Neonatal hypoglycaemia: prevalence and clinical manifestations in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Neonatal hypoglycaemia is associated with significant long term neuro-developmental sequelae. The signs and symptoms are often non-specific. Some are completely asymptomatic. Many cases therefore remain undiagnosed. This study was therefore designed to determine the prevalence, obstetric and peri-natal factors associated with neonatal hypoglycaemia at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Nigeria. Methods: All neonates delivered between 1st January and 31st May 2006 were recruited. Cord blood specimen was obtained from the placental end of the cord at delivery and assayed for plasma glucose. Relevant obstetric and neonatal data were obtained for each subject. Hypoglycaemia was defined as cord blood glucose level ≤ 2.2 mmol/L. Results: Three hundred and four neonates were recruited. Of this number, 86 were hypoglycaemic giving a prevalence of 28.3%. Out of the 86, 43(50%) were symptomatic while 43(50%) were asymptomatic. The commonest symptoms were respiratory distress (46.5%), cyanosis (20.9%) and lethargy (18.6%). The mean cord plasma glucose for the symptomatic group (1.99+ 0.11 mmol/L) was significantly lower than that of the asymptomatic group (2.07+ 0.06 mmol/L) (p Keywords : Neonatal hypoglycaemia; Clinical manifestations PHMJ Vol. 2 (2) 2008: pp. 166-170