PROFILE OF RISK FACTORS AND OUTCOME OF HYPOGLYCEMIA IN NEWBORNS ADMITTED IN THE NEONATAL UNIT OF A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL, ASRAM, WEST GODAVARI DISTRICT

AIMS: 1. To know the various risk factors of neonatal hypoglycemia and their incidence among the babies admitted in tertiary care hospital, ASRAM, Eluru. 2. To know the outcome of neonatal hypoglycemia in both symptomatic and asymptomatic newborns in tertiary care hospital, ASRAM, Eluru. DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: Tertiary hospital based study over 24 months. METHODS: Blood glucose values are measured using Reagent Strip method (Glucotrend2 of USA. and confirmed by Laboratory Diagnosis The blood glucose values were measured at 1, 2, 4, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48 and 72 hours of life or till discharge whichever is earlier. RESULTS: A total of 150 cases where observed of which 59 cases (33.3%) developed hypoglycemia. The common risk factors observed are low birth weight in 23(46%), sepsis in 12(24%), IDM in 5 (10%), asphyxia in 4(8%) and 6 cases (12%) have no risk factors. 76.9% of the cases have developed hypoglycemia at the first hour of life. In our study 52% of neonates with hypoglycemia have recovered well with oral feeds given at 30mins. The remaining 48% required glucose infusion. Only 1 case had recurrent hypoglycemia (2%) even on glucose infusion and it is controlled with single dose hydrocortisone. CONCLUSIONS: Hypoglycemia is a common in the newborns, and a high index of suspicion is required to identify it early. It is also an easily treatable problem, in most occasions. Hypoglycemia in the newborn if detected and treated early will prevent adverse neurodevelopmental outcome.