Frequency of Hypoglycemia in Preterm Newborns

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of hypoglycemia and its increased risk of morbidity and mortality in preterm newborns. Study Design: Cross-sectional Place and Duration: Study was conducted at Children Medical Center (CMC) / Dr Habib un Nabi Children Hospital Airport Road Mingora Swat and Memon Medical Institute Karachi for duration of six months from January 2021 to June 2021. Methods: Total 120 preterm neonates had symptomatic and asymptomatic hypoglycemia was presented in this study. Detailed demographics included sex, birth weight and gestational age were recorded after taking informed written consent from the authorities. Blood sample was taken from all neonates for laboratory test. Blood glucose <40mg/dl were calculated as hypoglycemia. Frequency of hypoglycemia and its risk factors with symptoms were calculated in this study. SPSS 22.0 version was used to analyze all data. Results: Majority of the infants were males 75 (62.5%) and 45 (37.5%) were females. Mean gestational age was 32.3+6.37 weeks. Mean birth weight of the infants was 2.04±3.43 kg with mean age 4.5+3.73 days. Out of 120 cases, 88 (73.3%) neonates were born by C-section. Frequency of hypoglycemia was fund among 52 (43.3%) cases in which majority were males with symptomatic hypoglycemia in 40 (33.3%) neonates. Hypertension in mothers was the most common cause of hypoglycemia found in 27 (51.9%) cases. Breast feeding difficulty was the most common symptom in 43 (82.7%) cases followed by jitteriness in 32 (61.5%). Rate of mortality was 7 (13.5%). Conclusion: In this research we concluded that the prevalence of hypoglycemia was significantly higher in preterm neonates and maximum cases were reported in symptomatic neonates with higher number of males. For children, hypoglycemia is associated with a high mortality risk. If a child's blood sugar levels go dangerously low or if they've been fasting for an extended period of time, they should receive treatment. Keywords: Preterm Newborns, Hypoglycemia, Prevalence, Mortality, Symptoms