Thanking families for research participation

Abstract

For many years, neonatologists and endocrinologists have debated the question: “What is a normal blood glucose level in the first days after birth?” In this volume of The Journal of Pediatrics, Harris et al publish results of the GLOW study that was carefully designed to provide high quality answers to this question. The authors found that glucose levels stabilized at adult levels by 4 days of age, but before then, glucose levels <47 mg/dl were a common occurrence. De Leon and Stanley explain the importance of these findings in an accompanying editorial. To obtain these data, healthy newborn infants underwent interstitial glucose monitoring for 5 days after birth as well as twice daily capillary blood sampling. This was a big contribution for families during those first special days after birth and we would be remiss not to recognize their vital role in this landmark study. Surely without their participation we may never have this important information. This is true for all children and their families who participate in research. They pave the way for a better understanding of health and disease and improve our care for children in the future. The publication of this study provides a good opportunity for us to extend our thanks and appreciation to not only these infants and their families, but to all children and families who participate in clinical research. Article page 34 ▸ Glucose Profiles in Healthy Term Infants in the First 5 Days: The Glucose in Well Babies (GLOW) StudyThe Journal of PediatricsVol. 223PreviewTo determine postnatal changes in plasma and interstitial glucose concentrations of healthy infants receiving current recommended care and to compare the incidence of low concentrations with recommended thresholds for treatment of at-risk infants. Full-Text PDF