We assessed whether only one abnormal value from the OGTT screening during pregnancy, which qualify as GDM by the IADPSG criteria (GDM_IADPSG), was associated with risk of offspring autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The cohort included 590,001 singletons from a large integrated healthcare system with electronic medical records. GDM was largely screened by two-steps and Carpenter-Coustan criteria (GDM_CC). We excluded those exposed to pre-existing diabetes or 1-hr 50g glucose challenge test ≥ 200mg/dl. OGTT glucose levels were used to define GDM_IADPSG. Cox models with hazard ratio (HR) were used to assess associations. Among the cohort, 7.6% were exposed to maternal GDM_CC, an additional 5.9% to GDM_IADPSG with only one abnormal OGTT value. Within GDM_CC, 41.3% had abnormal fasting, 30.5% were diagnosed at ≤ 26 wks and 30.7% prescribed medications. Within GDM_IADPSG, 28.4% had abnormal fasting alone, 27.0% at ≤ 26 wks and none received medications. Table 1 shows the HRs (95% CI). GDM_IADPSG was associated with increased risk of ASD, with risk slightly lower compared to GDM_CC. However, the risk appeared greater if abnormal fasting presented at diagnosis. The risk of ASD associated with GDM_IADPSG by abnormal fasting alone was comparable to GDM_CC treated with medications. Studies are needed to assess whether diabetes management for pregnancies with only elevated fasting will reduce adverse effect on offspring.
A.Xiang: None. S.A.Carter: None. J.C.Lin: None. T.Chow: None. M.P.Martinez: None. K.A.Page: None. R.Feldman: None.
