A five year study of neonatal hypoglycaemia in Toa Payoh Hospital (1984-1988)

A total of 18,611 live births from 1984 to 1988 in Toa Payoh Hospital were screened for neonatal hypoglycaemia. 102 neonates developed hypoglycaemia which was asymptomatic in 83% of cases. Of the 91 neonates whose medical records were still available, all had at least a high risk factor for the development of hypoglycaemia. Infants of diabetic mother (IDM) that were also more than 4 kg birth weight had the highest risk of developing hypoglycaemia. 82% of these hypoglycaemic neonates developed hypoglycaemia within the first 4 hours of life. Since so many of them had asymptomatic hypoglycaemia, screening of high risk neonates must be stressed.