Prevalence of the impaired glucose metabolism and its association with risk factors for coronary artery disease in women with gestational diabetes.

Gestational diabetes (GDM) has increased risk of diabetes (DM2), a coronary artery disease (CAD) equivalent. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of impaired glucose metabolism (IGM) in GDM and its association with risk factors for CAD. A cohort of 109 women with GDM underwent a glucose tolerance test which classified them into three groups: diabetic (DM2) (fasting glucose (G) >or=126mg/dl or plasma glucose 2h (2-h G) >or=200mg/dl); impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) (G 100-125mg/dl and/or 2-h G 140-199mg/dl); and normal (N) (G<100mg/dl and/or 2-h<140mg/dl).

Repeatability of the sonographic assessment of fetal sucking and swallowing movements.

Objective: To test the repeatability of sonography in the assessment of fetal sucking and swallowing movements.

Methods: Eighty normal fetuses of pregnant women with no systemic abnormalities were examined sonographically at 30-38 weeks of gestation. Sucking and swallowing movements were observed for 15 min and the face was visualized in frontal and lateral views.

Acute effects of maternal smoking on fetal-placental-maternal system hemodynamics.

Objective: To study acute hemodynamic alterations in the fetal-placental maternal system immediately after maternal exposure to nicotine.

Methods: This is a noncontrolled experimental study involving 21 pregnant smoking women, randomly selected, with uncomplicated pregnancies and without risk factors for fetal heart disease. Patients underwent ultrasound and fetal echocardiography before and after smoking a cigarette.