High adverse pregnancy outcome exists among the louisiana coushatta indians

C. Cook, D. Gordon, A. Gatchair-Rose, W. D. Scheer, M. Turner, T. Johnson, Marcie Williams, R. Nair, M. Oalman, D. Borne, D. Boudreau, P. Bourgeois, K. Demourelle, D. Harris, C. Post

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Since October 1994, members of the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana have been participating in a study of diabetes and obesity. Preliminary data indicate that the prevalence of diabetes is >30%. Little information exists on pregnancy outcome among Native Americans and its relationship to diabetes. In order to examine this issue, we have begun a pilot study investigating the rate of adverse pregnancy outcome among the Louisiana Coushatta Indians. As a means of collecting information about pregnancy outcome, a questionnaire was developed asking Coushatta women to report on their pregnancy experiences. To date, information on pregnancies in 26 of the 43 women already enrolled in the PCDSP has been obtained. A total of 81 pregnancies have been reported by these 25 women. Of these 81 pregnancies, 25 pregnancies (30%) have been associated with adverse outcomes. These include 7 reported miscarriages, 2 stillbirths, 1 neonatal death, 6 premature deliveries (5 of whom died within the first year of life), 5 infants weighing more than 9 Ibs at birth, 4 with clubfoot, and 1 reported transposition of the great vessels. Seventeen of those pregnancies with adverse outcomes occurred in Coushatta women who presently have either diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance. The data indicate that the Coushatta have a high rate of adverse pregnancy outcomes, possibly related to gestational diabetes. Developing programs to address the etiologies (particularly the relationship to gestational diabetes) and prevent the causes will need to be an essential part of their health care.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)56A
JournalJournal of Investigative Medicine
Volume44
Issue number1
StatePublished - 1996

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

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