rates of elective caesarean section (p=0.03) and in the incidence of large infants for gestational age (p=0.04). Indicators of glycaemic control were favorable throughout pregnancy, with no significant trends detected during the study period. However, preconceptional care indicators were substandard, with no significant improvement. CONCLUSIONS: A multidisciplinary approach to diabetic management and obstetric practice contributed to adequate glycaemic control throughout pregnancy and to improved pregnancy outcomes. Preconceptional care remains a key challenge.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2010;32(5):222-228
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032010000500004
PURPOSE: to compare two screening tests for diabetes and their results to pregnancy outcomes. METHODS: in total, 279 pregnant women were submitted to two screening tests for gestational diabetes - fasting glycemia plus risk factors (FG + RF) and to the simplified glucose tolerance test (GTT50g). Screening by FG + RF consisted of the determination of fasting glycemia and anamnesis for the identification of risk factors on the occasion of the first prenatal visit. The GTT50g was performed between the 24th and the 28th week of pregnancy and consisted of the determination of plasma glycemia under fasting conditions and one hour after an oral overload with 50 g glucose. Positive and negative results were compared to pregnancy outcome. The dependent variables were: type of delivery, gestational age, weight and ponderal index at birth, Apgar indexes <7 in the 1st and 5th minutes, need for admission to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), duration of hospitalization, and neonatal death. Data were analyzed statistically through the Students t-test, and the level of significance was set at 5%. RESULTS: only two of the perinatal variables studied were distinguished by the tests. An abnormal GTT50g was associated with a greater proportion of cesarean deliveries (58.7 versus 34.3%) and a positive FG + RF association was related to a higher rate of premature births (15.4 versus 5.4%). The other dependent variables did not differ among patients with positive and negative results of the two screening tests. CONCLUSIONS: despite the relation between prematurity and a positive FG + RF association, the increase of caesarean sections and the abnormal GTT50g, it would be a critical failure to accept these associations as definitive. Among others explanations, multiple intercurrent factors and the characteristics of the screening tests themselves should be considered.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2010;32(5):222-228
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032010000500004
PURPOSE: to compare two screening tests for diabetes and their results to pregnancy outcomes. METHODS: in total, 279 pregnant women were submitted to two screening tests for gestational diabetes - fasting glycemia plus risk factors (FG + RF) and to the simplified glucose tolerance test (GTT50g). Screening by FG + RF consisted of the determination of fasting glycemia and anamnesis for the identification of risk factors on the occasion of the first prenatal visit. The GTT50g was performed between the 24th and the 28th week of pregnancy and consisted of the determination of plasma glycemia under fasting conditions and one hour after an oral overload with 50 g glucose. Positive and negative results were compared to pregnancy outcome. The dependent variables were: type of delivery, gestational age, weight and ponderal index at birth, Apgar indexes <7 in the 1st and 5th minutes, need for admission to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), duration of hospitalization, and neonatal death. Data were analyzed statistically through the Students t-test, and the level of significance was set at 5%. RESULTS: only two of the perinatal variables studied were distinguished by the tests. An abnormal GTT50g was associated with a greater proportion of cesarean deliveries (58.7 versus 34.3%) and a positive FG + RF association was related to a higher rate of premature births (15.4 versus 5.4%). The other dependent variables did not differ among patients with positive and negative results of the two screening tests. CONCLUSIONS: despite the relation between prematurity and a positive FG + RF association, the increase of caesarean sections and the abnormal GTT50g, it would be a critical failure to accept these associations as definitive. Among others explanations, multiple intercurrent factors and the characteristics of the screening tests themselves should be considered.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2009;31(1):5-9
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032009000100002
PURPOSE: to evaluate factors related to the presence of neonatal macrosomia in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus. METHODS: 157 pregnant women presenting gestational diabetes mellitus in follow-up were retrospectively selected from January 2004 to July 2006. This group has been divided into two subgroups: one with newborns with weight in accordance with the gestational age (n=136) and another with macrosomic newborns (n=21). Maternal characteristics have been compared between the groups. The t-Student test was used for the analysis of equality hypothesis between the averages of the two groups, and chi-square test, to check the groups' homogeneity concerning ratios. RESULTS: the groups did not show any significant difference concerning the gestational age, body mass index, weight gain along the gestation, number of previous pregnancies, fast glycemia in the oral glucose tolerance test after the ingestion of 75 g (TOTG 75 g), gestational age at delivery, glycemic values during the treatment, and the type of treatment used (p>0.05). In the group with neonatal macrosomia, there was a higher two-hour-glycemia in the TOTG 75 g (p=0.02), higher gestational age at the treatment onset (p=0.02), and a lower number of appointments at the health service (p<0.01). When adjusted to a logistic regression model, the most important factor (p<0.01) found to predict neonatal macrosomia was the two-hour-glycemia in the TOTG 75 g. CONCLUSIONS: the factors more frequently related to neonatal macrosomia were late treatment onset and, consequently, lower number of appointments and chiefly, high two-hour-glycemia in the TOTG 75 g.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2009;31(1):5-9
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032009000100002
PURPOSE: to evaluate factors related to the presence of neonatal macrosomia in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus. METHODS: 157 pregnant women presenting gestational diabetes mellitus in follow-up were retrospectively selected from January 2004 to July 2006. This group has been divided into two subgroups: one with newborns with weight in accordance with the gestational age (n=136) and another with macrosomic newborns (n=21). Maternal characteristics have been compared between the groups. The t-Student test was used for the analysis of equality hypothesis between the averages of the two groups, and chi-square test, to check the groups' homogeneity concerning ratios. RESULTS: the groups did not show any significant difference concerning the gestational age, body mass index, weight gain along the gestation, number of previous pregnancies, fast glycemia in the oral glucose tolerance test after the ingestion of 75 g (TOTG 75 g), gestational age at delivery, glycemic values during the treatment, and the type of treatment used (p>0.05). In the group with neonatal macrosomia, there was a higher two-hour-glycemia in the TOTG 75 g (p=0.02), higher gestational age at the treatment onset (p=0.02), and a lower number of appointments at the health service (p<0.01). When adjusted to a logistic regression model, the most important factor (p<0.01) found to predict neonatal macrosomia was the two-hour-glycemia in the TOTG 75 g. CONCLUSIONS: the factors more frequently related to neonatal macrosomia were late treatment onset and, consequently, lower number of appointments and chiefly, high two-hour-glycemia in the TOTG 75 g.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2007;29(11):555-560
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032007001100002
PURPOSE: to identify the factors related to successful gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) management with glyburide and to evaluate perinatal outcomes. METHODS: prospective longitudinal study including 50 pregnant women with GDM who required complementary treatment to diet and physical activity, whose fetus presented normal abdominal circumference (AC) to ultrasound (pct<75). Study period was August 2005 to July 2006. Ultrasonography was carried out monthly. Glyburide was used until delivery, as long as glucose control was obtained and fetal AC was normal, being thus considered therapeutically successful. In case there was no glucose control or alteration in AC, management was switched to insulin therapy, being thus considered therapeutically unsuccessful. Pregnant women were divided into two groups: one therapeutically successful (n=29) and another therapeutically unsuccessful (n=21). The results evaluated were: therapeutic success, maternal characteristics and perinatal outcome. RESULTS: fifty-eight percent of the cases were successfully managed with glyburide. No difference was found (p>0.05) in either group, with regards to maternal age, glucose values at OGTT75g, maternal body mass index (BMI), number of pre-natal consultations, number of previous pregnancies. According to the logistic model of regression used, therapeutically successful pregnant patients had had a later diagnosis (p=0.02) and lower weight gain during gestation (p<0.01). Perinatal outcome did not differ in either group. CONCLUSIONS: patients with later diagnosis and lower weight gain are more likely to have successful GDM management with glyburide. Unsuccessful management with glyburide did not alter the perinatal outcome.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2007;29(11):555-560
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032007001100002
PURPOSE: to identify the factors related to successful gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) management with glyburide and to evaluate perinatal outcomes. METHODS: prospective longitudinal study including 50 pregnant women with GDM who required complementary treatment to diet and physical activity, whose fetus presented normal abdominal circumference (AC) to ultrasound (pct<75). Study period was August 2005 to July 2006. Ultrasonography was carried out monthly. Glyburide was used until delivery, as long as glucose control was obtained and fetal AC was normal, being thus considered therapeutically successful. In case there was no glucose control or alteration in AC, management was switched to insulin therapy, being thus considered therapeutically unsuccessful. Pregnant women were divided into two groups: one therapeutically successful (n=29) and another therapeutically unsuccessful (n=21). The results evaluated were: therapeutic success, maternal characteristics and perinatal outcome. RESULTS: fifty-eight percent of the cases were successfully managed with glyburide. No difference was found (p>0.05) in either group, with regards to maternal age, glucose values at OGTT75g, maternal body mass index (BMI), number of pre-natal consultations, number of previous pregnancies. According to the logistic model of regression used, therapeutically successful pregnant patients had had a later diagnosis (p=0.02) and lower weight gain during gestation (p<0.01). Perinatal outcome did not differ in either group. CONCLUSIONS: patients with later diagnosis and lower weight gain are more likely to have successful GDM management with glyburide. Unsuccessful management with glyburide did not alter the perinatal outcome.