Fifth stage
Pediatric
Lec6
.د
رياض
14/12/2016
Neonatal hypoglycemia
Definition:
• When Serum glucose <40mg/dl(<2.2mmol/l)in term
newborn, and <30mg/dl(<1.7mmol/l)in preterm babies.it
is usually transient and rarely permanent hypoglycemia.
common risk factors to suspect it to occur are ;
Premature babies.
Small for gestational age SGA
Neonatal Sepsis
Infant of diabetic mother IDM.
Perinatal asphyxia
Erythroblastosis fetalis.
Aetiology of neonatal hypoglycemia
Deficient glycogen store; In premature, SGA, feeding delay due to sick
newborn.
Hyperinsulinism ; infant of diabetic mother IDM,
Beckwith-Wiedman S.(hyperplasia of islet cells, macroglossia, umbilical
hernia), erythroblastosis fetalis (Rh-isoimunisation.).
Inborn error of metabolism like in defective fatty acids metabolism,
glycogen storage diseases and galactosemia
Hormonal deficiency; low growth hormone, congenital hypothyroidism,
cortisol hormone deficiency like in congenital adrenal hyperplasia CAH.
Symptoms and signs:
• Many newborns with hypoglycemia are asymptomatic. Features
includes; poor feeding, lethargy, apnea , seizures, jitterness,
cyanotic spells, tremors, hypothermia. all these features are
nonspecific and subtle, it simulate sepsis, hypothermia,
hypocalcemia, so when a risk factor is present and clinical features
are suggestive then do rapid bedside capillary needle stick blood
sugar test. Treatment of symptomatic and asymptomatic cases is
crucial, because recurrent attacks or persistent hypoglycemia
may damage the brain and may lead to mental retardation and CP
in future.
Treatment:
For symptomatic newborn; Rapid IV 2-4ml/kg D10% (DEXTROSE) given,
followed by infusion of 4-8mg glucose/kg/min fluid for many hrs,
followed by early oral feedings when the condition allows. In resistant
difficult cases; glucagon injection or hydrocortisone can be used if
glycogen store present.
For asymptomatic and mild cases; early encouragement of repetitive
oral feedings together with BS testings : is enough to correct
hypoglycemia.