Monitoring the Frequency and Duration of Hypoglycemia in Preterm Infants and Identifying Associated Factors

Abstract

Background Hypoglycemia is common in very low birth weight neonates and may have adverse effects. Material and Method: Sixty preterm infants were monitored using continuous glucose monitoring (CGMS) and capillary techniques during the first week of life. Hypoglycemia was defined as glucose ≤47 mg/dL (≤2.6 mmol/L). Results: Hypoglycemic episodes were detected in 41.66% (95% CI: 29.07–55.12). In 69.64% the duration was greater than thirty minutes, in 26.78% (95% CI: 15.83–40.3) hypoglycemia exceeded two hours. Hypoglycemia was observed most frequently during the first 48 hours. In 35.7%, hypoglycemia was not detected with capillary tests. The agreement between the two techniques was good (r = 0.77, p < 0.001), Hypoglycemia was associated with a lower birth weight (OR: 0.99, p = 0.06). Conclusions: Hypoglycemia is frequent with significant duration in very low birth weight neonates. CGMS could be considered for use in these neonates to improve their glycemic control and prevent the associated morbidity.