Oral Dextrose Gel Lowers Cost of Care for Neonatal Hypoglycemia

The cost reduction was mostly due to fewer NICU admissions.

Oral dextrose gel is gaining acceptance as an effective treatment for neonatal hypoglycemia (blood glucose <47 mg/dL). To compare its cost with standard care, investigators in New Zealand developed financial models based on data from a randomized, controlled trial.

Two groups of approximately 120 neonates each were treated with either dextrose gel (0.5 mL), placed on the buccal mucosa, or an oral placebo gel plus oral feeds. Enrolled infants were at risk for hypoglycemia (i.e., mother with diabetes, late preterm birth, small or large for gestational age, feeding disorder). Forty-five infants receiving dextrose gel and 52 receiving placebo gel required admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Multiple hypoglycemic episodes requir…

Reviewing Author

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)

Oral Dextrose Gel Lowers Cost of Care for Neonatal Hypoglycemia

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Reviewing Author