Fetal Epicardial Fat Thickness In Diabetic And Non-Diabetic Pregnancies: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study

ObjectiveTo evaluate fetal epicardial fat thickness (EFT) in diabetic and control pregnancies.MethodsA retrospective cross-sectional study was performed in which fetal EFT was measured in the second trimester in 28 diabetics and 28 non-diabetic patients. Maternal BMI, estimated fetal weight, birth weight, fetal abdominal circumference, and subcutaneous fat thickness were also collected. Statistical analysis was carried out by means of chi-square, Wilcoxon rank-sum test, Student's T test, and linear regression as appropriate.ResultsEFT was significantly higher in diabetic (1.43 mm) vs. control fetuses (1.16 mm), P=0.02. This relationship remained significant when controlling for covariates.ConclusionsEFT was higher in fetuses of diabetic mothers vs. fetuses from controls. If confirmed in prospective studies, this may represent a novel marker for altered fetal metabolism due to maternal diabetes.