Dextrose gel treatment does not impair subsequent feeding

Area of Science:

• Neonatal care
• Pediatric endocrinology
• Clinical nutrition

Background:

• Neonatal hypoglycemia is commonly treated with dextrose gel.
• Previous studies indicated higher dextrose gel doses (400 mg/kg) might negatively impact infant feeding.
• The safety and efficacy of the recommended 200 mg/kg dose on infant feeding require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effect of 200 mg/kg dextrose gel on subsequent infant feeding in neonates with hypoglycemia.
• To compare feeding parameters, including alertness, breastfeeding quality and duration, and formula intake, between dextrose gel and placebo groups.

Main Methods:

• A randomized, placebo-controlled trial was conducted with hypoglycemic neonates.
• Participants received either 200 mg/kg dextrose gel or a placebo.
• Infant feeding was assessed on the following feeding occasion, measuring prefeed alertness, breastfeeding quality and duration, and formula volume.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in prefeed alertness scores was observed between dextrose gel and placebo groups (OR=1.30, p=0.49).
• Infants receiving dextrose gel were more likely to exhibit good breastfeeding quality (OR=3.54, p=0.01), with similar breastfeeding duration (p=0.62).
• Formula intake volumes were comparable between the two groups (p=0.30).

Conclusions:

• Treatment of neonatal hypoglycemia with 200 mg/kg dextrose gel does not adversely affect subsequent infant feeding.
• The recommended dose of dextrose gel may enhance breastfeeding quality in neonates.
• Dextrose gel at 200 mg/kg is a safe and effective option for managing neonatal hypoglycemia without compromising feeding behaviors.