SONOGRAPHIC COMPARISON OF PLACENTAL ECHOGENECITY AND THICKNESS IN NORMAL VERSUS GESTATIONAL DIABETIC PREGNANCIES

Abstract

Pregnancy is a diabetogenic state and is commonly complicated by gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), which is a frequent metabolic disorder of pregnancy. It is associated with elevated maternal blood glucose levels and can affect the health of the mother as well as the fetus. This condition may induce structural and functional alterations in the placenta, an organ critical for oxygen and nutrient transfer that directly affects fetal growth. As a non-invasive and safe imaging technique, ultrasound proves valuable for evaluating placental characteristics including echogenicity and thickness, thereby facilitating early identification and surveillance of complications associated with GDM.

Objective: To sonographically compare the placental echogenicity and thickness in normal Versus gestational diabetic pregnancies.

Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the UOL Ultrasound Clinic Green Town Lahore, over a duration of 7 months. This study is based on a convenient sampling technique and the study population comprised pregnant females from the second trimester till term, including both normal pregnancies and diagnosed cases of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Females with other pregnancy-related complications were excluded from the study.

Results: Out of 100 participants, 50 were GDM and 50 were normal pregnancies. In the GDM group, 23 showed heterogeneous placental echogenicity, 18 had mildly increased echogenicity, and 9 had normal findings, while all normal pregnancies showed normal echogenicity. Mean placental thickness was higher in GDM (44.0) compared to normal pregnancies (30.1), with results being statistically significant (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion: Placental thickness and echogenicity were significantly increased in GDM pregnancies (P < 0.0001), while placental location, grade, and obesity showed no significant differences. Ultrasound assessment of these placental changes is a useful, non-invasive tool for monitoring GDM.