Risks of dysglycemia over the first four years after a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy

Abstract Background Women with the hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) [preeclampsia (PE) and gestational hypertension (GHTN)], have increased risks of diabetes. Postpartum glycemic screening offers early identification and treatment of dysglycemia. At present, there are no evidence-based recommendations for this high-risk population. The objective of this study was to describe the current practice of dysglycemia screening in the first four years postpartum after normotensive and hypertensive pregnancies. Methods The Discharge Abstract Database was used to identify women who delivered singleton live-born infants in Calgary, Canada, between January 2010 and December 2012 (N=27,300). This was linked with Calgary Laboratory Services (for glycemic tests) and the Pharmaceutical Information Network (for anti-diabetes medication prescriptions) over the first four years postpartum. Logistic regression analysis compared glycemic screening and status adjusted for maternal age, gestational age, parity and the Pampalon deprivation index. Results More women with HDP had any glycemic screening (GHTN: 67.8%, PE: 69.9%, vs. Normotensive: 60.9%; P Conclusion The high prevalence of early dysglycemias highlights the importance of targeted postpartum glycemic screening in women after HDP. Research on optimal glycemic screening tests in these high-risk women is needed.