Evaluation of Hypoglycemia in Low Birth Weight Babies

Abstract

Objective: To determine the prevalence of hypoglycemia in low birth weight babies and to detect onset of hypoglycemia in first 24 hours.

Study Design: Observational study

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Paediatrics Department, Ganga Ram Hospital, Lahore from January 2014 to August 2014.

Materials and Methods: Two hundred low birth weight babies delivered and shifted to neonatal nursery for observation and screening are included in the study. Screening was done 1 hourly for 4 hours and 4 hourly for next 20 hours by Gluco sticks and sample was taken from heel prick. Blood glucose levels are monitored for first 24 hours of life.

Results: Total 200 babies, were included in this study out of which 15 babies developed hypoglycemia so 5% prevalence of hypoglycemia was found of the babies developed asymptomatic hypoglycemia and 20% developed Symptomatic. Commonest symptoms for hypoglycemia are reluctance to feed.  Eighty present of the babies developed hypoglycemia within first 4 hours of life however 20% babies develop hypoglycemia up to 16 hours of life.  

Conclusion: Five percent of babies developed hypoglycemia and onset of hypoglycemia occurs mainly in first 4 hours of life. Majority of the babies developed asymptomatic hypoglycemia however 20% babies develop symptomatic hypoglycemia. Suggestion all the low birth weight babies must be screened for hypoglycemia in first 4 hours in order to prevent complications and poor outcome due to hypoglycemia