Capillary bedside blood glucose measurement in neonates: missing a diagnosis of galactosemia

J Clin Res Pediatr Endocrinol. 2015 Mar;7(1):83-5. doi: 10.4274/jcrpe.1805.

Abstract

A number of factors may lead to inaccuracy in measurement of capillary blood glucose with a glucometer. Measurement of other carbohydrate molecules such as galactose and fructose along with glucose can potentially be a cause of error. We report a newborn patient who was referred to our hospital with conjugated bilirubinemia, hepatomegaly and high capillary blood glucose levels measured with a glucometer. Simultaneous biochemical measurements revealed normal blood glucose levels. Further investigation led to a diagnosis of classical galactosemia. Capillary blood glucose level measured with glucometer also dropped to normal values following cessation of breastfeeding and initiation of feeding with a lactose-free formula.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Blood Glucose / analysis*
  • Blood Glucose Self-Monitoring*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Diagnostic Errors / prevention & control*
  • Diagnostic Tests, Routine / methods*
  • Galactosemias / blood
  • Galactosemias / diagnosis*
  • Hepatomegaly / physiopathology*
  • Humans
  • Hyperbilirubinemia / physiopathology*
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male

Substances

  • Blood Glucose