Neonatal hypoglycaemia

Abstract

The clinical significance of blood glucose levels in the newborn of diabetic and non-diabetic mothers is still under debate. Low blood glucose levels which would cause serious symptoms in adults have been frequently recorded in the newborn without any adverse effect. In recent years, however, neonatal hypoglycaemia when occurring in association with a characteristic symptomatology has been recognised as an important cause of cerebral damage (Cornblath et al.,1961; Brown and Wallis,1963 ; Tynan and Haas,1963 ; Chance and Bower,1966). Brown (1967) reported 10 cases of symptomatic neonatal hypoglycaemia in which the blood glucose level was less than 20 mg. per 100 ml. Due to inadequate treatment in the first 6 cases, 2 babies died and the 4 survivors were left with brain damage of varying severity. Craig (1966) believes that if apnoea, cyanosis, collapse or convulsions are found in association with a blood glucose level of 10 mg. per 100 ml. or less, immediate treatment indicated to avert death or irreversible cerebral damage. Several authorities now accept as critical hypoglycaemia a blood glucose level of 20 mg. per 100 in/. in the first week of life (Lancet, 1969).