HYPOGLYCEMIA IN EXCLUSIVELY BREASTFED LOW BIRTH WEIGHT NEONATES

Abstract

Background and Aim: Hypoglycemia is an important problem encountered in Low Birth Weight (LBW) neonates. Incidence and risk factors associated with hypoglycemia in low birth weight neonates on exclusive breast milk were studied. Material and Methods: A Prospective observational study was done between Jan-June 2022. Low birth weight neonates (≥1.8 kg <2.5 kg) who were fed exclusively with breast milk were screened for hypoglycemia by measuring capillary blood glucose by glucometer strips at 1 , 2 , 6 , 12 , 24 , 48 and 72 hours of age. Results: 180 Low Birth Weight neonates were included in the study, of which 41 developed hypoglycemia with incidence of 22.7%. Majority of them (85.3%) were asymptomatic . 70.7 % of hypoglycemia episodes occurred in rst 24 hours of life. 58.5% neonates with hypoglycemia had only one episode while 31.7% and 9.8% had 2 and 3 or more episodes of hypoglycemia respectively. Incidence was more in Pre term (PT) (27.3%) compared to Full Term(FT) neonates (16.2%). Also Small for Gestational Age (SGA) neonates were more prone to hypoglycemia compared to Appropriate for Gestational Age (AGA) neonates (48.2 % against 18.4%) Incidence in PT SGA, FT SGA and PT AGA neonates was 27.9%,20.3 & 18.4% respectively. Incidence was also more in neonates born to primigravida mothers and those delivered by cesarean section. Conclusion: Low birth weight Neonates especially late preterms and SGAneonates on exclusive breast milk should be monitored for hypoglycemia in rst 72 hours of life. Early initiation of breast feeding should be ensured to prevent hypoglycemia in them.