Hypoglycemia in the newborn

Indian J Pediatr. 2010 Oct;77(10):1137-42. doi: 10.1007/s12098-010-0175-1. Epub 2010 Sep 7.

Abstract

Hypoglycemia in a neonate is defined as blood sugar value below 40 mg/dL. It is commonly associated with a variety of neonatal conditions like prematurity, intrauterine growth restriction and maternal diabetes. Screening for hypoglycemia in high-risk situations is recommended. Supervised breast-feeding may be an initial treatment option in asymptomatic hypoglycemia. However, symptomatic hypoglycemia should always be treated with a continuous infusion of parenteral dextrose. Neonates needing dextrose infusion rates above 12 mg/kg/min should be investigated for a definite cause of hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia has been linked to poor neuro-developmental outcome, and hence aggressive screening and treatment is recommended.

MeSH terms

  • Glucose / administration & dosage
  • Humans
  • Hypoglycemia / diagnosis
  • Hypoglycemia / prevention & control*
  • Hypoglycemia / therapy
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infusions, Intravenous
  • Neonatal Screening
  • Reagent Strips
  • Recurrence
  • Sweetening Agents / administration & dosage

Substances

  • Reagent Strips
  • Sweetening Agents
  • Glucose