Prepregnancy Weight in Women with Type I Diabetes Mellitus: Effect on Pregnancy Outcomes.

Objective This study aims to evaluate the association between prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) and adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM). Methods This is a secondary analysis of a cohort of 426 pregnancies in women with type 1 DM recruited before 20 weeks gestation. Women were categorized according to prepregnancy BMI: low BMI (< 20 kg/m2), normal BMI (20 to < 25 kg/m2), and high BMI (≥ 25 kg/m2). The outcomes of interest were: spontaneous abortion (delivery < 20 weeks gestation); preeclampsia; emergent delivery for maternal indications (hypertension or placental abruption); and preterm delivery (< 37 weeks gestation). Analyses included proportional hazards and multiple logistic regression models with covariates: age, age at diagnosis of type 1 DM, previous spontaneous abortion, microvascular disease (nephropathy or retinopathy), and glycohemoglobin A1 concentrations. Results Low BMI was associated with preterm delivery. High BMI was associated with emergent delivery for maternal indications. Glycemic control as measured by glycohemoglobin A1 was associated with increased risk of spontaneous abortion, attenuating the association with low prepregnancy weight. Conclusion Prepregnancy BMI is a risk factor to be considered when caring for women with type 1 DM, in particular for preterm delivery (low BMI) and emergent delivery for maternal indications (high BMI).

Dirofilariosis infestation of pectoralis major muscle in Italy, a case report.

Abstract: Zoonotic dirofilariasis infestation, caused by Dirofilaria Repens, is described worldwide in different countries. A 31-years-old male patient presented thoracic muscle pain after growth of an ovoidal undefine cyst in left parasternal region. Patient reported several contacts with different species of animals for a familiar activity. In absence of blood inflammatory indices and systemic symptoms, imaging studies showed a suspected muscle cyst infection. Surgical excision was performed and microbiology confirmed parasite nature. Dirofilaria Repens, probably adult female, was identified. Treatment resulted to be definitive and any other clinical and surgical approach was needed. Healing time was uneventful and follow-up showed no further systemic relapses. The case highlights the effectiveness of surgical treatment in this subcutaneous infestation for an increasing number of human cases reported in endemic areas such as Central Italy.

Comparison of placental findings in type 1 and type 2 diabetic pregnancies.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study is to compare placental pathology and related clinical parameters between gravidas with type 1 and type 2 pregestational diabetes. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study of women with singleton gestations and pregestational diabetes who delivered at Women and Infants Hospital from 2003 to 2011. Pathology reports, maternal and neonatal outcomes were extracted and compared between the two groups. RESULTS: In our cohort, 293 pregnancies were studied, including 117 with type 1 diabetes and 176 with type 2 diabetes. Women with type 1 diabetes had worse glycemic control during pregnancy, as characterized by higher HbA1c values and average fasting and postprandial blood sugars. More infants from the type 1 group were admitted to Neonatal ICU. Pregestational diabetes led to small for gestational age (SGA) placentas in nearly 20% pregnancies and large for gestational age (LGA) placentas in 30% of cases. Both groups shared similar incidences of preeclampsia and significant placental pathology related to uteroplacental (maternal) and fetal circulatory disorders; however, maternal decidual vasculopathy and placentas with insufficiency (fetal-to-placental weight ratio < 10th %tile) were more commonly found in placentas from women with type 2 diabetes. DISCUSSION: Both types of pregestational diabetes have significant impact on placental growth and development. The comparison between the two groups suggests different pathogenetic mechanisms and may be helpful for better management of diabetic pregnancy.