Usefulness of blood pressure monitoring in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is associated to an increased risk of pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH). Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) has been used to detect PIH and preeclampsia, but few data are currently available on its use in women with GDM. The aim of this study was to achieve early identification in women with GDM of BP profiles (detected by ABPM) that could define a population at greater risk of developing PIH and preeclampsia.A prospective study of 93 normotensive women with GDM in whom 24-h ABPM was performed (using a Spacelabs 90207 monitor) at 28-32 weeks of pregnancy. Clinical and laboratory variable and obstetric and perinatal outcomes were analyzed.Mean age was 34.8±4.39years, and 5.4% of patients developed PIH. Higher levels of HbA1c (P=.005) and microalbumin (P=.001) were seen in patients with PIH. Patients with non-dipper patterns (50.5%) had higher values of night-time systolic BP (106.7 vs 98.4mmHg) and night-time diastolic BP (64.8 vs 57.2mmHg) (P.001). Lower birth weights (3,084.57 vs 3,323.7) (P=.021) and shorter gestational age at delivery (38.67 vs 39.27 weeks) (P=.04) were found in women with non-dipper pattern. High night-time systolic BP significantly increased the chance of developing PIH (OR: 1.18; 95%CI: 1.00-1.39; P=.043).Patients with GDM have BP changes, with predominance of the non-dipper pattern and higher night-time systolic and diastolic BP, changes that could be useful predictors of PIH. High night-time systolic BP values increase the risk of developing PIH. Further studies are needed to ascertain the relationships between BP changes and obstetric and perinatal complications.