Can diabetes influence fetal thymus size during pregnancy?


Sinaci S., ŞAHİN D.

Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research, cilt.49, sa.6, ss.1491-1497, 2023 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 49 Sayı: 6
  • Basım Tarihi: 2023
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1111/jog.15646
  • Dergi Adı: Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, CINAHL, MEDLINE
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.1491-1497
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: fetal thymus, gestational diabetes, obstetric ultrasound, pregestational diabetes, thymic-thoracic ratio (TTR)
  • Sağlık Bilimleri Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate fetal thymus size by sonography in diabetic pregnancies and its relationship with diabetes type. Methods: In this prospectively designed case–control study, fetal thymus transverse diameter and circumference of the fetal thymus were measured. Also, TTR (thymic-thoracic ratio) was assessed in 288 healthy and 105 diabetic pregnancies. Patients were divided into subgroups as diet-controlled gestational diabetes (GDMA1, n = 40), insulin-dependent (GDMA2, n = 42), and pregestational diabetes mellitus (PGDM, n = 23). GDM was diagnosed between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation with a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test. Measurements were compared to the healthy control group. Pairwise comparisons with Bonferroni correction determined which type of diabetes was independently associated with a small fetal thymus. Results: All 3 maternal diabetes categories had smaller fetal thymus size than controls (p < 0.05). TTR were lowest in PGDM (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Gestational diabetes is associated with smaller fetal thymus size. Pregestational diabetes may be associated with a smaller fetal thymus compared to diet-controlled GDM. Also, the thymus size may be even smaller in those with poor blood glucose regulation.