Recent evidence has shown healthy term babies have episodes of low blood glucose concentrations, in the first few days after birth, which can last for long periods, similar to those babies identified as being at-risk for neonatal hypoglycemia. Suggesting low blood glucose concentrations may be part of metabolic transition.
Neonatal hypoglycemia in at-risk babies is important because it is common and linked with neurosensory impairment and death. Screening is recommended for babies identified as being at-risk, which is routinely performed by heel-prick lances. Half of the babies identified as being at risk, will become hypoglycemic. If hypoglycemia is diagnosed, treatment is recommended. The aim of treatment is to increase the blood glucose concentration, and therefore available glucose for cerebral metabolism. The glucose concentration at which brain injury occurs remains unclear. Therefore, while current treatment thresholds are determined by evidence, expert opinion also contributes to treatment recommendations. Consequently, there are international variations in screening regimes and treatment thresholds. However, feeding and oral dextrose gel are the most common treatments for neonatal hypoglycemia. Learn more about the research and thoughts on best practice for preventing and managing hypoglycemia in neonates.
Learning Objectives:
1. Describe normal metabolic adaptation in healthy babies over the first five days 2. Describe the evidence related to oral treatment interventions for at-risk hypoglycaemic babies 3. Describe the neurosensory outcomes of children who as babies received treatment for neonatal hypoglycemia with oral dextrose gel
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