A Clinical Study on Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and the Hearing of Newborns

This study aimed to explore the impact of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) on the results of newborn hearing screening (NHS). 

GDM increases annually in China and across the world. The authors completed a retrospective analysis of 666 women who gave birth between August 2017 and May 2018. Sixty-nine of the women had GDM and were assigned to Group 1, while 597 women were assigned as controls. Patients were between the ages of 20­–44 years with an average gestation of 37–42 weeks.

Otoacoustic emissions (OAE) screening was completed on all newborns. If the initial screening was a “refer,” the screening was repeated two to three times. All babies who did not pass after more than one screening were referred for a diagnostic evaluation.

Comparisons of abnormal hearing screening between the groups were significantly different. In Group 1, the mothers with GDM, the refer rate was approximately 4.5 percent while in Group 2 (mothers without GDM), the refer rate was approximately 1.7 percent. 

The authors conclude that that GDM has an impact on the hearing screening results of newborns and encourage physicians and other caretakers of pregnant women with GDM to ensure appropriate screening and follow up related to hearing. 

Reference:

Zhou HZ, Yu K, Ding H, et al. (2021) A clinical study on gestational diabetes mellitus and the hearing of newborns. Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes 14:2879–2882.