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. 2019 Apr;15(4):221–228.

Table.

Studies Evaluating the Relationship Between GDM and NAFLD

Predictor and Outcome Factor Number of Subjects, n Timing of Association NAFLD Criteria Diagnostic Criteria of GDM (Glucose mmol/L) Association OR/RR (95% CI) Multivariable Adjusted Association aOR/aRR (95% CI) Other Significant NAFLD Factors aOR/aRR (95% CI)
Forbes et al11
Predictor: Prior GDM
Outcome factor: NAFLD
Prior GDM, 110
Control, 113
1-10 years postpartum US-graded steatosis 75 g OGTT:
FPG ≥7;
2 hr ≥7.8
N/A aOR, 2.77a (1.43-5.37) HOMA insulin sensitivity/1 SD: aOR, 0.08 (0.04-0.19)
ALT/1 SD (13 U/L): aOR, 2.85 (1.63-4.98)
Ajmera et al10
Predictor: Prior GDM
Outcome factor: NAFLD
Prior GDM, 124
Control, 991
Study enrollment to year 25 CT LA ≤40 HU Self-report OR, 2.56 (1.44-4.55) aOR, 2.29 (1.23-4.27) Baseline HOMA-IR: aOR, 1.56 (1.2-2.04)
Baseline triglycerides: aOR, 1.05 (1.01-1.11)
De Souza et al15
Predictor:
NAFLD at 11-14 weeks
Outcome factor: IFG/IGT/GDM at 24-48 weeks
Total, 476 Peripartum US-graded steatosis 75 g OGTT:
FPG ≥5.3;
1 hr ≥10.6;
2 hr ≥8.9
OR, 2.5 (1.3-4.8) aOR, 2.2 (1.1-4.3) N/A
Hagström et al22
Predictor:
NAFLD
Outcome factor: GDM
NAFLD, 110
Control, 952,397
Peripartum ICD-9, ICD-10 ICD-9, ICD-10 RR, 6.77 (3.31-13.87) aRR, 2.78 (1.25-6.15) Preeclampsia: aRR, 1.95 (1.03-3.70)
Caesarean section: aRR, 1.52 (1.19-1.94)
Low birth weight: aRR, 2.40 (1.21-4.78)
Delivery <32 weeks:
aRR, 6.92 (2.96-16.14)
Foghsgaard et al12
Predictor: Prior GDM
Outcome factor: NAFLD
Prior GDM, 100
Control, 11
Median 4.5-4.8 years postpartum US 75 g OGTT:
2 hr ≥9
N/A N/A IR: aOR, 0.44 (0.23-0.75)
Waist circumference: aOR, 1.07 (1.02-1.12)
Mehmood et al21
Predictor: GDM
Outcome factor: NAFLD
GDM, 97
Gestational IGT, 40b
Control, 120
Mean 4.8 years postpartum US-graded steatosis 100 g OGTT:
FPG ≥5.8;
1 hr ≥10.6;
2 hr ≥9.2;
3 hr ≥8.1
OR, 3.66 (1.1-12.5) N/A N/A
Mousa et al23
Predictor: NAFLD
Outcome factor: GDM
NAFLD, 200
Control, 200
Peripartum US 75 g OGTT:
FPG ≥7;
2 hr ≥11.1
33% with NAFLD vs 10% without N/A N/A
Lee et al16
Predictor:
NAFLD at 10-14 weeks
Outcome factor: GDM at 24-48 weeks
NAFLD, 112
GDM, 36
Total, 608
Peripartum US-graded steatosis, fatty liver index, hepatic steatosis index 50 g GCT: 1 hr ≥7.8
100 g OGTT ≥2:
FPG ≥5.3;
1 hr ≥10;
2 hr ≥8.6;
3 hr ≥7.8
OR, 6.45 (3.26-12.97) N/A N/A
a

Univariate adjustment for body mass index.

b

Gestational IGT defined by only 1 OGTT value above threshold.

ALT, alanine aminotransaminase; aOR, adjusted odds ratio; aRR, adjusted relative risk; CT LA, computed tomography quantification of liver attenuation; FPG, fasting plasma glucose; GCT, glucose challenge test; GDM, gestational diabetes mellitus; HOMA, Homeostatic Model Assessment; hr, hour; HU, Hounsfield units; ICD, International Classification of Disease; IFG, impaired fasting glucose; IGT, impaired glucose tolerance; IR, insulin resistance; N/A, not available; NAFLD, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease; OGTT, oral glucose tolerance test; OR, odds ratio; RR, relative risk; SD, standard deviation; US, ultrasound.