Serum Ferritin Level in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and its Correlation With Feto-Maternal Outcomes

Abstract Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between mid-trimester serum ferritin level and feto-maternal outcomes in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Materials and Methods: Singleton pregnant women ( n = 250) aged between 20 and 35 years with diagnosed GDM as per the International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups were included in the study. Serum ferritin was measured by the ELISA method between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy. The patients were divided into four quartiles (Q1–Q4) based on the serum ferritin levels. The difference in the incidence of various feto-maternal outcome parameters was examined among the tertile groups. Results: The 250 women (mean age: 25.5 years, mean body mass index: 27.7 kg/m 2 ) had comparable maternal hemoglobin levels. Results stratified by serum ferritin revealed that patients with balanced ferritin levels in Q3 had the highest birth weights, normal neonatal calcium and blood glucose levels, no antepartum hemorrhage, and the highest frequency of term deliveries. Patients having high ferritin in Q4 had high neonatal hemoglobin and a high frequency of appropriate for gestational age newborns, but the lowest incidence of vaginal births and the highest cesarean section rate. Patients with low ferritin levels in Q1 and Q2 had the highest incidence of preterm and short for gestational ages babies. Conclusion: In GDM women, serum ferritin impacts feto-maternal outcome. Both low and high serum ferritin were linked to poor feto-maternal outcomes.