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.