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Am J Perinatol 2024; 41(S 01): e1895-e1900
DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1769796
Original Article

Hemoglobin A1c as a Substitute for Oral Glucose Testing in Early Pregnancy Screening

Sarah D. Crimmins 
1   Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York
,
Lucille M. Martin
2   Department of Emergency Medicine, Universiy of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland
,
Madalyn Myers
1   Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York
,
Emad Elsamadicy 
3   Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
,
Tabitha M. Quebedeaux
4   Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Louisiana State University, New Orleans, Louisiana
,
Andrea N. Desai
5   Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
,
Jerome N. Kopelman
5   Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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Abstract

Objective Current recommendations for individuals with risk factors for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) call for screening in early pregnancy. However, there is currently no clear consensus on a specific screening modality. This study evaluates whether a hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) screening in individuals with risk factors for gestational diabetes (GDM) could be used instead of an early 1-hour glucose challenge test (GCT). We hypothesized that the HbA1c could replace 1-hour GCT in early pregnancy evaluation

Study Design This is a prospective observational trial at a single tertiary referral center of women with at least one risk factor for GDM who were screened at <16 weeks of gestation with both 1-hour GCT or HbA1c. Exclusion criteria include: previous diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, multiple gestation, miscarriage, or missing delivery information. The diagnosis of GDM was made by a 3-hour 100-g glucose tolerance test, using the Carpenter–Coustan criteria (at least two results >94, 179, 154, and 139 mg/dL for fasting, 1-, 2-, and 3-hour values, respectively), 1-hour GCT > 200 mg/dL, or HbA1c > 6.5%.

Results A total of 758 patients met inclusion criteria. A total of 566 completed a 1-hour GCT and 729 had an HbA1c collected. The median gestational age at testing was 91/7 weeks (range: 40/7–156/7 weeks]. Twenty-one participants were diagnosed with GDM at <16 weeks' GA. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves identified the optimal valves for a positive screen for an HbA1c > 5.6%. The HbA1c had a sensitivity of 84.2%, a specificity of 83.3%, and a false positive rate of 16.7% (p < 0.001). The area under the ROC curve for the HbA1c was 0.898. Gestational age of delivery was slightly earlier with individuals with an elevated HbA1c but no other changes in delivery or neonatal outcomes. Contingent screening improved specificity (97.7%) and decreased false positive rate to 4.4%.

Conclusion HbA1c may be a good assessment in early pregnancy for gestational diabetes.

Key Points

  • HbA1c is a rational assessment in early pregnancy.

  • An HbA1c > 5.6% is associated with gestational diabetes.

  • Contingent screening limits the need for additional testing.

Keywords

early pregnancy screening - diabetes in pregnancy - hemoglobin A1c - oral glucose testing


Publication History

Received: 29 March 2023

Accepted: 03 May 2023

Article published online:
12 June 2023

© 2023. Thieme. All rights reserved.

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