Neonatal Hypoglycemia How common is Hypoglycemia in Newborns Weighing Less Than 2500 gms: A Hospital Based Study

Abstract

Objective:To determine the frequency of hypoglycemia in neonates weighing less than 2500 grams in first 48 hours of life presented to CMH Abbottabad.

Study Design: Cross Sectional Study.

Setting: Department of Pediatrics, Combined Military Hospital, Abbottabad.

Duration of Study: This study was conducted from 1^st July 2020 to 1^st January 2021

Subjects and Methods:

A total of 110 neonates of both genders with birth weight less than 2500 grams using consecutive non-probability sampling technique were included in the study. Capillary blood was  collected  by heel prick after proper aseptic measure for blood glucose estimation by Glucometer at 0, 1, 2, 3, 6 and every 6 hours till 48 hours of birth. All hypoglycemic neonates were managed with intravenous administration of 10%glucose.

Results:

Gestational age range in this study was from 34 to 42  weeks with mean gestational age of 38.663±1.55 weeks, mean birth weight 1622.818±409.23 grams and mean blood glucose level was 54.763±9.55 mg/dl. Total 80% neonates were male. Hypoglycemia was observed in 27.3% neonates. No significant difference was seen comparing frequency of hypoglycemia among pre-term and term neonates (p-value 0.52), male vs female neonates (p-value 1.00) and different modes of delivery. (p-value 0.6). While frequency of hypoglycemia was significantly high in extremely low birth neonates as compared to low and very low birth weight. (p-value <0.01).

Conclusion:

Our study concluded that frequency of hypoglycemia was 27.3% in newborns weighing less than 2500 grams in first 48 hours of life. Extremely low birth weight (less than 1000gms) is a significant determinant for hypoglycemia.

Keywords:

 First 48 hours, frequency, low birth weight, hypoglycemia, new borns