Glucose Abnormalities and Inappropriate Weight Gain Predict Negative Pregnancy Outcomes After Gastric Bypass Surgery

Pregnancy after gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery remains at high risk for gestational diabetes mellitus, prematurity, and small for gestational age infants (SGA). Our objective was to describe the interstitial glucose (IG) profiles and weight changes during such pregnancies, and the association of these factors with adverse pregnancy outcomes.

One hundred twenty two pregnancies were analyzed in a monocentric retrospective study. IG profiles were evaluated by continuous glucose monitoring for 4 days. Maternal (hypertension, hospitalizations, and caesarean section) and neonatal outcomes (prematurity, weight for gestational age, hospitalizations, and malformations) were recorded. A logistic stepwise regression model assessed the influence of weight gain and impaired IG on pregnancy outcomes.

Pregnancies occurred 33 (SD 21 months) after surgery. 73% of the women had IG abnormalities (55% with an increased % of time >140 mg/dl and 69% with an increased % of time <60 mg/dl). Five (4%) children were large for gestational age (LGA), 24 (20%) were SGA and 16 (13%) were born prematurely. There were 3 malformations but no stillbirth. LGA was associated with a high % of time >140 mg/dl and an excessive maternal weight gain. Prematurity was associated with a high % of time <60 mg/dl and an insufficient maternal weight gain. In the multivariate analysis, inappropriate weight gain explained LGA and prematurity independently. SGA was associated with a shorter % of time <60 mg/dl.

The relationship between IG abnormalities and/or maternal weight gain and neonatal outcomes in pregnancies after RYGB, suggests a careful monitoring of these parameters.