Neonatal Hypoglycaemia

Defined as a BGL < 2.6 mmol/L

Aetiology

Contributing factors

  • Preterm
  • Small for gestational age
  • Low birth weight (<2.5kg)
  • Infants of diabetic mothers
  • Hypothermia
  • Feeding
  • Infection/sepsis
  • Neonatal abstinence syndrome

Clinical presentation

  • Lethargy
  • Jitteriness
  • Seizure activity

Management

  • Early feed and keeping baby warm (36.6℃ - 37.2℃) helps prevent hypoglycaemia
  • If safe to feed hypoglycaemic baby enterally, feed and assess (and repeat)
  • If unsafe to feed baby requires IV glucose
  • If recurrent - hypoglycaemia screen (when BM < 2.6)