Defining the Treatment Threshold for Neonatal Hypoglycemia

Maintaining blood glucose ≥47 mg/dL in infants at risk for neonatal hypoglycemia seems to preserve neurodevelopmental outcomes at age 2 years.

Early transient hypoglycemia occurs commonly after birth. However, the optimal management strategy remains controversial, in part because the best threshold for treatment is unclear.

Investigators prospectively studied long-term outcomes in a large cohort of term and near-term neonates at elevated risk for hypoglycemia. (Elevated risk status was primarily established by presence of low or high birth weight, preterm delivery, or maternal diabetes.) All infants were monitored by blood sampling and by continuous subcutaneous monitoring. Infants with hypoglycemia (blood glucose concentration <47 mg/dL [2.6 mmol/L]) were treated with supplemental feeding, buccal dextrose gel, and/or intravenous dextrose.

Of 404 children evaluated at age 2 years, 2…

Reviewing Author

Robin Steinhorn, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardActelion Pharmaceuticals

Editorial BoardsJournal of Pediatrics

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Pediatric Society (President); American Board of Pediatrics (Board of Directors)

Robin Steinhorn, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardActelion Pharmaceuticals

Editorial BoardsJournal of Pediatrics

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Pediatric Society (President); American Board of Pediatrics (Board of Directors)

Defining the Treatment Threshold for Neonatal Hypoglycemia

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Reviewing Author