ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | Aug. 4, 2025
Elevated Serum Uric Acid Levels in the First Trimester as a Predictor of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Kavya Balasubramanian, Sowmiya Sathyamoorthy, Murugalakshmi Krishnan
Page no 254-257 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sijog.2025.v08i08.001
Background: Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is a common pregnancy complication linked to higher perinatal risks for mother and baby. Elevated serum uric acid levels can contribute to insulin resistance by inhibiting the insulin-mediated release of endothelial nitric oxide and directly impacting the adipocytes. During the first trimester, serum uric acid levels are similar to pre-conception levels, so increased levels may signal a higher GDM risk. Objective: Our study was conducted to analyse the relationship between first-trimester serum uric acid levels and the development of GDM. Additionally, we sought to evaluate the potential of elevated serum uric acid as an early predictor of GDM. Methods: This prospective observational study recruited eligible antenatal women with live singleton pregnancies and a gestational age of less than 15 weeks who attended the outpatient clinic using convenience sampling. Pregnant women with a gestational age above 15 weeks, overt diabetes mellitus, those taking steroids in any form, or consuming drugs known to increase serum uric acid levels, as well as women with gout, other endocrine disorders, chronic renal disease, liver disease, cardiovascular disorders, or who smoked, were excluded. Blood tests were conducted, and serum uric acid levels exceeding 3.5 mg/dL were regarded as elevated. The study participants underwent an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation. GDM was diagnosed according to the criteria of the Diabetes in Pregnancy Study Group India (DIPSI). A statistical analysis was performed, including measures of diagnostic performance. Results: One hundred and eight antenatal women participated in the study, with a mean age of 23.6 (± 4.08) years. Most women (46.3%) were aged 21 to 25, and the majority (56.5%) were primigravida. The prevalence of GDM in this group was 19.4% (21/108). A univariate analysis was performed to investigate the relationship between serum uric acid levels and various factors. Women with first-trimester serum uric acid levels exceeding 3.5 mg/dL demonstrated a significant (p < 0.001) correlation with abnormal OGTT results. The diagnostic performance tests for elevated first-trimester serum uric acid levels in predicting GDM revealed a sensitivity of 90.5% and a negative predictive value of 97.1%. Conclusion: We concluded that elevated serum uric acid in the first trimester is linked to a higher risk of developing GDM and may serve as a screening tool for early identification.
CASE REPORT | Aug. 6, 2025
A Giant Bartholin Gland Cyst in a 47-Year-Old Woman: Functional and Aesthetic Management
Sofia Mchichou, Mouna Anibri, Nada Alioua, Rim Laaboudi, Samir Bargach
Page no 258-260 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sijog.2025.v08i08.002
Introduction: Bartholin gland cysts are common benign vulvar lesions in women of reproductive age. Large or recurrent cysts can be challenging to treat, particularly when they impact quality of life or body image. This case highlights the surgical management of a giant Bartholin cyst in a postmenopausal woman, with a focus on functional and aesthetic outcomes. Case Presentation: A 47-year-old woman presented with a large right labial mass progressively increasing over several months, associated with discomfort during walking and sitting. Clinical examination revealed a tense, fluctuant cyst arising from the right Bartholin gland. Surgical excision was performed through a concealed mucosal incision on the medial aspect of the labia majora. After removal, excess skin resulting from tissue distension was excised, and a layered closure with absorbable sutures was performed to restore vulvar symmetry. Postoperative recovery was uneventful, with excellent aesthetic and functional results at one month. Discussion: Bartholin cysts exceeding 4–5 cm are rare, particularly in perimenopausal or postmenopausal women. Although marsupialization remains a standard approach, complete excision may be preferred for large or symptomatic cysts. In this case, a targeted aesthetic approach was used by concealing the incision and removing redundant skin to restore anatomical symmetry. The case underlines the importance of individualized surgical planning, particularly in patients concerned about body image and aesthetics. Few reports describe the aesthetic consideration in Bartholin gland surgery, making this case a unique contribution. Conclusion: This case demonstrates that with careful surgical planning, large Bartholin cysts can be effectively treated with attention to both function and vulvar aesthetics. Aesthetic outcomes are increasingly relevant in vulvar surgery and deserve greater attention in the literature.