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A random plasma glucose method for screening for abnormal glucose tolerance in pregnancy
British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
|March 1, 1987
Summary
This study introduces a new, cost-effective method for screening pregnant women for abnormal glucose tolerance. It uses a simple random plasma glucose test at 28-30 weeks gestation, improving efficiency over traditional risk-based approaches.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Endocrinology
- Public Health
Background:
- Abnormal glucose tolerance during pregnancy, including gestational diabetes mellitus, poses significant risks to both mother and fetus.
- Current screening methods often rely on identifying women with conventional risk factors, potentially missing cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe and evaluate a novel, more efficient screening strategy for abnormal glucose tolerance in all pregnant women.
- To assess the cost-effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed screening method compared to existing approaches.
Main Methods:
- The proposed method involves measuring random plasma glucose levels between 28-30 weeks of gestation.
- Screening is enhanced by noting recent food intake (within 2 hours).
- Women with random plasma glucose levels at or above the 97.5th percentile undergo a standard 75g oral glucose tolerance test.
Main Results:
- The novel screening approach demonstrated increased efficiency compared to conventional risk-based screening.
- The method was found to be more cost-effective than traditional screening protocols.
Conclusions:
- A simple, random plasma glucose measurement at 28-30 weeks gestation, considering recent intake, is an efficient and cheaper method for screening pregnant women for abnormal glucose tolerance.
- This strategy offers a potentially improved approach to identifying pregnancies at risk for glucose intolerance.