Perinatal outcomes in maternal super-obesity: A population-based cohort study in Qatar

RATIONALE

Maternal obesity increases the risk of hypertensive diseases of pregnancy, gestational diabetes, thromboembolism, operative delivery, and neonatal outcomes, including hypoglycaemia, respiratory distress, admission to intensive care, and neonatal death. Super-obesity (BMI ≥50.0 kg/m2) has not been not studied in the multiethnic population in Qatar with high prevalence of obesity.

AIM: This study aims to evaluate maternal and fetal outcomes in women with an antenatal BMI ≥50 kg/m2 (exposed) compared with pregnancies in women with a BMI ≤30 kg/m2 (unexposed).

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Multivariable logistic regressions models were used to adjust outcomes for important confounders: 
Log(odds of outcome)= Adjusted OR+ Maternal age+ Maternal parity+ Preexisting medical illness+ Previous caesarean+ Maternal nationality+ History of bariatric surgery

CONCLUSION

Super obesity increases the risk of caesarean delivery, gestational diabetes, gestational hypertension, macrosomia baby, and neonatal morbidity. The results emphasize the importance of adequate weight reduction and pre-existing disease control before conception to reduce maternal and neonatal morbidity and impact on healthcare and financial resources. 

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