Neonatal hypoglycaemia: changing attitudes in the Northern Region

There has been a recent resurgence of interest in the significance of moderate hypoglycaemia in neonates; although old assumptions have been questioned, there are insufficient data for new and authoritative guidelines to be published. This longitudinal study was designed to test the hypothesis that there have been changes in attitudes among those caring for newborn babies in the 18 maternity units in one health Region. The data were collected by questionnaire in 1986 and 1991, and responses were complete. The results showed a significant shift to higher values in the definition of hypoglycaemia over the five years, in association with a tendency to feed babies earlier--although some units had not altered their policies.