Prophylactic Dextrose Gel Use in Newborns at Risk for Hypoglycemia

Abstract

Objective: To assess the impact of prophylactic dextrose gel on short-term outcomes in infants at risk for hypoglycemia. Methods: Retrospective, single-center, pre and post-intervention study of neonates at risk for hypoglycemia -infants of diabetic mothers, large and small for gestational age infants, born between January 2015 and May 2023. Infants were categorized into two groups for analysis. 1. Pre- dextrose gel (01/2015 to 04/2018, n=788) and 2. Dextrose gel (01/2019 to 05/2023, n=1495). Infant demographic data and outcome variables were compared between the two groups. Results: 2283 infants were eligible. Prophylactic dextrose gel use was associated with decreased admission rates to NICU secondary to hypoglycemia (2.7% vs. 6.5%), reduced incidence of hypoglycemia in the first 48 hours (32% vs. 43.3%), and higher exclusive breastmilk use at discharge (47% vs. 37.3%). Conclusion: The use of prophylactic dextrose gel in certain high-risk newborns was associated with improved patient outcomes.