Abstract

Neonatal hypoglycemia is a transient or temporary condition of decreased blood sugar or hypoglycemia in a neonate.

Mechanism and pathophysiology

Temporary hypoglycemia in the first three hours after birth is a normal finding. Most of the time it resolves without medical intervention. The lowest blood sugars occur one to two hours after birth. After this time, lactose begins to be available through the breast milk. In addition, gluconeogenesis occurs when the kidneys and liver convert fats into glucose..

Risk

Those infants that have an increased risk of developing hypoglycemia shortly after birth are:

- preterm

- asphyxia

- cold stress

- congestive heart failure

- sepsis

- Rh disease

- discordant twin

- erythroblastosis fetalis

- polycythemia

- microphallus or midline defect

- respiratory disease

- maternal glucose IV

- maternal epidural

- postmaturity

- hyperinssulinnemia

- endocrine disorders

- inborn errors of metabolism

- diabetic mother

- maternal toxemia

- intrapartum fever

Treatment

Some infants are treated with 40% dextrose (a form of sugar) gel applied directly to the infant's mouth.