Continuous glucose monitoring as a screening tool for neonatal hypoglycemia in infants of diabetic mothers

Abstract

Objective: To assess the plausibility of using the continuous glucose monitoring as a sole source of data for the screening of the neonatal hypoglycemia.Study design: Infants of mothers with diabetes were screened for neonatal hypoglycemia (less than 2.5 mmol/l after 4 h of life). Initial measurement was performed using point of care analyzer. We applied continuous glucose monitoring system subsequently. Infants were monitored up to 5 days or until discharge.Results: Out of 32 infants 11 had postnatal hypoglycemia resolved within 12 h of life. Two infants had hypoglycemia found due to continuous glucose monitoring after 24 h of life when sufficient feeding was established and they did not show any signs of hypoglycemia. We did not have any false negative measurements. No infant showed clinical signs of neonatal hypoglycemia.Conclusions: Continuous glucose monitoring is plausible and safe to use for screening of neonatal hypoglycemia. It operates well within the range that is accepted as safe for neurodevelopment. In addition, it can be used after first day of life where regular screening ends. Limitation of this method is possible alarm negligence of caregivers.