Incidence of Hypoglycaemia and its Determinants in Neonates Admitted in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Baby in mother's womb depends on placental circulation for glucose. During birth, the clamping of the umbilical cord abruptly curtails the glucose supply from the placenta and thus neonates are more prone to develop hypoglycaemia and is preventable if we aware of the maternal and neonatal risk factors. This study aimed to identify the incidence of hypoglycaemia and its risk factors.

A prospective observational design was carried out among 115 neonates in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) during December 2021 to January 2022. Convenience sampling technique was used to enrol the neonates who met the inclusion criteria. Neonatal and maternal clinical characteristics, incidence, risk factors of hypoglycaemia, were collected by direct observation and from medical record. Data were analysed using chi-square test, t test and logistic regression with SPSS software version 25.

The incidence of hypoglycaemia was 30.4%.20.8 % had single episode and 9.6% had multiple episodes. Mean (SD) lowest blood glucose value was 11.31 (17.91). Mean (SD) age at which first episode detected was 6.33 (16.05) hours. Predominant symptoms were jitteriness, lethargy and convulsion. Hypothermia, sepsis, prematurity, small for gestation, intra uterine growth retardation, birth asphyxia, history of poor feeding, birth weight, twin pregnancy, gestational diabetes mellitus were associated with neonatal hypoglycaemia significantly.

Incidence of neonatal hypoglycaemia can be minimized by identifying the risk factors, adhering close monitoring and by early treatment. This will prevent poor neurodevelopmental outcomes.