Gestational glycosuria, proteinuria, and borderline hypertension in pregnancy are predictors for the later onset of maternal chronic disease

J Obstet Gynaecol Res. 2023 Feb;49(2):641-648. doi: 10.1111/jog.15497. Epub 2022 Nov 10.

Abstract

Aim: Although hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and gestational diabetes mellitus (DM) are risk factors for hypertension, DM, and kidney disease in later life, the association of gestational glycosuria, proteinuria, and borderline hypertension with these chronic diseases has been unclear.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between April 2017 and November 2020 at a Japanese tertiary hospital. Three variables listed in the Maternal and Child Health Handbook were analyzed: glycosuria, proteinuria, and systolic blood pressure (<130, 130-139, and ≥ 140 mmHg) during pregnancy. The incidences of DM, kidney disease, and hypertension self-reported by mothers of pregnant women on a questionnaire were assessed with logistic regression analysis.

Results: The 312 women completed the questionnaires an average of 35.8 ± 4.2 years after delivering their daughters. Risk for DM was significantly increased among women with glycosuria (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 3.62; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.21-10.9), and risk for kidney disease was significantly increased among women with proteinuria (aOR, 4.07; 95% CI, 1.29-12.9). Risk for hypertension was significant in women whose blood pressures were ≥ 140 mmHg (aOR, 4.26; 95% CI, 1.96-9.24), but the association between blood pressures of 130-139 mmHg and hypertension was not significant (aOR, 1.72; 95% CI, 0.95-3.11); however, a significant positive trend (p < 0.001) between increasing blood pressure and hypertension was observed.

Conclusions: Gestational glycosuria, proteinuria, and increased blood pressure were associated with the development of maternal chronic diseases. These standard and inexpensive assessments may improve lifelong health management in women.

Keywords: Maternal and Child Health Handbook; diabetes mellitus; gestational; gestational glycosuria; gestational proteinuria; hypertension; kidney disease.

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Chronic Disease
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Diabetes, Gestational* / epidemiology
  • Female
  • Glycosuria* / complications
  • Humans
  • Hypertension* / complications
  • Hypertension* / epidemiology
  • Hypertension, Pregnancy-Induced* / epidemiology
  • Pre-Eclampsia*
  • Pregnancy
  • Proteinuria / epidemiology