Gestational diabetes mellitus and risk of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM), a common pregnancy complication characterized by glucose intolerance, is increasingly recognized as a risk factor for Neonatal Respiratory Distress Syndrome (NRDS). This study aimed to systematically review and quantify the association between GDM and NRDS.

A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science from their inception through July 30, 2024, to identify relevant studies. A total of 44 studies, including 50 datasets and over 6.2 million participants, were included in the analysis. Meta-analyses were performed using random-effects models to estimate pooled odds ratios (ORs) and assess heterogeneity among studies. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on study design, gestational age, diagnostic methods, and geographical regions.

Our meta-analysis demonstrated a statistically significant association between GDM and an increased risk of NRDS in newborns (OR 1.9; 95%CI 1.5–2.3). A sub-group analysis based on studies participants showed significant association in both GDM-based (OR, 2.0; 95%CI, 1.5–2.7) and NRSD-based studies (OR, 1.7; 95%CI, 1.3–2.3). This association was consistent across other various subgroups, including both term and preterm pregnancies and across different continents. Sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness of these findings, and cumulative meta-analysis showed a steady increase in the strength of the association over time.

Our findings highlight GDM as a significant risk factor for NRDS, underscoring the need for early detection and effective management of GDM to reduce adverse neonatal outcomes. However, limitations such as residual confounding, high heterogeneity among studies, and evidence of publication bias should be considered when interpreting these results. Future research should address these issues by including diverse populations and accounting for key confounders to better understand the GDM-NRDS relationship and explore targeted interventions to mitigate the risk in infants born to mothers with GDM.