Neonatal Hypoglycemia Research Articles

Congenital Hyperinsulinaemic Hypoglycaemia-A Review and Case Presentation.

Hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia (HH) is the most common cause of persistent hypoglycaemia in infants and children with incidence estimated at 1 per 50,000 live births. Congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI) is symptomatic mostly in early infancy and the neonatal period. Symptoms range from ones that are unspecific, such as poor feeding, lethargy, irritability, apnoea and hypothermia, to more serious symptoms, such as seizures and coma. During clinical examination, newborns present cardiomyopathy and hepatomegaly. The diagnosis of CHI is based on plasma glucose levels <54 mg/dL with detectable serum insulin and C-peptide, accompanied by suppressed or low serum ketone bodies and free fatty acids. The gold standard in determining the form of HH is fluorine-18-dihydroxyphenyloalanine PET ((18)F-DOPA PET). The first-line treatment of CHI is diazoxide, although patients with homozygous or compound heterozygous recessive mutations responsible for diffuse forms of CHI remain resistant to this therapy. The second-line drug is the somatostatin analogue octreotide. Other therapeutic options include lanreotide, glucagon, acarbose, sirolimus and everolimus. Surgery is required in cases unresponsive to pharmacological treatment. Focal lesionectomy or near-total pancreatectomy is performed in focal and diffuse forms of CHI, respectively. To prove how difficult the diagnosis and management of CHI is, we present a case of a patient admitted to our hospital.

Neurocognitive Outcomes at Age 2 Years After Neonatal Hypoglycemia in a Cohort of Participants From the hPOD Randomized Trial

Neonatal hypoglycemia is common, but its association with later neurodevelopment is uncertain. To examine associations between neonatal hypoglycemia and neurocognitive outcomes at corrected age 2 years. Exploratory cohort analysis of the Hypoglycaemia Prevention With Oral Dextrose (hPOD) randomized clinical trial was conducted. The trial recruited participants from January 9, 2015, to May 5, 2019, with follow-up between January 26, 2017, and July 31, 2021. Infants were recruited from 9 maternity hospitals in New Zealand and assessed at home or in a research clinic. Children born late preterm and at term at risk of neonatal hypoglycemia but without evidence of acute or imminent illness in the first hour after birth were screened and treated to maintain blood glucose concentrations greater than or equal to 47 mg/dL. Hypoglycemia was defined as any blood glucose concentration less than 47 mg/dL, recurrent as 3 or more episodes, and severe as less than 36 mg/dL. Neurologic examination and tests of development (Bayley III) and executive function. The primary outcome was neurosensory impairment (any of the following: blindness, deafness, cerebral palsy, developmental delay, or executive function total score worse than 1.5 SD below the mean). A total of 1197 of 1321 (91%) eligible children were assessed at a mean of corrected age 24 months; 616 (52%) were male. Compared with the normoglycemia group, children who experienced hypoglycemia were more likely to have neurosensory impairment (111 [23%] vs 125 [18%]; adjusted risk ratio [aRR], 1.28; 95% CI, 1.01-1.60), particularly if they experienced severe episodes (30 [28%] vs 125 [18%]; aRR, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.20-2.36), but not recurrent episodes (12 [19%] vs 125 [18%]; aRR, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.63-1.80). The risk of cognitive, language, or motor delay was similar between groups, but children who experienced hypoglycemia had lower Bayley-III composite cognitive (adjusted mean difference [aMD], -1.48; 95% CI, -2.79 to -0.18) and motor scores (aMD, -2.05; 95% CI, -3.30 to -0.79). In children born at risk of hypoglycemia but otherwise well, those who experienced neonatal hypoglycemia were more likely to have neurosensory impairment at corrected age 2 years, with higher risks after severe episodes. Further research is required to determine causality.

Association between neonatal hyperbilirubinemia and hypoglycemia in Chinese women with diabetes in pregnancy and influence factors

This retrospective study aimed to investigate the correlation between neonatal hyperbilirubinemia (NHB) and hypoglycemia (NH) in Chinese women with diabetes in pregnancy (DIP), and the influencing factors. All the data were collected July 1, 2017 and June 30, 2020, and 10,558 Chinese women with DIP and live births were included. Two separate multivariate binary stepwise forward logistic regression analysis calculated OR with 95% CI. The prevalence rates of NHB and NH was respectively 3.65% and 5.82% among women with DIP. The comorbidity of both diseases was 0.59%. NH were 1.81 times (OR 1.81, 1.19–2.76) more likely to have hyperbilirubinemia. NHB is positively correlated with NH (OR 1.93, 1.27–2.92). Increased gestational age has a protective effect on both NH (OR 0.76, 0.68–0.85) and NHB (OR 0.80, 0.69–0.92). Abnormal placental morphology is related to NH (OR 1.55, 1.16–2.08) and NHB (OR 1.64, 1.10–2.45). Regarding neonatal outcomes, congenital heart disease (CHD) (OR 2.16, 1.25–3.73; and OR 10.14, 6.47–15.90) was a risk factor for NH and NHB. NHB and NH were significantly correlated in women with DIP. The offspring of DIP with multiple risk factors have a significantly increased risk of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.

Obesity, Overweight, and Pituitary Stalk Interruption Syndrome in Children and Young Adults.

Pituitary stalk interruption syndrome (PSIS) is rare in the pediatric population. It combines ectopic posterior pituitary stalk interruption and anterior pituitary hypoplasia with hormonal deficiencies. The phenotype is highly heterogeneous and obesity/overweight seems to be underreported in the literature. To identify patients with PSIS and obesity or overweight, describe their phenotype, and compare them with patients with PSIS without overweight/obesity. Sixty-nine children and young adults with PSIS in a Toulouse cohort from 1984 to 2019 were studied. We identified 25 obese or overweight patients (OB-OW group), and 44 were nonobese/overweight (NO group). Then the groups were compared. All cases were sporadic. The sex ratio was 1.6. The main reason for consultation in both groups was growth retardation (61% in OB-OW group, 77% in NO group). History of neonatal hypoglycemia was more common in the OB-OW than in the NO group (57% vs 14%, P = .0008), along with extrapituitary malformations (64% vs 20%, P < 0001). The incidence of caesarean section was higher in the OB-OW group (52%) than in the NO group (23%), although not significant (P = .07). Patients with PSIS who are obese/overweight display interesting phenotypic differences that suggest hypothalamic defects. Studies are needed that include additional information on hormonal levels, particularly regarding oxytocin and ghrelin.

One-Step Compared With Two-Step Gestational Diabetes Screening and Pregnancy Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

To estimate short-term maternal and neonatal outcomes with one-compared with two-step testing for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). A systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies comparing one-step and two-step GDM testing strategies before September 2021 was conducted. We searched Ovid Medline (1946-), EMBASE (1947-), Scopus (1960-), Cochrane Central, and ClinicalTrials.gov . The primary outcome was rate of large-for-gestational age (LGA) neonates. Secondary outcomes were clinically relevant outcomes for GDM that were selected a priori. Titles, abstracts, and manuscripts were screened, selected, and reviewed by the first two authors. Four RCTs (24,966 patients) and 13 observational studies (710,677 patients) were analyzed. Pooled relative risks (RRs) were calculated with 95% CIs using random-effects models and were plotted graphically with forest plots. Study heterogeneity was evaluated using Cochran Q and Higgins I 2 tests. The quality of studies that met the inclusion criteria was evaluated with the Downs and Black checklist. Publication bias was assessed by using asymmetry of funnel plots and Harbord's test. There was no difference in the rate of LGA neonates (pooled RR 0.95; 95% CI 0.88-1.04) by testing strategy among RCTs, but patients who underwent one-step testing were more likely to be diagnosed with GDM (pooled RR 2.13; 95% CI 1.61-2.82) and treated with diabetes medications (pooled RR 2.24; 95% CI 1.21-4.15). One-step testing was associated with higher rates of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission (pooled RR 1.12; 95% CI 1.00-1.26) and neonatal hypoglycemia (pooled RR 1.23; 95% CI 1.13-1.34). In analysis of high-quality RCTs and observational studies, one-step testing was associated with a lower rate of LGA neonates (pooled RR 0.97; 95% CI 0.95-0.98), but higher rates of GDM diagnosis, treatment, NICU admission, and neonatal hypoglycemia. Despite a significant increase in GDM diagnosis and treatment with one-step testing, there is no difference in rate of LGA neonates compared with two-step testing among RCTs. PROSPERO, CRD42021252703.

Universal Gestational Diabetes Screening and Antepartum Stillbirth Rates in Austria—A Population-Based Study

(Abstracted from Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2022;101:396–404) Approximately 1 in 6 pregnancies are affected by gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), a risk factor for preeclampsia, fetal macrosomia, neonatal hypoglycemia, and antepartum stillbirth. The incidence of antepartum stillbirth is approximately 4/1000 births in high-income countries, and the risk of fetal death recurrence can be as high as 22-fold.

Nutritional assessment of birth outcomes of gestational diabetic mothers in Gaza Strip, Palestine

Introduction: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is the most prevalent metabolic disorder during pregnancy. Numerous studies have dealt with risk factors of GDM, while others studied the health complications associated with GDM. This study aimed to investigate the association between GDM and nutritional birth outcomes in Gaza Strip, Palestine. Materials and Methods: The study utilized the case−control design where 44 GDM mothers and 44 non-GDM mothers were recruited. The study was conducted at the obstetric departments at Al-Shifa Maternity Hospital in Gaza and Mubarak Maternity Hospital in Khan Yunis. Data collection included anthropometric measurement and hematological indicators and other pertinent information through a structured questionnaire. Results: The result reported that the mean age of GDM pregnant women and non-GDM was 31 ± 11.5 and 23 ± 6.75 years, respectively. 13.6% had anemia, 20.5% had previous delivery of macrosomic baby, 15.9% had hypertension, and 11.4% were obese. In addition, 63.6% of GDM mothers had a family history of diabetes and 18.2% had a family history of GDM. 43.2% of GDM mothers delivered by cesarean section (CS) and 13.6% of GDM mothers had a premature delivery. Assessment of dietary intake indicated that 40.9% of GDM mothers have breakfast regularly. The neonatal median birth weight was 3.22 kg for babies of GDM mothers and 3.30 kg for babies of non-GDM mothers, and the median length was 52 cm versus 50 cm; 6.8% of neonates of GDM mothers had low Apgar score. Neonates of GDM mothers expressed significantly lower blood sugar (P = 0.039), lower albumin (P = 0.037), and higher soluble surface receptors – surface transferrin receptor (P = 0.017), but there were no statistically significant differences in the other hematological parameters. Conclusion: The study reflected a significant association between GDM and lower blood glucose, serum albumin, and iron status. Furthermore, the study reflected a significant association between GDM and CS delivery and neonatal hypoglycemia. The study emphasized the need to integrate clinical nutrition services in maternity departments and antenatal clinics and encourage physical activities during pregnancy. The following core competencies are addressed in this article: Patient care and procedural skills, Medical knowledge.

The Role Of Physical Activity In The Management Of Gestational Diabetes

Diabetes UK estimates that about 16 in 100 women may develop gestational diabetes (GD). GD is associated with adverse maternal-foetal outcomes such as preterm birth, newborn large for gestational age (LGA), and neonatal hypoglycaemia. This article explores the current research evidence on how physical activity interventions may provide impactful strategies to prevent and manage GD in addition to dietary modifications. Resistance exercise in particular has protective benefits similar to pharmacological interventions such as metformin. This article also provides practical ideas to encourage pregnant people to be more active.

Emergent serious condition of the neonates associated with cerebral palsy in Japan

Objective: To analyze the emergent serious conditions contributing to cerebral palsy (CP) of neonates without a history of the necessity of neonatal resuscitation within 5 minutes after delivery in Japan. Methods: To examine the clinical courses regarding CP cases, we reviewed the summary reports of antenatal- and peripartum CP cases published on the home page of the Japan Obstetric Compensation System for Cerebral Palsy (JOCSC) launched in 2009. Results: Between January 2009 and February 2016, in Japan there were 51 cases analyzed as CP due to emergent serious condition of the neonates without a history of necessity of neonatal resuscitation within 5 minutes after delivery at the Japan Obstetric Compensation System for CP. The main pathological conditions described as the cause of CP were as follows: the concept of brief resolved unexplained events/apparent life-threatening event (n = 15), neonatal Group B streptococcus infection (n = 12), herpes simplex virus infection (n = 6), neonatal hypoglycemia (n = 3), and neonatal hyperkalemia (n = 3). Conclusions: Based on the current cases, we should note that neonates are very unstable, especially in the early period after delivery.

Dynamic magnetic resonance imaging findings in the early stages of neonatal hypoglycemic brain injury.

Neonatal hypoglycemic brain injury was most common in the occipital lobes. Severe clinical symptoms were significantly associated with extensive brain injury involving the internal capsule, basal ganglia, and thalamus, which could be attributed to hypoxia-ischemia and lead to a poor prognosis. •There is no clear neurological safe threshold for hypoglycemia in neonates. Studies suggest that symptomatic hypoglycemia can be related tobrain injury. •Severe clinical symptoms are significantly associated with extensive brain injury on MRI scans. Extensive brain injuries involving the internal capsule, basal ganglia, and thalamus, which could be due to associated hypoxia-ischemia and lead to a poor prognosis.

Perinatal and neonatal outcomes of adolescent pregnancies over a 10-year period.

Poor overall neonatal outcomes, small neonatal head circumference, neonatal hypoglycemia, need for Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and late-onset neonatal sepsis are more common in adolescents. The aim of this study is to draw attention to the outcomes of adolescent pregnancies. This retrospective study was conducted in adolescent singleton pregnancies with maternal age < 15 years (n = 20, group 1), 16-19 years (n = 1929, group 2), and 20 years (n = 866, group 3). Age, gravidity, parity, and body mass index (BMI) measurements of mothers; mode of delivery, maternal and neonatal outcomes were evaluated and compared. The rate of preterm birth, postpartum hemorrhage, asymmetrical intra-uterine growth restriction (IUGR, as 3% percentile), macrosomia, and height of newborn of Group 3 was significantly higher. The rate of asymmetrical IUGR (as 10% percentile) was significantly lower in Group 3. The rate of severe preeclampsia and cesarean section was significantly higher in Group 3. The rate of Small for Gestational Age newborn, neonatal hypoglycemia, and late-onset neonatal sepsis was significantly higher in Group 1. Neonatal problems with poor obstetric outcomes are common in adolescent pregnant women, so that a family planning and baby care social trainings are important in achieving good long-term maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women with diabetes treated with insulin alone and insulin with metformin

Aim: The goal of this study was to compare maternal and neonatal results in diabetic pregnant ladies who were treated either insulin and metformin or insulin only.Methods: 220 pregnant diabetic women with type 1, 2 or gestational diabetes were randomisely assigned into two groups .each group is 110 pregnant diabetic women. One group takes insulin and metformin treatment to achieve glycemic targets and other take insulin only treatment. Pregnancy results in 110 ladies who stayed solely on insulin have been compared to pregnancy results in 110 pregnant diabetic ladies treated with insulin and metformin who were matching for age, weight, as well as ethnicity.Results: No significant variations in maternal risk factors existed at the start of the study. Group II from enrolling to term, they gained significantly more weight (5.90 vs. 4.39 kg; P &lt; 0.000). When it came to gestational hypertension, there was no significant difference between groups I and II (14.5 against 19.1%, P = 0.367), pre-eclampsia (7.27 vs. 9.09%, P = 0.622),insulin dosage was decreased in group I statistically significant (mean 39.5±16.5 vs. 55.4±17.5 units, P= 0.000), vaginal delivery (41.8 vs. 47.3%, P = 0.416) or rate of elective Caesarean section (39.1 vs. 32.7%, P = 0.325), rate of emergency caesarean section (19.1 vs. 20%, P=0.865), perinatal loss (4 cases in group II vs. 3 cases in group I;P=0.701). Group I had a lower rate of neonatal morbidity; prematurity (16.63 vs. 24.55%, P = 0.417), neonatal hypoglycemia (7.3 vs. 24.5 %, P= 0.000), respiratory distress (13.64 vs. 30 %, P= 0.003), neonatal jaundice (13.6 vs. 33.6%, P &lt; 0.000) and admittance to the newborn intensive care unit (24.55 vs. 35.45%, P = 0.077). Macrosomia occurrence (There was a significant difference in birth weight centiles &gt; 90 [group I (16.4%) vs. group II (29.1%); P = 0.024]. The incidence of polyhydramnios was significantly different [group I (13.6%) vs. group II (32.7%); P = 0.001].Shoulder dystocia [group ? (2.7%) vs. group II (4.5%); P=0.721].Conclusions: Diabetic pregnant women who were treated with insulin plus metformin who had equal baseline risk factors for unfavourable pregnancy outcomes gained less weight and needed less insulin to maintain glycemic control. Furthermore improved neonatal outcomes as macrosomia, neonatal hypoglycemia, respiratory distress and special care baby admission compared with those treated with insulin alone.

Exercise Intervention Improves Blood Glucose Levels and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes in GDM Patients: A Meta-Analysis.

Objective The objective of this study is to systematically evaluate the effect of exercise on gestational diabetes (GDM). Methods The databases of PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, CNKI, VIP, and Wanfang were searched to collect publications regarding physical exercises and GDM. The two researchers screened the literature, extracted the data, and analyzed the risk of bias of the included data using RevMan 5.3 software. The primary outcomes analyzed included the fasting blood glucose, 2-h postprandial blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, premature delivery, cesarean section, neonatal macrosomia, premature rupture of membranes, and neonatal hypoglycemia. Results A total of 9 studies with 1289 GDM patients were included. Compared with the control group, exercise could significantly reduce the 2-h postprandial blood glucose (MD = −0.62, 95% CI (-0.91 to -0.34), Z = 4.29, P < 0.0001), improve HbA1c(RR = −0.47, 95% CI (-0.81 to -0.13), Z = 2.69, P = 0.007), reduce the cesarean section rate (RR = 0.83, 95% CI (0.71-0.98), Z = 2.25, P = 0.02), and decrease the incidence of neonatal macrosomia in GDM patients (RR = 0.57, 95% CI (0.34-0.95), Z = 2.17, P = 0.03). Conclusion Exercise intervention can improve the blood glucose level of GDM patients, such as 2-h postprandial blood glucose and HbA1c. Meanwhile, exercise can also reduce adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as premature birth and macrosomia. Therefore, prescribing exercise to GDM patients can effectively manage GDM and improve adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Different glucose analyzers report different glucose concentration values in term newborns

BackgroundThe American Academy of Pediatrics and Pediatric Endocrine Society neonatal hypoglycemia guidelines based their glucose concentration treatment thresholds on studies that predominantly used Beckman and Yellow Springs Glucose Oxidase Analyzers. Currently, a majority (76%) of U.S. hospital laboratories utilizing glucose oxidase methodology use Vitros® Glucose Analyzers. However, a bias of ~+5% between glucose concentrations from Beckman vs. Vitros Glucose Analyzers has been reported; this could have a clinically significant effect when using published guideline treatment thresholds.MethodsTo determine if there is similar instrument bias between Beckman and Vitros Analyzers in reported glucose concentrations from term newborns, we compared plasma glucose concentrations measured within the first 3 h after birth by Beckman vs. Vitros Analyzers in a total of 1,987 newborns (Beckman n = 904, Vitros n = 1,083). Data were fit using nonlinear cubic spline models between collection time and glucose concentration.ResultsThe non-linear patterns of initial glucose concentrations (during the first 3 h after birth) as measured by Beckman and Vitros Analyzers paralleled each other with no overlap of the fit spline curve 95% confidence intervals, with an approximate +5 mg/dL constant bias. Additionally, in method comparison studies performed in the Chemistry Laboratory on adult samples, there was a +4.2-7.4 mg/dL measured glucose bias for the Beckman vs. Vitros Analyzer.ConclusionGlucose concentrations from term, appropriate size for gestational age newborns were about 5 mg/dL higher when measured by Beckman vs. Vitros Analyzers. Perhaps, concentrations of 45 mg/dL reported from Beckman Analyzers may be equivalent to 40 mg/dL from Vitros Analyzers. When managing neonatal hypoglycemia, it is important to know which analyzer was used and whether adjusting for potential instrument bias is necessary when following published guidelines.

A randomised placebo-controlled trial of the effectiveness of early metformin in addition to usual care in the reduction of gestational diabetes mellitus effects (EMERGE): study protocol

BackgroundPregnancies affected by gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are associated with an increased risk of adverse maternal and foetal outcomes. Current treatments for GDM involve initial medical nutritional therapy (MNT) and exercise and pharmacotherapy in those with persistent hyperglycaemia. Insulin is considered first-line pharmacotherapy but is associated with hypoglycaemia, excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) and an increased caesarean delivery rate. Metformin is safe in selected groups of women with GDM but is not first-line therapy in many guidelines due to a lack of long-term data on efficacy. The EMERGE trial will evaluate the effectiveness of early initiation of metformin in GDM.MethodsEMERGE is a phase III, superiority, parallel, 1:1 randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial comparing the effectiveness of metformin versus placebo initiated by 28 weeks (+6 days) plus usual care.Women aged 18–50 years will be recruited. Women with established diabetes, multiple pregnancies, known major congenital malformation or small for gestational age (<10th centile), intolerance or contraindication to the use of metformin, shock or sepsis, current gestational hypertension or pre-eclampsia, significant gastrointestinal problems, congestive heart failure, severe mental illness or galactose intolerance are excluded.InterventionImmediate introduction of metformin or placebo in addition to MNT and usual care. Metformin is initiated at 500mg/day and titrated to a maximum dose of 2500mg over 10 days. Women are followed up at 4 and 12 weeks post-partum to assess maternal and neonatal outcomes.The composite primary outcome measure is initiation of insulin or fasting blood glucose ≥ 5.1 mmol/L at gestational weeks 32 or 38. The secondary outcomes are the time to insulin initiation and insulin dose required; maternal morbidity at delivery; mode and time of delivery; postpartum glucose status; insulin resistance; postpartum body mass index (BMI); gestational weight gain; infant birth weight; neonatal height and head circumference at delivery; neonatal morbidities (neonatal care unit admission, respiratory distress, jaundice, congenital anomalies, Apgar score); neonatal hypoglycaemia; cost-effectiveness; treatment acceptability and quality of life determined by the EQ5D-5L scale.DiscussionThe EMERGE trial will determine the effectiveness and safety of early and routine use of metformin in GDM.Trial registrationEudraCT Number 2016-001644-19l; NCT NCT02980276. Registered on 6 June 2017.

Metformin Versus Glyburide in the Management of Gestational Diabetes; A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Globally gestational diabetes remains one most common medical problem facing a significant proportion of women in pregnancy. Understanding safe therapeutic and management measures is imperative to inform effective and sound decision and judgment for clinicians and concerned groups. Aim: This review aimed to compare the effectiveness and safety of Metformin versus Glyburide in managing gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Methods: Cochrane Library, PUBMED, MEDLINE and LILACs were subjected to literature search for randomized controlled trials addressing the primary aim of this study. The Key used for the search strategy was: “Metformin”, “Glyburide”, ‘Gestational Diabetes” and other varying terms from Medical subject Headings. The review systematized a PRISMA Checklist and demonstrated Meta analyzed studies mathematically on weight gain after using glyburide and metformin during and after pregnancy, fasting blood glucose, birthweight and postprandial blood glucose. Results: Neonatal hypoglycaemia, mode of delivery, birth weight, Apgar score, weight during and after pregnancy, postprandial blood glucose and requirement for intensive care were all assessed in the study. In 60% of the studies safety and efficacy of glyburide and metformin diabetes management showed no significant difference. From postprandial blood glucose (P=0.217), birth weight (p=0.194), and fasting blood glucose (p=0.821) revealed no statistical differences between the medications in the meta analysis conducted. However, on the other hand, weight growth during pregnancy among patients revealed significant variations (p=0.036). Conclusion: Both metformin and glyburide showed no differences in safety and efficacy considering birth weight, fasting blood glucose and postprandial blood glucose. However, in babies of women treated with metformin, problems associated with neonates such as respiratory issues and hypoglycemia and also increase in weight during pregnancy or gestation are more less common and lower. Keywords: Diabetes, Therapy, Metformin, Glyburide, Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Perioperative dexamethasone with neuraxial anesthesia for scheduled cesarean delivery and neonatal hypoglycemia

ObjectiveWhile the use of dexamethasone for cesarean delivery to prevent post-operative nausea and vomiting has become routine, the impact on fetal glucose metabolism is unknown. We aim to examine whether perioperative dexamethasone administration prior to scheduled non-labor cesarean delivery is associated with neonatal hypoglycemia. Study designMulti-institution retrospective cohort study of singleton, full-term, non-anomalous pregnancies delivered by scheduled non-labor cesarean delivery with neuraxial anesthesia from 2013 to 2019. The exposure was intravenous dexamethasone after neuraxial anesthesia placement. Primary outcome was neonatal hypoglycemia and secondary outcomes included low Apgar, umbilical artery pH < 7.1, NICU admission, and meconium-stained amniotic fluid. A subgroup analysis was performed on pregnancies complicated by diabetes (both gestational and pre-gestational). Multivariate regression adjusting for baseline differences and potential confounders was used to the determine the strength of association between dexamethasone and adverse outcomes. ResultsOf the 4991 women in the study, 2719 (54.5%) received dexamethasone. Compared to non-receipt, women receiving dexamethasone were older, more likely to be White, non-Hispanic, have private insurance, and less likely to have diabetes. Perioperative dexamethasone receipt was not associated with neonatal hypoglycemia (adjusted OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.71–1.14). In a subgroup analysis of the 466 (9.3%) pregnancies complicated by pre-gestational and gestational diabetes, 219 (47.0%) received dexamethasone and receipt was associated with a significantly increased rate of neonatal hypoglycemia (adjusted OR 1.96, 95% CI 1.28–3.00). No significant associations were found between perioperative dexamethasone and other outcomes. ConclusionsDexamethasone administration after neuraxial anesthesia placement for scheduled non-labor cesarean delivery is associated with altered neonatal glucose metabolism only in pregnancies complicated by diabetes.

Incidence and Risk Factors for Glucose Disturbances in Premature Infants.

Background and Objectives: There are limited data regarding the incidence and risk factors for hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, and unstable glycemia in preterm infants. The aim of the present study was to determine the incidence and risk factors associated with neonatal hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, and unstable glycemia in preterm infants during the first seven days of life. Materials and Methods: This prospective study included preterm infants <37 weeks of gestation, admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit between January 2018 and December 2020. Based on blood glucose levels in the first week of life, infants were divided into the following four groups: normoglycemic, hypoglycemic, hyperglycemic, and unstable. Blood glucose levels were measured from capillary blood at the 1st, 3rd, 6th, and 12th hour of life during the first 24 h, and at least once a day from days 2 to 7, prefeed. Results: Of 445 enrolled infants, 20.7% (92/445) were categorized as hypoglycemic, 9.9% (44/445) as hyperglycemic, and 2.9% (13/445) as unstable, respectively. Hypoglycemia was most commonly observed among infants ≥34 weeks (27.9%), and hyperglycemia was most common among preterm infants <28 weeks (50%). Female gender increased the chances of developing hypoglycemia by three times. The decrease in gestational age by one week increased the chance of developing hyperglycemia by 1.9 times. Sepsis increased the chance of developing hyperglycemia seven times, respiratory distress syndrome five times, and mechanical ventilation three times, respectively. Conclusions: Glucose disturbances in the early neonatal period in preterm infants are common and mostly asymptomatic. Therefore, careful blood glucose level monitoring is required in those infants, especially in late preterm infants, in order to prevent possible neurological complications.

Epidemiology of pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) among mothers in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates.

Pre-pregnancy obesity is a risk factor for several health problems such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, labor induction, postpartum hemorrhage, and neonatal hypoglycemia. Being underweight is a risk factor for fetal growth restriction. Despite the negative impact of abnormal pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) (over and underweight) on pregnancy outcomes, a limited amount of studies has been conducted on the prevalence of pre-pregnancy over and underweight and associated factors in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and factors associated with underweight, overweight, and obesity among mothers with children under the age of 2 years in Abu Dhabi, the UAE. A cross-sectional multicenter study was conducted in 2017 and included data from seven government health care centers in Abu Dhabi. Maternal pre-pregnancy BMI was calculated as the weight in kilograms (kg) divided by the square of the height in meters (m), (kg/m2). A total of 1,622 mother–child pairs were included in this study. Out of the 1,622 mothers, 43 (2.7%) were underweight, 1,068 (65.8%) were normal weight, 412 (25.4%) were overweight, and 99 (6.1%) were obese. Mothers with advanced maternal age (AMA) (≥35 years) were more likely to be overweight, odds ratio [OR] = 1.93, (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.52–2.3), p ≤ 0.001, and obese OR = 2.15 (95% CI 1.32–3.39), p = 0.001. Mothers with lower family income were more likely to be obese OR = 2.72 (95% CI 1.44–5.93), p = 0.002. Mothers with high parity (≥2) were more likely to be overweight OR = 1.91 (95% CI 1.49–2.50), p ≤ 0.001; obese OR = 1.76 (95% CI 1.06–2.92), p = 0.024; and less likely to be underweight OR = 0.52 (95% CI 0.27–0.94), p = 0.037. Obese mothers were more likely to deliver via cesarean section (CS) OR = 1.95 (95% CI 1.27–2.96), p = 0.002. This study provides valuable baseline information on the epidemiology of pre-pregnancy BMI in the UAE. The sociodemographic factors identified in the study can be used to target at-risk women. The study findings can also be used to develop contextualized strategies to prevent and manage complications associated with abnormal pre-pregnancy BMI in Emirati women.

Oral dextrose gel for the treatment of hypoglycaemia in newborn infants

Oral dextrose gel for the treatment of hypoglycaemia in newborn infants