Maternal Lifestyle and Neonatal Hypoglycemia

tPA has a pivotal role in placentation, mediationg activation of growth factors, such as vascular endothelial growth factor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor, degradation of extracellular matrix and basement membrane (directly or through activation of matrix metalloproteinases) and formation of hemidesmosomes. A high-carbohydrate intake combined with lack of physical activity provides a strong stimulus for maternal insulin production. In this scenario, either β-cells are dysfunctional and diabetes supervenes, or excessive amounts of insulin are produced, providing pathological stimulation of PAI-1 synthesis. Given that PAI-1 is a major tPA inhibitor, PAI-1 excess may affect placentation, increasing the risk of first trimester losses, preterm deliveries and intrauterine growth restriction. Our hypothesis was that prematurity was not the cause of neonatal hypoglycemia, but a parallel occurrence of a strong stimulus for maternal, fetal and neonatal production of insulin.

Inclusion criteria: recurrent early unexplained miscarriages Exclusion criteria: (i) antiphospholipid antibodies, (ii) second- or third-trimester losses, (iii) multiple pregnancy, (iv) anatomical abnormalities that could increase the risk of early miscarriages, (iv) any condition requiring a priori anticoagulation, (v) protocol violation.