Relationship of neonatal hypothermia and hypoglycemia in late preterm and term born neonates

Neonatal hypothermia and hypoglycemia are among the most common clinical disturbances in the immediate postnatal period and contribute to short- and long-term morbidity. While both conditions have been well described individually, particularly in preterm infants, their interaction remains poorly understood and is often underrecognized in clinical practice. In this review, we describe potential pathomechanisms and clinical evidence linking hypothermia and hypoglycemia. We review established risk factors/vulnerable populations for both, i.e. prematurity, being born small for gestational age, or insufficient postnatal energy intake. We discuss potential interventions and susceptible windows for thermal management during postnatal adaption and align these with existing guidelines. Although most available studies are observational in nature and do not allow robust conclusions about causality, they support a plausible and clinically relevant association between hypothermia and hypoglycemia. Therefore, further research, particularly prospective clinical studies comparing actual standard of care with more advanced concepts of thermal management might provide evidence-based guidance for clinical practice and improve neonatal outcomes.