Prevalence and Outcome of Hypoglycaemia Among Children Presenting to the Children Emergency Room of Rivers State University Teaching Hospital

Abstract

Background: Hypoglycaemia is a common feature seen in children presenting in the paediatric emergency and it contributes to increased morbidity and mortality. Objective: To determine the prevalence of hypoglycaemia among children admitted into the Children emergency of Rivers State University Teaching Hospital and to assess it’s relationship with patient outcome. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 94 children whose parents gave informed consent were recruited consecutively. Their socio-demographic characteristics, clinical features, diagnosis, management and outcome were recorded. Random blood sugar was determined using Accu-Chek Active Blood glucose meter, and classified as hypoglycaemia (<3.3mmol/l), normoglycaemia (3.4-8-9mmol/l), hyperglycaemia-prediabetic range(>8.9-11mmol/l), hyperglycaemia-diabetic range(>11mmol/l). Results: Of the 94 recruited children majority were under five years (75 children,79.8%) with male-female ratio of 1.24:1. Most common diagnosis seen were Malaria, Sepsis, Bronchopneumonia, anaemia and Meningitis; with an overall mortality rate of 5.3%. The prevalence of hypoglycaemia was 11.7%. Of the 11 children with hypoglycaemia, 4(44.4%) had their blood glucose level restored after 1 hour, 3(33.3%) had hypoglycaemia persisting and 2(22.3%) had hyperglycaemia. Out of the 3 children who had hypoglycaemia persisting, 2(66.7%) died while the 3rd (33.3%) was discharged. Mortality rate among those with hypoglycaemia was 27.3%. Hypoglycaemia was found to be significantly associated with a diagnosis of Sepsis and Gastroenteritis, and patient mortality. Conclusion: Hypoglycaemia is common in children presenting in the emergency room and may be associated with increased mortality. Blood glucose levels should be monitored closely in all sick admitted children and hypoglycaemia corrected appropriately. Key words: Prevalence Hypoglycaemia Children Emergency Port Harcourt.