Neonatal hypoglycaemia

Question 1

What is neonatal hypoglycaemia defined as?

Answer 1

Plasma glucose < 2.6 mmol/L

Question 2

What are the causes of neonatal hypoglycaemia?

Answer 2

Can be normal in the few hours after birth
Other causes:
- Maternal diabetes
- Neonatal sepsis
- Intrauterine growth restriction
- Preterm birth
- Inborn errors of metabolism

Question 3

What are the features of newborn hypoglycaemia?

Answer 3

Autonomic changes
- Jitteriness
- Irritable
- Tachypnoea
- Pallor
Poor feeding
Weak cry
Drowsy
Hypotonia
Seizures

Question 4

What is the management of an asymptomatic neonate with hypoglycaemia?

Answer 4

Encourage normal feeds and monitor blood glucose levels

Question 5

What is the management of a symptomatic neonate with hypoglycaemia?

Answer 5

IV 10% dextrose

Question 6

At what blood glucose level should a neonate be given IV dextrose?

Answer 6

< 2 mmol/L