Fetal adrenal cortex function in pregnancy, complicated by maternal insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

Fetal adrenal cortex glucocorticoid andfetal hypophysial adrenocorticotropic function in normal pregnancy and pregnancy, complicated with maternal insulin­ dependent diabetes mellitus were examined in the present study. Statistically significant feta l hypercortisolemia was observed in pregnancies, complicated by insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Correlations between vascular complications o f maternal insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and fetal cortisol andACTG levels were revealed during the investigation. Severe vascular lesions o f maternal diabetes have been associated with delayed feta l lung maturity. Fetal pulmonary maturity was significantly associated with fe ta l cortisol levels.