Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2025 Nov 7;199:112641. doi: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2025.112641. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
AIM: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common metabolic disorder that affects both maternal and fetal health, with potential long-term complications. While its impact on neonatal outcomes is well-documented, its association with newborn hearing loss remains unclear. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between GDM subtypes-diet-controlled (GDMA1) and insulin-treated (GDMA2) -and newborn hearing screening results, emphasizing the need for targeted public health interventions.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included pregnancy records from Kartal Dr. Lütfi Kırdar City Hospital. Pregnant women were categorized into three groups: healthy pregnancies (n = 282), GDMA1 (n = 140), and GDMA2 (n = 68). Hearing screening was performed using the auditory brainstem response (ABR) test. Newborns failing two consecutive tests were referred for further audiological evaluation and classified as having an adverse outcome. One-way ANOVA and post-hoc Bonferroni tests were used for statistical comparisons, with a significance level set at p < 0.05. To control for potential confounding variables, an analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was conducted.
RESULTS: Among the 490 newborns analyzed, the hearing screening failure rate was significantly higher in the GDMA2 group (26.5 %) compared to GDMA1 (10.0 %) and the control group (4.3 %) (p < 0.001). Additionally, GDMA2 pregnancies were associated with earlier delivery and higher birth weights compared to healthy pregnancies (p = 0.001). The study demonstrated a strong association between GDM severity and newborn hearing screening failure rates.
CONCLUSION: The findings indicate that newborns of GDM-affected pregnancies, particularly those requiring insulin treatment, have a higher risk of failing hearing screening tests. Given the potential long-term consequences of undetected hearing loss, early identification and intervention are crucial. Public health policies should incorporate enhanced prenatal monitoring and neonatal audiological screening programs for at-risk populations. Further research is needed to explore the underlying mechanisms linking GDM severity to auditory dysfunction.
PMID:41218228 | DOI:10.1016/j.ijporl.2025.112641
