Frequency of Hypoglycemia in Preterm Newborns

Background: To determine the frequency of hypoglycemia in preterm neonates and to evaluate the associated maternal and neonatal risk factors. Methods: ‘This prospective observational study was conducted over a one-year period from march 2023 to March 2024 at People's University of Medical and Health Sciences Nawabshah. A total of 81 preterm newborns with gestational age less than 37 weeks were enrolled. Relevant clinical and demographic data were collected, and blood glucose was measured within the first few hours of life. Hypoglycemia was defined as a blood glucose level below 40 mg/dL. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0, and associations were evaluated using Chi-square tests. Results: Out of the 81 preterm neonates, 28 (34.6%) developed hypoglycemia. The condition was significantly associated with gestational age <32 weeks (p = 0.001), birth weight <1500 grams (p < 0.001), maternal diabetes (p = 0.002), and maternal hypertension (p = 0.016). Administration of antenatal corticosteroids showed a protective effect (p = 0.024). Conclusion: Hypoglycemia is a common yet preventable complication in preterm infants, particularly among those with lower gestational age, low birth weight, and maternal comorbidities. These findings highlight the need for vigilant monitoring and targeted preventive strategies in neonatal care.