DefinePK

Abstract

Background: Hypoglycaemia is one of the most frequent metabolic problems in early neonatal period and is associated with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality. This study aims to determine the pattern and frequency of hypoglycaemia in low birth weight (LBW) babies during first 48 hours after birth. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Neonatology Unit, Ayub Teaching Hospital Abbottabad from 1st Feb to 30th Sep 2024. Babies with birth weight <2.5 Kg, preterm and term were included in the study. Blood sugar was checked and a value of <47 mg/dL (2.6 mmol/L) was labelled as hypoglycaemia. Results: There were 184 neonates in the study. Sixty-eight (36.9%) had at least one low glucose reading. A large group (55, 80.9%) of patients were asymptomatic compared to 13 (19.1%) symptomatic patients. Hypoglycaemia was more common in females (51, 75%) compared to males (17, 25%) neonates. Hypoglycaemia was seen in 56 (82.4%) preterm and 12 (17.6%) term neonates. Frequency of hypoglycaemia was highest (34, 18.4%) in 1–2 hours after birth followed by 6 hours after birth (17, 9.2%). Conclusion: Hypoglycaemia is a common finding in low birth weight babies being asymptomatic in majority, and warrants early glucose monitoring and management for better outcome.
Pak J Physiol 2025;21(3):11–13, DOI: https://doi.org/10.69656/pjp.v21i3.1852