Serum GGT may predict gestational diabetes risk

Takeaway

• This meta-analysis suggests a significant association between gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels and the risk for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).
• However, no significant association was observed between alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST) and the risk for GDM.

Why this matter

• Association between liver enzymes and risk for GDM is a controversial issue.
• Findings warrant further longitudinal studies with long-term follow-up and repeated measurements to confirm the magnitude and direction of these associations.

Study design

• A meta-analysis of 8 studies including 25,451 participants identified after a search on PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus and Web of Science databases.
• Funding: None.

Key results

• Pooled analysis showed a significant association between GGT (higher vs lower category) and the risk for GDM (OR, 2.10; 95% CI, 1.14-3.86; I²=84%).
• Random-effects model showed a dramatic and direct significant relationship between GGT and risk for GDM in non-linear (P<.001) and linear (P<.001) dose-response analysis.
• A non-significant association was observed between ALT and AST and the risk for GDM (OR, 1.32; 95% CI, 0.91-1.90; I²=65.3%, and OR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.52-1.10; I²=16.1%, respectively).

Limitations

• Heterogeneity among included studies.