RISK FACTORS AND CLINICAL PROFILE OF NEONATAL HYPOGLYCEMIA IN TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY

Background: Neonatal hypoglycemia (blood sugar < 40 mg/dl) is a common metabolic derangement, which can be easily treated thereby preventing long term complication particularly neurological damage. But can be easily missed if risk factors, clinical manifestations (nonspecic), biochemical investigations and followup are not considered and acted upon promptly. Objectives: To study the incidence, risk factors and the clinical prole of neonates with hypoglycemia Methods: This study is a retrospective descriptive study conducted on the neonates admitted in the NICU of the GBH general hospital, udaipur between january 2023 and december 2023. From the NICU medical records, details of all the neonates meeting the inclusion criteria were entered, which included the detailed history, clinical examination ndings, sequential blood glucose levels (at admission, 1hour after feed /boluses, 6,12, 24, 48 and 72 hours of life or as needed in symptomatic hypoglycemia and 6 hourly in critically sick neonates) along with management given and outcome of cases. Results: Among 392 admission during study period 28 had hypoglycemia, suggesting an incidence of 7.15% and with a male predominance 18( 64.29%) in the study population. Preterm 16 (57.14%) and SGA 15 (53.57%) were the major neonatal risk factors, while the PIH 10 (35.71% )was the predominant maternal risk factor followed by GDM 4 (14.29%) and twin pregnancy 3(10.71%). Majority neonates with hypoglycemia were asymptomatic 19 (67.86%) while poor feeding (17.86%) and lethargy (17.86%) were the predominant symptoms. Majority neonates presented hypoglycemia at day 1 of life (42.9%). Majority responded well. Conclusion: Neonates who are preterm or SGA with maternal history of PIH, GDM or other maternal risk factors should be screened for hypoglycemia, as a universal protocol in high risk neonates.