Study of Hypoglycemia in Breastfed Late Preterm Neonates

Abstract

Background: Aim: To evaluate the usefulness of regular monitoring of blood glucose in early diagnosis of hypoglycemia in breastfed late preterm neonate. Methods: A total of 100 consecutively born breastfed late preterm neonates were studied and assessed for development of hypoglycemia against age of onset, symptomatology, gestational age and sex of the baby, parity and age of mother, and mode of delivery. Serial blood glucose was done at 0, 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 hours of life to identify hypoglycemia. Blood glucose was estimated from heel prick capillary samples using glucometer. Association of both maternal and neonatal risk factors was studied in relation to hypoglycemia. Results: The overall incidence of hypoglycemia was 15%. Out of 15 hypoglycemic babies 12(80%) developed symptoms and only 3(20%) were asymptomatic. Most (90%) of the hypoglycemia occurred on the first day of life. Babies born to primi mothers were more prone for hypoglycemia (25%). Highest incidence was seen in babies weighing less than 2 kg (50%). Symptoms of hypoglycemia included poor feeding (66%), lethargy (58%), jitteriness (41%), and weak cry (25%). Conclusion: There is a significant incidence of hypoglycemia in late preterm babies in spite of being on breast feeds. Babies born to primiparous mothers are more prone for hypoglycemia. Also hypoglycemia was very high in babies having birth weight below 2 kg. Therefore it is very important to regularly monitor the blood glucose levels in all late preterm babies even if they are on exclusive breast feeding.