HYPOGLYCEMIA;

A STUDY IN HOSPITALIZED NEONATES AT BAHAWAL VICTORIA HOSPITAL, BAHAWALPUR-PAKISTAN

Abstract

Introduction: Hypoglycemia is a common condition found in neonates. Much of
morbidity and mortality is related to it, although it can be prevented and managed promptly. It is
important to estimate the frequency of hypoglycemia in neonates particularly who are sick and
are admitted in hospital. Objective: To estimate the frequency of hypoglycemia in hospitalized
neonates. Study Design: Cross-sectional descriptive study. Sample technique: Convenience
sampling. Place & duration of study: The study was conducted in nursery section of Pediatrics
unit I at B.V.Hospital, Bahawalpur. from 01-10-2011 to 31-03-2012. Subjects & Methods: 60
neonates were taken who were admitted for various ailments in Nursery Section. They were
checked for blood sugar level at the time of admission/presentation by glucometer. If found
hypoglycemic, blood sample taken for laboratory conformation. Blood sugar levels were taken
and analyzed to compare qualitative variables by chi-square test at 5% level of significance.
Results: 30% among hospitalized neonates were found hypoglycemic including both
symptomatic and asymptomatic. Conclusions: Neonatal hypoglycemia is observed commonly
in hospitalized neonates so blood sugar level of every neonate brought to hospital should be
checked.