Hypoglycemia in the newborn

Indian J Pediatr. 2008 Jan;75(1):63-7. doi: 10.1007/s12098-008-0009-6.

Abstract

Hypoglycemia in a neonate has been defined as blood sugar value below 40mg/dL. Hypoglycemia is encountered in a variety of neonatal conditions including prematurity, growth retardation and maternal diabetes. Screening for hypoglycemia in certain 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 the cause of hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia has been linked to poor neuro-developmental outcome, and hence aggressive screening and treatment is recommended.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Blood Glucose / metabolism
  • Breast Feeding
  • Glucose / administration & dosage
  • Humans
  • Hypoglycemia* / blood
  • Hypoglycemia* / diagnosis
  • Hypoglycemia* / drug therapy
  • Hypoglycemia* / prevention & control
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infusions, Intravenous
  • Neonatal Screening
  • Risk Factors
  • Sweetening Agents / administration & dosage

Substances

  • Blood Glucose
  • Sweetening Agents
  • Glucose