The Hyperglycemia and Adverse Pregnancy Outcome (HAPO) Study

Objective: The objective of the Hyperglycemia and Adverse Pregnancy Outcome (HAPO) Study is to clarify unanswered questions on associations of maternal glycemia, less severe than overt diabetes mellitus, with risks of adverse pregnancy outcome. This report describes the background and design of the HAPO Study. Methods: HAPO is a 5-year investigator-initiated prospective observational study that will recruit approximately 25 000 pregnant women in 10 countries. HAPO utilizes a Central Laboratory for measurement of key metabolic variables, a Clinical Coordinating Center, a Data Coordinating Center, and an independent Data Monitoring Committee. Glucose tolerance is assessed by a 75 g 2-h OGTT at 24–32 weeks’ gestation. Results are unblinded to the woman and her caregivers if: fasting plasma glucose >5.8 mmol/l, 2-h plasma glucose >11.1 mmol/l or any plasma glucose