Outcome data
Maternal data included demographic information (e.g. maternal age, parity), and clinical information (e.g. earliest and latest HbA1c level obtained during the pregnancy, gestational age at time of birth (weeks), exposure to ACS within 7 days of birth (yes/no)) and indication for caesarean section). An ACS interval of 7 days was selected as this time period is regarded as the interval deemed to constitute optimal ACS coverage, that is a repeat dose of ACS would not be given within this period of time. Neonatal data included birthweight (grams), admission to neonatal nursery (yes/no), requirement for respiratory support in SCN for greater than 60 minutes of any type (yes/no), parenteral treatment with glucose for neonatal hypoglycaemia (yes/no) and intravenous antibiotic treatment for (suspected or confirmed) sepsis (yes/no). All pregnancies were dated by first trimester ultrasound and managed in a dedicated multidisciplinary obstetric endocrine clinic.
The primary outcome of neonatal respiratory distress was defined as admission to SCN requiring respiratory support of any type for > 60 minutes. Secondary outcomes included the incidence of admission to SCN, neonatal hypoglycaemia requiring parenteral therapy and the requirement of IV antibiotic therapy for suspected sepsis.