PP063. Carotid artery stiffness and elasticity in gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes (GMD) is gaining in importance in prenatal care due to it's increasing prevalence. These women do have a higher risk for disrupted elasticity and stiffening of the carotid artery. Aim of this study was to assess carotid intima media thickness (IMT) and vessel wall changes during pregnancy and postpartum.

IMT and vessel wall parameters of the carotid artery were evaluated with high resolution ultrasound during pregnancy and postpartum on 84 women with gestational diabetes and 106 gestational age matched controls.

Carotid elasticity (mean (%)±SD) was significantly lower in women with GDM than healthy pregnant women (9.48 (103/kPa)±3.21 vs. 11.01±3.17, p<0.047), whereas blood pressure independent ß-stiffness (mean±SD) was significantly increased in women with GDM (6.08±3.15 vs. 4.68±1.57; p=0.007). Pregnancies complicated by GDM had higher mean arterial pressure then matched controls (93±12 vs. 86±10mmHg, p<0.015). Postpartum, both groups did not show any significant changes.

Carotid stiffening and rigidity is present in gestational diabetes mellitus during pregnancy and shows postpartal recovery. Therefore GDM dependent vessel wall changes seem to be only temporary and not pre-existing.