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Published on: November 20, 2015

Early-onset hypoglycemia in late preterm infants: Small-for-gestational-age as an independent risk factor

Hyejin Park1, Ji-Sook Kim2, Sangyoon Lee2

  • 1Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Kyungpook National University Children's Hospital, Daegu, Republic of Korea.

Pediatrics and Neonatology
|August 11, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Hypoglycemia is common in late preterm infants, particularly those born small for gestational age. Early glucose monitoring is crucial for timely detection and management in this vulnerable population.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Perinatal Research

Background:

  • Late preterm infants (34-36 weeks' gestation) are physiologically immature, increasing hypoglycemia risk.
  • Clinical stability perception often masks underlying physiological vulnerability in this group.
  • Limited evidence specifically addresses hypoglycemia in late preterm infants.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Determine the incidence of hypoglycemia in late preterm infants.
  • Identify risk factors associated with hypoglycemia in this population.
  • Characterize the timing of hypoglycemic episodes in late preterm infants.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 584 late preterm infants (2021-2024).
  • Evaluation of maternal and neonatal variables, including birth weight and glucose measurement timing.
  • Definition of hypoglycemia as blood glucose <45 mg/dL within 48 hours; risk factors identified via multivariable logistic regression.

Main Results:

  • Hypoglycemia occurred in 134 (22.9%) of infants.
  • Incidence varied significantly by birth weight classification (p=0.004).
  • Small for gestational age (SGA) status was a strong predictor (aOR 2.44, p=0.011); most episodes occurred within 6 hours, especially in SGA infants.

Conclusions:

  • Hypoglycemia is prevalent in late preterm infants, particularly those born SGA.
  • Episodes predominantly occur in the early postnatal period.
  • Early, targeted glucose surveillance is recommended for timely detection and management.
Abstract

Keywords:
HypoglycemiaInfantInfantsPrematureRisk factorsSmall for gestational age

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