Oral dextrose gel for hypoglycemia in a well-baby nursery: a baby-friendly initiative

Abstract

Objectives To assess the impact of oral dextrose gel (ODG) treatment on NICU admission rates for hypoglycemic infants in a well-baby nursery. Study design We retrospectively compared newborn infants at risk for hypoglycemia born during the intervention period (n = 3775) with historical controls (n = 655). We also compared the rates of the primary outcome (NICU admission) and secondary outcomes (exclusive breastfeeding and hospital costs) between the two periods. Results Following the implementation of ODG supplementation, the NICU admissions rates dropped from 4% to 2%, p < 0.05, for at-risk infants and from 15% to 7%, p < 0.05, for hypoglycemic infants in the baseline and intervention periods, respectively, with an adjusted OR (95% CI) of 0.39 (0.24–0.64), p < 0.001. Additionally, the ODG protocol sustained rates of exclusive breastfeeding in contrast to the institutional protocol. Conclusion The adoption of an ODG protocol fosters a more nurturing and baby-friendly environment through reduced NICU transfers, support for exclusive breastfeeding, and decreased hospital costs.