Hypoglycemia in Newborns with risk factors of hypoglycemia.

Abstract

Objectives: Hypoglycemia is a matter of great concern especially in newborns. Its prevalence varies globally as different protocols and feeding policies exist. We aimed this study to find out the incidence of hypoglycemia in newborns with risk factors of hypoglycemia. Study Design: Observational study Setting: Pediatric Medicine Unit-2, Mayo Hospital, Lahore. Period: From 1^st January 2018 to 31^st December 2018. Material & Methods: A total of 342 babies born with risk factors for hypoglycemia fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria were considered for this study. Screening for hypoglycemia was performed prior to feeding at 2, 6, 12, 24 and 48 hours of life. Results: Out of a total of 342 newborns with risk factors, 109 (31.9%) were found to have hypoglycemia. Amongst these newborns, 99 (28.9%) and 10 (2.9%) newborns had asymptomatic and symptomatic hypoglycemia respectively. Among these 109 newborns, majority were male 56 (51.4%), 70 (64.2%) with gestational age more than 37 weeks, 66 (60.6%) with birth weight more than 2500 grams and 62 (56.9%) small for gestational age (SGA). Amongst newborns who developed at least 1 hypoglycemia episode, 52 (47.7%) were at 2 hours of life, 31 (28.4%) at 6 hours whereas no hypoglycemia episode recorded beyond 24 hours of life. Conclusions: Screening for hypoglycemia should always be performed in babies who had risk factors of hypoglycemia especially within 24 hours of life. As per our study blood glucose screening should be mandatory in all newborns who are SGA.