Frequency and Clinical Characteristics of Symptomatic Hypoglycemia in Neonates

Abstract

Background: Hypoglycemia in neonates is associated with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency and clinical characteristics of symptomatic hypoglycemia in neonates.

Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Department of Pediatrics Neonatology, Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar, from April 2009 to March 2010. A total of 150 neonates with signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia were admitted. Gestational age, birth weight and clinical features were recorded on questionnaire. Blood glucose level was checked and any value less than 40mg/dl was considered as hypoglycemia. Data was analyzed by SPSS version 11.

Results: Out of 150 symptomatic neonates, 44(29.3%) were found to be hypoglycemic. Hypoglycemia was more common in males 34(32.7%) as compared to females 10(21.7 %), p=0.04, and was more frequent in first seven days of life 40(31.7%) than late neonatal age 4(16.6%), p=0.04. Hypoglycemia was present in 12(34%) small-for-gestational age, 31(30%) appropriate-for-gestational age and 1(8.3%) in large-for-gestational age babies (p>0.05). Hypoglycemia was seen in 11(32.3%) preterm and 33(29%) term babies (p>0.05). Feeding difficulty was the most common symptom of hypoglycemia 32(72.7%) cases followed by jitteriness in 28(62.7%) cases.

Conclusion: Symptomatic neonatal hypoglycemia is more common in male babies and in the early neonatal age. Blood glucose estimation is mandatory in neonates with signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia.