Extensive studies on the varied impacts of GDM and PGDM on offspring had identified several risks for offspring. However, a thorough analysis of the existing data is essential to cross-analyze the limitations of the identified outcomes. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattentiveness. Currently, ADHD is estimated to affect 2% to 7% of children worldwide, making it one of the most common disorders among school-aged children.

      Several studies that used self-reported data, had limited statistical support or had limited adjustment for confounders, especially familial factors, and were predominantly conducted in White populations. To account for these limitations, a recent study was conducted based on population-based data covering over 3.6 million mother–child pairs in Hong Kong, New Zealand, Taiwan, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, with extensive coverage of relevant covariates, to assess the association between MDM and the risk of ADHD in offspring. The investigated team estimated HRs of average treatment effect with 95% CIs to study the associations between MDM status and ADHD using Cox proportional hazard regression models. Propensity score (PS) fine-stratification weighting was used to address the differences in baseline covariates.

      The study found that GDM and PGDM were associated with a small-to-moderate risk of ADHD in offspring. After controlling for shared familial genetic and social factors in the sibling-matched analyses, risks of ADHD did not differ between siblings with discordant exposure to GDM in pregnancy. Due to the discrepancy around the within- and between-family analyses, the researchers speculate that the relationship between GDM exposure and ADHD may be confounded by familial factors.

Read More