Asymptomatic hypoglycemia among preterm newborns: A cross-sectional analysis

Area of Science:

• Neonatal Medicine
• Metabolic Disorders
• Pediatric Endocrinology

Background:

• Neonatal hypoglycemia is a common metabolic issue in newborns.
• It is linked to early neonatal mortality in Tanzania.
• Factors contributing to asymptomatic hypoglycemia in preterm infants remain unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify factors associated with asymptomatic hypoglycemia in preterm newborns.
• To investigate the relationship between early feeding practices and neonatal glycemic levels.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional, analytical study was conducted at Dar es Salaam public regional referral hospitals.
• Data from 217 preterm newborns and their mothers were analyzed using multivariable binary logistic regression.
• Asymptomatic hypoglycemia was defined as a random glycaemia level below 2.6 mmol/L.

Main Results:

• The median gestational age was 33 weeks, with a median glycemic level of 2.6 mmol/L.
• Breastfeeding within the first hour post-delivery was a significant protective factor against hypoglycemia (OR; 0.123).
• This protective effect was observed in the multivariable logistic regression model.

Conclusions:

• Approximately half of the studied preterm newborns exhibited glycemic values associated with hypoglycemia.
• Exclusive breastfeeding within the first hour postpartum is linked to protective glycemic levels.
• Emphasizing early breastfeeding is recommended to mitigate the risk of asymptomatic hypoglycemia in preterm infants.