Jodie G. Katon

Diabetes and Depression in Pregnancy: Is There an Association?

BACKGROUND Prior studies have reported inconsistent findings regarding the association of antenatal depression with pregnancy-related diabetes. This study examined the association of diabetes and antenatal depression. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from a prospective cohort study of pregnant women receiving prenatal care at a single University of Washington Medical Center clinic between January 2004 and January 2009. The primary exposure was diabetes in pregnancy (no diabetes, preexisting diabetes, or gestational diabetes [GDM]). Antenatal depression was defined by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) score or current use of antidepressants. Antenatal depression was coded as (1) any depression (probable major or minor depression by PHQ-9 or current antidepressant use) and (2) major depression (probable major depression by PHQ-9 or current antidepressant use). Logistic regression was used to quantify the association between diabetes in pregnancy and antenatal depression. RESULTS The prevalences of preexisting diabetes, GDM, any antenatal depression, and major antenatal depression were 9%, 18%, 13.6%, and 9.8%, respectively. In the unadjusted analysis, women with preexisting diabetes had 54% higher odds of any antenatal depression compared to those without diabetes (odds ratio [OR] 1.54, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.08-2.21). After adjusting for important covariates the association was attenuated (OR 1.16, 95% CI 0.79-1.71). Results were similar for antenatal major depression. GDM was not associated with increased odds for any antenatal depression or antenatal major depression. CONCLUSIONS Neither preexisting diabetes nor GDM was independently associated with increased risk of antenatal depression.

Key neuropsychiatric symptoms in common dementias: prevalence and implications for caregivers, clinicians, and health systems.

The purpose of this study was to compare neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) among people with common dementias and equip interdisciplinary clinicians and health services planners with large-sample data necessary to plan care for patients and families. We analyzed selected variables from baseline assessments of older adults with dementia of one or more etiologies (N = 3,768) from the National Alzheimers Coordinating Center data repository. Dementias included Alzheimers disease (AD), Lewy body dementia (DLB), behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD), and vascular dementia (VaD). We compared the prevalence of four NPS clusters (agitation/aggression, depression/dysphoria, anxiety, irritability/lability) across dementia etiologies and stages using logistic regression and AD as the reference group. NPS profiles differed significantly across dementia types and stages. Compared with primary AD, DLB was associated with greater odds of depression/dysphoria (OR = 1.68, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.28, 2.20) and anxiety (OR = 1.80, 95% CI 1.37, 2.36), with similar findings when DLB was diagnosed in combination with AD (depression/dysphoria: OR = 1.79, 95% CI 1.11, 2.89; anxiety: OR = 1.88, 95% CI 1.17, 3.02). Primary bvFTD was associated with greater odds of agitation/aggression (OR = 1.59, 95% CI 1.17, 2.18). The prevalence of anxiety and irritability/lability was highest in moderate stages of dementia, and agitation/aggression was most prevalent in severe dementia. Differential diagnosis and staging of dementias and inclusion of single and overlapping etiologies is important for planning and implementing appropriate strategies to anticipate, report, and intervene with key NPS that complicate home and health care.

Antepartum A1C, maternal diabetes outcomes, and selected offspring outcomes: an epidemiological review.

Between 1989 and 2004, the prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in the United States increased by 122%. Glycated haemoglobin, as measured by haemoglobin A1C (A1C), can potentially identify pregnant women at high risk for adverse outcomes associated with GDM including macrosomia and post-partum glucose intolerance. Our objective was to systematically review the literature with respect to A1C levels during pregnancy and associated maternal and offspring outcomes. We used MEDLINE to identify relevant publications from 1975 to 2009. We included articles if they met the following criteria: original full text articles in English; primary exposure of antepartum A1C; women with GDM at baseline or who developed GDM during the study; primary outcome of GDM, insulin use, post-partum abnormal glucose or type 2 diabetes (T2DM), birthweight, macrosomia or large for gestational age. Case series and case reports were excluded. Twenty studies met our criteria. A1C at GDM diagnosis was positively associated with post-partum abnormal glucose. Women with post-partum T2DM or impaired glucose tolerance had mean A1C at GDM diagnosis higher than those with normal post-partum glucose (P ≤ 0.002) and a 1% increase in A1C at GDM diagnosis was associated with 2.36 times higher odds of post-partum abnormal glucose 6 weeks after delivery [95% confidence interval 1.19, 4.68]. The association of A1C and birthweight varied substantially between studies, with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.11 to 0.51. A1C, a less burdensome and costly measure than an oral glucose tolerance test, appears to be an attractive measure for identifying women at high risk of adverse outcomes associated with GDM.

Adverse Childhood Experiences, Military Service, and Adult Health

INTRODUCTION Prevalence of adverse childhood experiences (ACE) and associations with adult health may vary by gender and military service. This study compares the gender-specific prevalence of ACE by military service and determines the associations of ACE with adult health risk factors and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). METHODS This 2014 analysis used data from the 2011 and 2012 CDC Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Total ACE was operationalized as the number of reported ACE. Associations of total ACE with adult health risk factors were estimated using general linear models; associations with HRQOL were estimated using negative binomial regression. All analyses adjusted for age and race/ethnicity. RESULTS Those with military service had more total ACE than civilians. Higher ACE was associated with poorer HRQOL among women (physical health, military service, relative risk [RR]=1.20, 95% CI=1.09, 1.33; civilians, RR=1.18, 95% CI=1.17, 1.20; mental health, military service, RR=1.21, 95% CI=1.12, 1.32; civilians, RR=1.25, 95% CI=1.23, 1.26). Among men, these associations were somewhat attenuated in those with military service relative to civilians (physical health, military service, RR=1.13, 95% CI=1.09, 1.18; civilians, RR=1.20, 95% CI=1.17, 1.24; mental health, military service, RR=1.21, 95% CI=1.16, 1.27; civilians, RR=1.30, 95% CI=1.27, 1.34). CONCLUSIONS Relative to civilians, men and women with military service report more ACE, but associations of ACE with adult HRQOL are weaker among men with military service relative to civilians. There is a need to implement and disseminate evidence-based programs to prevent ACE and for research on the long-term health consequences of ACE in military populations.

Sexual behaviors and sexually transmitted infections in a nationally representative sample of women veterans and nonveterans

BACKGROUND Women veterans are a growing population with unique characteristics and documented health disparities. Few studies have examined their sexual behaviors and rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and none have compared women veterans to nonveterans to identify potential sexual health disparities. METHODS We used data from the 1999-2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a nationally representative U.S. survey. We compared lifetime sexual history (age at first intercourse, number of partners), sexual activity in the last year, and STIs between women veterans (n=151) and nonveterans (n=8738), adjusting for age, race/ethnicity, education, marital status, binge drinking, and survey year. RESULTS Compared to nonveterans, women veterans reported a younger age at first intercourse and a greater number of female and male lifetime sexual partners, and they were more likely to have ever had sex with a woman. They were also more likely than nonveterans to have genital herpes and genital warts. CONCLUSIONS Women veterans reported higher rates of sexual activity and STIs than nonveterans. Future research is needed to assess high-risk behaviors and determine what factors may underlie these associations. Providers should ensure thorough screening and intervention services are provided for this growing population.

Peripheral neuropathy defined by monofilament insensitivity and diabetes status: NHANES 1999-2004.

OBJECTIVE To determine whether diabetes status, including prediabetes, is associated with increased risk of peripheral neuropathy as defined by monofilament insensitivity. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS This study used data from the 1999–2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (n = 7,818). Peripheral neuropathy was defined as one or more insensate sites detected by a Semmes-Weinstein 10-g monofilament. Generalized linear models were used to directly estimate relative risks (RRs) for the association of diabetes status and peripheral neuropathy. RESULTS After adjustment compared with no diabetes, prediabetes [RR 1.11 (95% CI 0.92–1.34)] and undiagnosed diabetes [1.08 (0.73–1.61)] were associated with modest increases in risk of peripheral neuropathy, and diabetes was associated with a 74% higher risk of peripheral neuropathy [1.74 (1.50–2.01)]. CONCLUSIONS Diabetes is associated with increased risk of peripheral neuropathy defined by monofilament insensitivity, but prediabetes and undiagnosed diabetes may be associated with only a modest increase in risk.

Antenatal haemoglobin A1c and risk of large-for-gestational-age infants in a multi-ethnic cohort of women with gestational diabetes.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a risk factor for delivering a large-for-gestational-age (LGA) infant. Haemoglobin A1c (A1C) is an indicator of glycaemic control. The objective of this study was to test whether higher A1C quartile at the time of diagnosis of GDM is associated with increased risk of delivering a LGA or macrosomic infant. Women with singleton pregnancies treated for GDM at a large diabetes and pregnancy programme located in Charlotte, North Carolina, were eligible for inclusion in this retrospective cohort study. Clinical information, including A1C at diagnosis, treatment, prior medical and obstetric history, and birth data were abstracted from medical records. LGA was defined as birthweight >90th percentile for gestational age and sex and macrosomia as birthweight >4000 g. Logistic regression was used to analyse the association of A1C at GDM diagnosis with risk of delivering LGA or macrosomic infants. This study included 502 women. Prevalences of LGA and macrosomia were 4% and 6% respectively. After adjustment there was no detectable trend of increased risk for LGA (P for trend = 0.12) or macrosomia (P for trend = 0.20) across increasing quartiles of A1C at GDM diagnosis. A1C at GDM diagnosis may not be linearly associated with LGA or macrosomia, possibly because of the mediating effect of strict glycaemic control in this clinical setting.

Depression in pregnancy is associated with preexisting but not pregnancy-induced hypertension☆

BACKGROUND The aim was to examine whether depression is associated with preexisting hypertension or pregnancy-induced hypertension in a large sample of women attending a university-based obstetrics clinic. METHODS In this prospective study, participants were 2398 women receiving ongoing prenatal care at a university-based obstetrics clinic from January 2004 through January 2009. Prevalence of depression was measured using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition criteria based on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 as well as the self-reported use of antidepressant medication. Evidence of preexisting hypertension, pregnancy-induced hypertension and preeclampsia/eclampsia was determined by obstetrician International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes. Logistic regression was used to quantify the association between hypertension in pregnancy and antenatal depression. RESULTS After adjusting for sociodemographic variables, chronic medical conditions, smoking and prior pregnancy complications, women with preexisting hypertension had an increased risk of any depression (minor, major, use of antidepressants) [odds ratio (OR)=1.55, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.08-2.23) and major depression and/or use of antidepressants (OR=1.65, 95% CI 1.10-2.48) compared to women without hypertension. No differences were seen in risk of depression in women with pregnancy-induced hypertension or preeclampsia/eclampsia compared to those without hypertension. CONCLUSION Women with preexisting hypertension, but not pregnancy-induced hypertension, are more likely to meet criteria for an antenatal depressive disorder and/or to be treated with antidepressants and could be targeted by obstetricians for screening for depression and enhanced treatment.

Hemoglobin A1c and postpartum abnormal glucose tolerance among women with gestational diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the association of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) at gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) diagnosis with postpartum abnormal glucose in a cohort of women with GDM. METHODS: Women with singleton pregnancies treated for GDM at a large diabetes and pregnancy program located in Charlotte, North Carolina, who completed a postpartum 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test were eligible for inclusion in this retrospective cohort study. Clinical information, including maternal HbA1c at diagnosis, was abstracted from medical records. A parametric survival model was used to assess the association of HbA1c at GDM diagnosis with postpartum maternal abnormal glucose including impaired fasting glucose, impaired glucose tolerance, and any postpartum abnormal glucose. RESULTS: Of the 277 postpartum women with GDM, 75 (32%) had impaired fasting glucose, 61 (28%) had impaired glucose tolerance, and 15 (9%) were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus after delivery. After adjustment for clinic, maternal age, parity, prepregnancy body mass index 25 or higher, nonwhite race or ethnicity, and gestational week at first HbA1c, we detected a trend of increased risk for impaired fasting glucose (P=.01), impaired glucose tolerance (P=.002), and any glucose abnormality (P<.001) associated with increased quartile of HbA1c at GDM diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Hemoglobin A1c measured at GDM diagnosis may be a useful tool for identifying patients with GDM at highest risk of developing postpartum abnormal glucose. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II

Cervical Dilation on Admission in Term Spontaneous Labor and Maternal and Newborn Outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To examine associations between cervical dilation on admission and maternal and newborn outcomes in term spontaneous labor. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study of 11,368 singleton, term (37–43 6/7 weeks of gestation) spontaneously laboring women delivering in 14 hospitals in Washington State between 2012 and 2014 using chart abstracted data from the Obstetrics Clinical Outcomes Assessment Program. Women with prior cesarean delivery or ruptured membranes on admission were excluded. Pregnancy history, cervical dilation on admission, and outcomes were analyzed. Associations between early (less than 4 cm cervical dilation) and late (4 cm or greater cervical dilation) admission and outcomes were examined using general linear models with a log-link stratifying by parity. Results were reported as adjusted relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: Early admission compared with late admission was associated with increased epidural use of 84.8% compared with 71.8% in nulliparous women and 66.3% compared with 53.1% in multiparous women (nulliparous RR 1.18, 95% CI 1.13–1.24; multiparous RR 1.25, 95% CI 1.18–1.32); oxytocin augmentation in 58.5% compared with 36.6% in nulliparous women and 45.9% compared with 20.7% in multiparous women (nulliparous RR 1.56, 95% CI 1.50–1.63; multiparous RR 2.14, 95% CI 1.87–2.44); and cesarean delivery of 21.8% compared with 14.5% in nulliparous women and 3.7% compared with 1.9% in multiparous women (nulliparous RR 1.50, 95% CI 1.32–1.70; multiparous women RR 1.95, 95% CI 1.47–2.57). Early admission was associated with increased neonatal intensive care unit admission for newborns of nulliparous women only (RR 1.38, 95% CI 1.01–1.89). Between 2012 and 2014, late admission increased 14.6% for nulliparous patients and 10.1% for multiparous patients, and the cesarean delivery rate decreased from 10.5% to 7.9% (P<.001) for all. CONCLUSION: Early admission (less than 4 cm cervical dilation) is a risk factor for increased medical intervention and cesarean delivery.