Prediction of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in The First Trimester: comparison of maternal fetuin-A, N-terminal pro-atrial natriuretic peptide, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and fasting glucose levels

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is one of the most common complications of pregnancy. This study aims to evaluate the diagnostic value of first trimester maternal fetuin-A, N-terminal pro atrial natriuretic peptide (pro-ANP), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) in the prediction of GDM. Methods: Over 10 months ending in December 2020, 88 low-risk pregnant women attending routine antenatal care in Hawler Maternity Hospital, Erbil, Iraq were enrolled. Maternal venous blood samples were collected for futin-A, pro-ANP, hs-CRP, and FPG. Glucose challenge test (GCT) and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) were performed for those with high FPG level.Results: Six of 88 (6.8%) women developed GDM. There was no statistically significant difference between GDM and non-diabetics groups regarding age, gravidity, parity, early pregnancy BMI, and gestational age. There was no significant difference between the 2 groups regarding N-terminal pro-ANP levels but FPG and hs-CRP levels were higher and futin-A levels were lower in the GDM group. Conclusion: The utility of maternal serum hs-CRP, Fetuin-A, and FPG levels as simple-to-do reliable tests to predict the development of GDM.