Correlation of glucose concentrations in maternal serum and amniotic fluid in high-risk pregnancies

Objective

We sought to determine whether a correlation exists between maternal serum glucose and amniotic fluid glucose in high-risk pregnancies.

Study Design

We conducted a prospective cross-sectional study of 60 patients, between 15 and 38 weeks' gestation, undergoing amniocentesis between March 2006 and April 2007. Participants underwent amniocentesis with evaluation of amniotic fluid glucose and maternal finger stick glucose. Data were collected on maternal demographics, gestational age, presence of diabetes or chorioamnionitis, use of betamethasone, and body mass index. Statistical analyses included Spearman ρ correlations.

Results

A positive correlation was found between maternal serum glucose and amniotic fluid glucose (r = 0.401, P < .01), and amniotic fluid index and diabetes (r = 0.367, P < .05). An inverse correlation was found between amniotic fluid glucose and chorioamnionitis (r = -0.499, P < .01).

Conclusion

Maternal hyperglycemia directly influences amniotic fluid glucose levels and may result in an elevated amniotic fluid glucose value.

Key words: amniotic fluid, chorioamnionitis, serum glucose