Is There Benefit to Screening Asymptomatic Newborns for Hypoglycemia?

Transient hypoglycemia in asymptomatic term and near-term neonates was associated with later compromise of academic achievement in a retrospective study.

Is transient hypoglycemia in asymptomatic term and near-term newborns a normal physiologic variation or is it a reflection of poor metabolic adaptation and compromised academic achievement? Clinical studies have not adequately answered this important question.

Researchers conducted a retrospective observational study at a university medical center where all newborns had blood glucose measurement in the first 3 hours of life. Transient asymptomatic hypoglycemia was defined as an initial blood glucose level <40 mg/dL and a follow-up level >45 mg/dL (obtained about 1 hour later). The study cohort included 1395 asymptomatic newborns, most of whom were term or late preterm. Academic achievement at 10 years of age was assessed with a standardized …

Reviewing Author

Martin T. Stein, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardPearson Neuroscience Advisory Board

Speaker’s bureauAmerican Academy of Pediatrics

RoyaltiesElsevier, Inc.

Editorial boardsJournal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics