Neonatal Glycemia and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes at 2 Years

Effectiveness of hospital-based oral dextrose gel in prevention and treatment of asymptomatic newborns at risk of hypoglycemia

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness of using hospital-based 40% dextrose gel (DG) in preventing and treating asymptomatic hypoglycemia in infants of diabetic mothers (IDM), large for gestational age (LGA), and macrosomic neonates.

METHODS

A medical chart review was conducted to compare data between before (April 2018 to March 2019, epoch 1) and after (September 2020 to November 2021, epoch 2) 40% DG implementation. DG, prepared by the hospital pharmaceutical unit, was applied within 30-45 min after birth, and three additional doses could be repeated during the first 6 h of life in combination with early feeding. The primary outcome was the rate of intravenous dextrose administration. Secondary outcomes were the incidence of hypoglycemia, first capillary blood glucose concentrations, and the length of hospital stay.

RESULTS

Six hundred forty-three at-risk newborns were included (320 before and 323 after implementation of DG). Maternal and neonatal baseline characteristics were not different between the two epochs. The incidence of hypoglycemia was not different (17.8% in before versus 14.6% in after implementation, p = 0.26). The rate of intravenous dextrose administration after DG implementation was significantly lower than that before DG implementation (3.4% versus 10.3%, p < 0.001, risk reduction ratio = 0.33, 95% CI = 0.17-0.64). The length of hospital stay was not different between the two epochs.

CONCLUSIONS

Implementing a protocol for administration of hospital-based 40% DG can reduce the need of intravenous dextrose administration among IDM, LGA and macrosomic neonates.

Neonatal dysglycemia: a review of dysglycemia in relation to brain health and neurodevelopmental outcomes

Neonatal dysglycemia has been a longstanding interest of research in neonatology. Adverse outcomes from hypoglycemia were recognized early but are still being characterized. Premature infants additionally introduced and led the reflection on the importance of neonatal hyperglycemia. Cohorts of infants following neonatal encephalopathy provided further information about the impacts of hypoglycemia and, more recently, highlighted hyperglycemia as a central concern for this population. Innovative studies exposed the challenges of management of neonatal glycemic levels with a "u-shape" relationship between dysglycemia and adverse neurological outcomes. Lately, glycemic lability has been recognized as a key factor in adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. Research and new technologies, such as MRI and continuous glucose monitoring, offered novel insight into neonatal dysglycemia. Combining clinical, physiological, and epidemiological data allowed the foundation of safe operational definitions, including initiation of treatment, to delineate neonatal hypoglycemia as ≤47 mg/dL, and >150-180 mg/dL for neonatal hyperglycemia. However, questions remain about the appropriate management of neonatal dysglycemia to optimize neurodevelopmental outcomes. Research collaborations and clinical trials with long-term follow-up and advanced use of evolving technologies will be necessary to continue to progress the fascinating world of neonatal dysglycemia and neurodevelopment outcomes. IMPACT STATEMENT: Safe operational definitions guide the initiation of treatment of neonatal hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia. Innovative studies exposed the challenges of neonatal glycemia management with a "u-shaped" relationship between dysglycemia and adverse neurological outcomes. The importance of glycemic lability is also being recognized. However, questions remain about the optimal management of neonatal dysglycemia to optimize neurodevelopmental outcomes. Research collaborations and clinical trials with long-term follow-up and advanced use of evolving technologies will be necessary to progress the fascinating world of neonatal dysglycemia and neurodevelopment outcomes.

Risk of Neonatal Hypoglycemia in Infants of Mothers With Gestational Glucose Intolerance

OBJECTIVE

To examine the relationship between gestational glucose intolerance (GGI) and neonatal hypoglycemia.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This was a secondary analysis of 8,262 mother-infant dyads, with delivery at two hospitals between 2014 and 2023. We categorized maternal glycemic status as normal glucose tolerance (NGT), GGI, or gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). We defined NGT according to a normal glucose load test result, GGI according to an abnormal glucose load test result with zero (GGI-0) or one (GGI-1) abnormal value on the 100-g oral glucose tolerance test, and GDM according to an abnormal glucose load test result with two or more abnormal values on the glucose tolerance test. Neonatal hypoglycemia was defined according to blood glucose <45 mg/dL or ICD-9 or ICD-10 diagnosis of neonatal hypoglycemia. We used logistic regression analysis to determine associations between maternal glucose tolerance category and neonatal hypoglycemia and conducted a sensitivity analysis using Δ-adjusted multiple imputation, assuming for unscreened infants a rate of neonatal hypoglycemia as high as 33%.

RESULTS

Of infants, 12% had neonatal hypoglycemia. In adjusted models, infants born to mothers with GGI-0 had 1.28 (95% 1.12, 1.65), GGI-1 1.58 (95% CI 1.11, 2.25), and GDM 4.90 (95% CI 3.81, 6.29) times higher odds of neonatal hypoglycemia in comparison with infants born to mothers with NGT. Associations in sensitivity analyses were consistent with the primary analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

GGI is associated with increased risk of neonatal hypoglycemia. Future research should include examination of these associations in a cohort with more complete neonatal blood glucose ascertainment and determination of the clinical significance of these findings on long-term child health.

The impact of implementation of oral dextrose gel on the incidence of multiple hypoglycemia events in the well newborn nursery

OBJECTIVE

Evaluate the impact of 40% oral dextrose gel (DG) for management of neonatal hypoglycemia (NH) on the incidence of multiple hypoglycemic events in the well-baby nursery.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective chart review of 738 at-risk infants in 2 cohorts before (Cohort 1) and after (Cohort 2) DG implementation. Primary outcome was the incidence of ≥2 hypoglycemic episodes. Secondary outcomes were number of lowest median glucose level, and incidence of NICU admission.

RESULTS

There were 384 and 354 at-risk newborns in Cohorts 1 & 2. The incidence of developing ≥2 hypoglycemia episodes significantly decreased following DG implementation [62(42.5%) vs 29(25.9%), p = 0.0058]. There were no differences in lowest glucose level [37 (14-45) vs 37 (10-45), p = 0.31], and NICU admission rate [31 (21.2%) vs 21 (18.8%), p = 0.62].

CONCLUSIONS

Implementation of DG lowers the incidence of subsequent hypoglycemia episodes.

Diazoxide for Severe or Recurrent Neonatal Hypoglycemia: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Importance

Neonatal hypoglycemia is an important preventable cause of neurodevelopmental impairment, but there is a paucity of evidence to guide treatment.

Objective

To evaluate whether early, low-dose oral diazoxide for severe or recurrent neonatal hypoglycemia reduces time to resolution of hypoglycemia.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This 2-arm, placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial was conducted from May 2020 to February 2023 in tertiary neonatal units at 2 New Zealand hospitals. Participants were neonates born at 35 or more weeks' gestation and less than 1 week of age with severe hypoglycemia (blood glucose concentration <22 mg/dL or <36 mg/dL despite 2 doses of dextrose gel) or recurrent hypoglycemia (≥3 episodes of a blood glucose concentration <47 mg/dL within 48 hours).

Interventions

Newborns were randomized 1:1 to receive diazoxide suspension (loading dose, 5 mg/kg; maintenance, 1.5 mg/kg every 12 hours) or placebo, titrated per protocol.

Main Outcome and Measures

The primary outcome was time to resolution of hypoglycemia, defined as enteral bolus feeding without intravenous fluids and normoglycemia (blood glucose concentration of 47-98 mg/dL) for at least 24 hours, compared between groups using adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression. Hazard ratios adjusted for stratification variables and gestation length are reported. Prespecified secondary outcomes, including number of blood glucose tests and episodes of hypoglycemia, duration of hypoglycemia, and time to enteral bolus feeding and weaning from intravenous fluids, were compared by generalized linear models. Newborns were followed up for at least 2 weeks.

Results

Of 154 newborns screened, 75 were randomized and 74 with evaluable data were included in the analysis (mean [SD] gestational age for the full cohort, 37.6 [1.6] weeks), 36 in the diazoxide group and 38 in the placebo group. Baseline characteristics were similar: in the diazoxide group, mean (SD) gestational age was 37.9 (1.6) weeks and 26 (72%) were male; in the placebo group, mean (SD) gestational age was 37.4 (1.5) weeks and 27 (71%) were male. There was no significant difference in time to resolution of hypoglycemia (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR], 1.39; 95% CI, 0.84-2.23), possibly due to increased episodes of elevated blood glucose concentration and longer time to normoglycemia in the diazoxide group. Resolution of hypoglycemia, when redefined post hoc as enteral bolus feeding without intravenous fluids for at least 24 hours with no further hypoglycemia, was reached by more newborns in the diazoxide group (AHR, 2.60; 95% CI, 1.53-4.46). Newborns in the diazoxide group had fewer blood glucose tests (adjusted count ratio [ACR], 0.63; 95% CI, 0.56-0.71) and episodes of hypoglycemia (ACR, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.17-0.63), reduced duration of hypoglycemia (adjusted ratio of geometric means [ARGM], 0.18; 95% CI, 0.06-0.53), and reduced time to enteral bolus feeding (ARGM, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.58-0.95) and weaning from intravenous fluids (ARGM, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.60-0.87). Only 2 newborns (6%) treated with diazoxide had hypoglycemia after the loading dose compared with 20 (53%) with placebo.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this randomized clinical trial, early treatment of severe or recurrent neonatal hypoglycemia with low-dose oral diazoxide did not reduce time to resolution of hypoglycemia but reduced time to enteral bolus feeding and weaning from intravenous fluids, duration of hypoglycemia, and frequency of blood glucose testing compared with placebo.

Trial Registration

ANZCTR.org.au Identifier: ACTRN12620000129987.

Association of Fetal Catecholamines With Neonatal Hypoglycemia

Importance

Perinatal stress and fetal growth restriction increase the risk of neonatal hypoglycemia. The underlying pathomechanism is poorly understood. In a sheep model, elevated catecholamine concentrations were found to suppress intrauterine insulin secretion, followed by hyperresponsive insulin secretion once the adrenergic stimulus subsided.

Objective

To determine whether neonates with risk factors for hypoglycemia have higher catecholamine concentrations in umbilical cord blood (UCB) and/or amniotic fluid (AF) and whether catecholamines are correlated with postnatal glycemia.

Design, Setting, and Participants

In a prospective cohort study of 328 neonates at a tertiary perinatal center from September 2020 through May 2022 in which AF and UCB were collected immediately during and after delivery, catecholamines and metanephrines were analyzed using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. Participants received postnatal blood glucose (BG) screenings.

Exposure

Risk factor for neonatal hypoglycemia.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Comparison of catecholamine and metanephrine concentrations between at-risk neonates and control participants, and correlation of concentrations of catecholamines and metanephrines with the number and severity of postnatal hypoglycemic episodes.

Results

In this study of 328 neonates (234 in the risk group: median [IQR] gestational age, 270 [261-277] days; and 94 in the control group: median [IQR] gestational age, 273 [270-278] days), growth-restricted neonates showed increased UCB median (IQR) concentrations of norepinephrine (21.10 [9.15-42.33] vs 10.88 [5.78-18.03] nmol/L; P < .001), metanephrine (0.37 [0.13-1.36] vs 0.12 [0.08-0.28] nmol/L; P < .001), and 3-methoxytyramine (0.149 [0.098-0.208] vs 0.091 [0.063-0.149] nmol/L; P = .001). Neonates with perinatal stress had increased UCB median (IQR) concentrations of norepinephrine (22.55 [8.99-131.66] vs 10.88 [5.78-18.03] nmol/L; P = .001), normetanephrine (1.75 [1.16-4.93] vs 1.25 [0.86-2.56] nmol/L; P = .004), and 3-methoxytyramine (0.120 [0.085-0.228] vs 0.091 [0.063-0.149] nmol/L; P = .008) (P < .0083 was considered statistically significant). Concentrations of UCB norepinephrine, metanephrine, and 3-methoxytyramine were negatively correlated with AF C-peptide concentration (rs = -0.212, P = .005; rs = -0.182, P = .016; and rs = -0.183, P = .016, respectively [P < .017 was considered statistically significant]). Concentrations of UCB norepinephrine, metanephrine, and 3-methoxytyramine were positively correlated with the number of hypoglycemic episodes (BG concentration of 30-45 mg/dL) (rs = 0.146, P = .01; rs = 0.151, P = .009; and rs = 0.180, P = .002, respectively). Concentrations of UCB metanephrine and 3-methoxytyramine were negatively correlated with the lowest measured BG concentration (rs = -0.149, P = .01; and rs = -0.153, P = .008, respectively).

Conclusions and Relevance

Neonates at risk for hypoglycemia displayed increased catecholamine and metanephrine concentrations that were correlated with postnatal hypoglycemic episodes and lower BG levels; these results are consistent with findings in a sheep model that fetal catecholamines are associated with neonatal β-cell physiology and that perinatal stress or growth restriction is associated with subsequent neonatal hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia. Improving the pathomechanistic understanding of neonatal hypoglycemia may help to guide management of newborns at risk for hypoglycemia.

Neonatal Hypoglycemia and Neurocognitive Function at School Age: A Prospective Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE

To determine the relationship between transient neonatal hypoglycemia in at-risk infants and neurocognitive function at 6-7 years of corrected age.

STUDY DESIGN

The pre-hPOD Study involved children born with at least 1 risk factor for neonatal hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia was defined as ≥1 consecutive blood glucose concentrations <47 mg/dl (2.6 mmol/L), severe as <36 mg/dl (2.0 mmol/L), mild as 36 to <47 mg/dL (2.0 to <2.6 mmol/L), brief as 1-2 episodes, and recurrent as ≥3 episodes. At 6-7 years children were assessed for cognitive and motor function (NIH-Toolbox), learning, visual perception and behavior. The primary outcome was neurocognitive impairment, defined as >1 SD below the normative mean in ≥1 Toolbox tests. The 8 secondary outcomes covered children's cognitive, motor, language, emotional-behavioral, and visual perceptual development. Primary and secondary outcomes were compared between children who did and did not experience neonatal hypoglycemia, adjusting for potential confounding by gestation, birthweight, sex and receipt of prophylactic dextrose gel (pre-hPOD intervention). Secondary analysis included assessment by severity and frequency of hypoglycemia.

RESULTS

Of 392 eligible children, 315 (80%) were assessed at school age (primary outcome, n = 308); 47% experienced hypoglycemia. Neurocognitive impairment was similar between exposure groups (hypoglycemia 51% vs 50% no hypoglycemia; aRD -4%, 95% CI -15%, 7%). Children with severe or recurrent hypoglycemia had worse visual motion perception and increased risk of emotional-behavioral difficulty.

CONCLUSION

Exposure to neonatal hypoglycemia was not associated with risk of neurocognitive impairment at school-age in at-risk infants, but severe and recurrent episodes may have adverse impacts.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Hypoglycemia Prevention in Newborns with Oral Dextrose: the Dosage Trial (pre-hPOD Study): ACTRN12613000322730.

Early Hyperglycemia Is Associated with Increased Incidence of Severe Retinopathy of Prematurity in Extremely Low Birth Weight Infants

OBJECTIVE

 Preterm infants have a higher rate of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia, both of which have been associated with increased neonatal morbidities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of abnormal glucose homeostasis during the first 72 hours of life and study its association with major morbidities in infants admitted to our neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

STUDY DESIGN

 This was a retrospective single-center study. We extracted demographic, maternal, and patient information and blood glucose levels for the first 72 hours of life for all infants with birth weight ≤1,000 g admitted to the NICU from January 2017 to December 2019. Continuous data were presented as mean ± standard deviation or as median with interquartile range. Categorical data were presented as frequency and percentage. Student's t-tests and Mann-Whitney U test were used to analyze continuous data and chi-squared test or Fisher's exact test were used to analyze categorical data. Logistic regression analysis was performed to study the relation between hyperglycemia and various morbidities after controlling for gestational age (GA). Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

 Of the 235 infants included in the study, 49% were hypoglycemic at admission to the NICU. Infants that were small for GA and those with history of maternal β-blocker use had a higher incidence of hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia at admission was not associated with increased mortality or any major morbidities. Seventy-three percent infants who were hypoglycemic or euglycemic at birth developed iatrogenic hyperglycemia during the first 72 hours of life. The incidence of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and severe ROP was higher in infants with hyperglycemia on univariate analysis. However, on multivariate analysis, after adjusting for GA, no difference was noted in the incidence of ROP between the two groups. Multivariate analysis could not be performed for severe ROP due to inadequate sample size.

CONCLUSION

 Hyperglycemia in the initial 3 days of life is associated with an increased incidence of severe ROP in preterm infants. Neonatologists should aim to maintain euglycemia in these infants to decrease the risk of adverse outcomes.

KEY POINTS

· Preterm infants have a high rate of both hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia.. · Majority of infants who were euglycemic or hypoglycemic at birth develop iatrogenic hyperglycemia.. · Hyperglycemia in the initial 3 days of life is associated with an increased incidence of severe ROP in preterm infants..

Neonatal hypoglycaemia

Low blood concentrations of glucose (hypoglycaemia) soon after birth are common because of the delayed metabolic transition from maternal to endogenous neonatal sources of glucose. Because glucose is the main energy source for the brain, severe hypoglycaemia can cause neuroglycopenia (inadequate supply of glucose to the brain) and, if severe, permanent brain injury. Routine screening of infants at risk and treatment when hypoglycaemia is detected are therefore widely recommended. Robust evidence to support most aspects of management is lacking, however, including the appropriate threshold for diagnosis and optimal monitoring. Treatment is usually initially more feeding, with buccal dextrose gel, followed by intravenous dextrose. In infants at risk, developmental outcomes after mild hypoglycaemia seem to be worse than in those who do not develop hypoglycaemia, but the reasons for these observations are uncertain. Here, the current understanding of the pathophysiology of neonatal hypoglycaemia and recent evidence regarding its diagnosis, management, and outcomes are reviewed. Recommendations are made for further research priorities.

Neonatal hypoglycemia and neurodevelopmental outcomes: Yesterday, today, tomorrow

Neonatal hypoglycemia is a major source of concern for pediatricians since it has commonly been related to poor neurodevelopmental outcomes. Diagnosis is challenging, considering the different operational thresholds provided by each guideline. Screening of infants at risk plays a crucial role, considering that most hypoglycemic infants show no clinical signs. New opportunities for prevention and treatment are provided by the use of oral dextrose gel. Continuous glucose monitoring systems could be a feasible tool in the next future. Furthermore, there is still limited evidence to underpin the current clinical practice of administering, in case of hypoglycemia, an intravenous "mini-bolus" of 10% dextrose before starting a continuous dextrose infusion. This brief review provides an overview of the latest advances in this field and neurodevelopmental outcomes according to different approaches.   Conclusion: To adequately define if a more permissive approach is risk-free for neurodevelopmental outcomes, more research on continuous glucose monitoring and long-term follow-up is still needed. What is Known: • Neonatal hypoglycemia (NH) is a well-known cause of brain injury that could be prevented to avoid neurodevelopmental impairment. • Diagnosis is challenging, considering the different suggested operational thresholds for NH (<36, <40, <45, <47 or <50 mg/dl). What is New: • A 36 mg/dl threshold seems to be not associated with a worse psychomotor development at 18 months of life when compared to the "traditional" threshold (47 mg/dl). • Further studies on long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes are required before suggesting a more permissive management of NH.

Investigating behaviour from early- to mid-childhood and its association with academic outcomes in a cohort of children born at risk of neonatal hypoglycaemia

High rates of academic underachievement at 9-10 years have been identified in children born at risk of neonatal hypoglycaemia. This study investigated the stability of behaviour from early to mid-childhood and how this relates to academic outcomes in children born with at least one risk factor of neonatal hypoglycaemia in Aotearoa, New Zealand. Behaviour data was collected using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Child Behaviour Checklist 1.5-5, and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire for 466 children (52 % male; 27 % Māori, 60 % New Zealand European, 2 % Pacific, 11 % Other) at multiple timepoints between ages 2 and 10 years. Academic data was collected at 9-10 years using the e-asTTle online learning and assessment tool. Findings revealed a link between early childhood behaviour and academic outcomes could be detected as early as age 2, suggesting that identifying and addressing early behavioural issues in children at risk of neonatal hypoglycaemia could aid in targeted interventions.

Systematic review of guidelines on neonatal hypoglycemia

OBJECTIVE

In recent years, a series of clinical guidelines on neonatal hypoglycemia have been developed in different countries and regions. This systematic review was aimed at providing evidence for clinical decision-making and providing ideas for future research by comparatively analyzing the contents of various guidelines.

METHODS

A multilateral approach was used, including comprehensive literature searches and online research. The retrieved studies were screened by two independent reviewers according to our inclusion criteria. The two reviewers independently extracted the descriptive data. Four appraisers assessed the guidelines using the AGREE-II instrument.

RESULTS

Ten clinical guidelines on neonatal hypoglycemia were included, with a mean score of 45.28%-83.45% in six domains. The guidelines are relatively consistent in their recommendations on clinical symptoms of neonatal hypoglycemia, but different in risk factors, preventive measures, thresholds for clinical management of hypoglycemia, target glucose ranges for its control, and pharmacotherapy.

CONCLUSION

By summarising the recommendations in the guidelines on neonatal hypoglycemia, we found that blood glucose values were not the only observational indicator, and other indicators (e.g., ketone bodies, lactate) related to glucose metabolism should also be considered for a comprehensive assessment. There is still a lack of consensus on thresholds for the clinical management of hypoglycemia and target glucose ranges for its control, and the recommendations on its pharmacotherapy are rather simple and sketchy. In the future, more high-quality studies are required to further improve the early identification of neonatal hypoglycemia and intervention strategies against it.

The Relationship between General Movements and Risk Factors in Moderate-Late Preterm Infants: A Prospective Cohort Study

INTRODUCTION

Moderate-late preterm infants constitute the largest segment of preterm births globally. While previously considered to have a low neurological risk, recent research has uncovered an elevated incidence of neurodevelopmental conditions in this group. This study aimed to assess the relationship between the general movement assessment and birth-related risk factor-based tools in moderate-late preterm infants.

METHODS

A prospective cohort study of 65 moderate-late preterm infants in a neonatal intensive care unit involved the evaluation of general movements, the Nursery Neurobiologic Risk Score, and the Perinatal Risk Inventory. Associations were analyzed using Fisher's exact test, Spearman's correlation was used for ordinal variables, and backward stepwise logistic regression was used to identify predictor variables for the assessments.

RESULTS

The findings indicated a high prevalence of normal (41%) and poor (52%) repertoire patterns during the writhing period. While no significant associations were found between the three assessments, a slight approximation emerged between dysmorphic traits and patterns (p = 0.053). Furthermore, an extended period of ventilation correlated with a higher likelihood of developing a cramped synchronized pattern and there was a correlation between both risk factor-based tools (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

This research enhances our understanding of the early impact on general movement assessments in moderate-late preterm infants. While no clear relationship emerged between general movement assessment and risk factor-based tools, there was a subtle connection noted with dysmorphic traits. A longer ventilation duration was linked to a higher risk of developing cramped synchronized patterns.

Oral dextrose gel to prevent hypoglycaemia in at-risk neonates

BACKGROUND

Neonatal hypoglycaemia is a common condition that can be associated with brain injury. Current practice usually includes early identification of at-risk infants (e.g. infants of diabetic mothers; preterm, small- or large-for-gestational-age infants), and prophylactic measures are advised. However, these measures often involve use of formula milk or admission to the neonatal unit. Dextrose gel is non-invasive, inexpensive and effective for treatment of neonatal hypoglycaemia. Prophylactic dextrose gel can reduce the incidence of neonatal hypoglycaemia, thus potentially reducing separation of mother and baby and supporting breastfeeding, as well as preventing brain injury. This is an update of a previous Cochrane Review published in 2021.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effectiveness and safety of oral dextrose gel in preventing hypoglycaemia before first hospital discharge and reducing long-term neurodevelopmental impairment in newborn infants at risk of hypoglycaemia.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase and Epistemonikos in April 2023. We also searched clinical trials databases and the reference lists of retrieved articles.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs comparing oral dextrose gel versus placebo, no intervention, or other therapies for the prevention of neonatal hypoglycaemia. We included newborn infants at risk of hypoglycaemia, including infants of mothers with diabetes (all types), high or low birthweight, and born preterm (< 37 weeks), age from birth to 24 hours, who had not yet been diagnosed with hypoglycaemia.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently extracted data and assessed the risk of bias. We contacted investigators to obtain additional information. We used fixed-effect meta-analyses. We used the GRADE approach to assess the certainty of evidence.

MAIN RESULTS

We included two studies conducted in high-income countries comparing oral dextrose gel versus placebo in 2548 infants at risk of neonatal hypoglycaemia. Both of these studies were included in the previous version of this review, but new follow-up data were available for both. We judged these two studies to be at low risk of bias in 13/14 domains, and that the evidence for most outcomes was of moderate certainty. Meta-analysis of the two studies showed that oral dextrose gel reduces the risk of hypoglycaemia (risk ratio (RR) 0.87, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.79 to 0.95; risk difference (RD) -0.06, 95% CI -0.10 to -0.02; 2548 infants; high-certainty evidence). Evidence from two studies showed that there may be little to no difference in the risk of major neurological disability at two years of age after oral dextrose gel (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.59 to 1.68; 1554 children; low-certainty evidence). Meta-analysis of the two studies showed that oral dextrose gel probably reduces the risk of receipt of treatment for hypoglycaemia during initial hospital stay (RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.79 to 1.00; 2548 infants; moderate-certainty evidence) but probably makes little or no difference to the risk of receipt of intravenous treatment for hypoglycaemia (RR 1.01, 0.68 to 1.49; 2548 infants; moderate-certainty evidence). Oral dextrose gel may have little or no effect on the risk of separation from the mother for treatment of hypoglycaemia (RR 1.12, 95% CI 0.81 to 1.55; two studies, 2548 infants; low-certainty evidence). There is probably little or no difference in the risk of adverse effects in infants who receive oral dextrose gel compared to placebo gel (RR 1.22, 95% CI 0.64 to 2.33; two studies, 2510 infants; moderate-certainty evidence), but there are no studies comparing oral dextrose with other comparators such as no intervention or other therapies. No data were available on exclusive breastfeeding after discharge.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Prophylactic oral dextrose gel reduces the risk of neonatal hypoglycaemia in at-risk infants and probably reduces the risk of treatment for hypoglycaemia without adverse effects. It may make little to no difference to the risk of major neurological disability at two years, but the confidence intervals include the possibility of substantial benefit or harm. Evidence at six to seven years is limited to a single small study. In view of its limited short-term benefits, prophylactic oral dextrose gel should not be incorporated into routine practice until additional information is available about the balance of risks and harms for later neurological disability. Additional large follow-up studies at two years of age or older are required. Future research should also be undertaken in other high-income countries, low- and middle-income countries, preterm infants, using other dextrose gel preparations, and using comparators other than placebo gel. There are three studies awaiting classification and one ongoing study which may alter the conclusions of the review when published.

Stability of executive function in children born at risk of neonatal hypoglycemia

Executive function plays an important role in promoting learning and social-emotional development in children. Neonatal hypoglycemia associates with executive function difficulties at 4.5 years, but little is known about the development of executive function over time in children born at risk of neonatal hypoglycemia. We aimed to describe the stability of executive function from early to mid-childhood in children born at risk of neonatal hypoglycemia and its association with neonatal hypoglycemia. Participants in a prospective cohort study of infants born at risk for neonatal hypoglycemia were assessed at ages 2, 4.5, and 9-10 years. We assessed executive function with batteries of performance-based and questionnaire-based measures, and classified children into one of four stability groups (persistent typical, intermittent typical, intermittent difficulty, and persistent difficulty) based on dichotomized scores (typical versus low at each age). Multinomial logistic regression was used to determine the associations between neonatal hypoglycemia and executive function stability groups. Three hundred and nine children, of whom 197 (64%) experienced neonatal hypoglycemia were assessed. The majority of children had stable and typical performance-based (63%) and questionnaire-based (68%) executive function across all three ages. Around one-third (30-36%) of children had transient difficulties, and only a few (0.3-1.9%) showed persistent difficulties in executive function at all ages. There was no consistent evidence of an association between neonatal hypoglycemia and the stability of executive function. Neonatal hypoglycemia does not appear to predict a specific pattern of development of executive function in children born at risk.

Expanding the clinical spectrum of cytosolic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase deficiency: novel PCK1 variants in four Arabian Gulf families

BACKGROUND

In metabolic stress, the cytosolic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK-C) enzyme is involved in energy production through the gluconeogenesis pathway. PEPCK-C deficiency is a rare childhood-onset autosomal recessive metabolic disease caused by PCK1 genetic defects. Previous studies showed a broad clinical spectrum ranging from asymptomatic to recurrent hypoglycemia with/without lactic acidosis, encephalopathy, seizures, and liver failure.

RESULTS

In this article, we discuss the occurrence of PEPCK-C deficiency in four families from the United Arab Emirates and Oman. All patients presented with unexplained hypoglycemia as a common feature. Two out of the seven patients presented with episodes of encephalopathy that resulted in seizures and neuroregression leading to global developmental delay and one patient had a neonatal presentation. Observed biochemical abnormalities include elevated lactate, transaminases, and tricarboxylic acid cycle metabolites in most patients. Elevated creatine kinase was documented in two patients. Whole exome sequencing revealed two novel (c.574T > C, and c.1268 C > T) and a previously reported splice site (c.961 + 1G > A) PCK1 variant in the affected families.

CONCLUSION

Patients become vulnerable during intercurrent illness; thus, prevention and prompt reversal of a catabolic state are crucial to avoid irreversible brain damage. This report will help to expand the clinical understanding of this rare disease and recommends screening for PEPCK-C deficiency in unexplained hypoglycemia.

Infants Eligible for Neonatal Hypoglycemia Screening: A Systematic Review

Importance

Neonatal hypoglycemia is common, occurring in up to 50% of infants at risk for hypoglycemia (infant of diabetic mother [IDM], small for gestational age [SGA], large for gestational age [LGA], and preterm) and is associated with long-term neurodevelopmental impairment. Guidelines recommend screening infants at risk of hypoglycemia. The proportion of infants who require screening for neonatal hypoglycemia is unknown.

Objective

To determine the proportion of infants eligible for neonatal hypoglycemia screening using criteria from the highest-scoring critically appraised clinical guideline.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This systematic review of the literature was conducted to identify clinical practice guidelines for neonatal hypoglycemia and took place at a tertiary maternity hospital in Auckland, New Zealand. Eligible guidelines were critically appraised using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II tool. Using screening criteria extracted from the highest-scoring guideline, the proportion of infants eligible for neonatal hypoglycemia screening was determined in a retrospective observational cohort study of infants born January 1, 2004, to December 31, 2018. Data were analyzed by logistic regression. Infant participants were included if gestational age was 35 weeks or more, birth weight was 2000 g or more, and they were not admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit less than 1 hour after birth. The data were analyzed from November 2022 through February 2023. A total of 101 372 infants met the inclusion criteria.

Exposure

Risk factors for neonatal hypoglycemia.

Main Outcome

Proportion of infants eligible for neonatal hypoglycemia screening.

Results

The study team screened 2366 abstracts and 18 guidelines met inclusion criteria for appraisal. There was variability in the assessed quality of guidelines and a lack of consensus between screening criteria. The highest-scoring guideline defined screening criteria as: IDM, preterm (less than 37 weeks' gestation), SGA (less than 10th percentile), birth weight of less than 2500 g or more than 4500 g, LGA (more than 90th percentile), or gestational age more than 42 weeks. A total of 101 372 infants met criteria for inclusion in the cohort study; median (IQR) gestational age was 39 (38-40) weeks and 51% were male. The overall proportion of infants eligible for screening was 26.3%. There was an increase in the proportion of eligible infants from 25.6% to 28.5% over 15 years, which was not statistically significant after adjustment for maternal age, body mass index, ethnicity, and multiple pregnancy (odds ratio, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.93-1.03; change in proportion per year).

Conclusion

A systematic review found that practice guidelines providing recommendations for clinical care of neonatal hypoglycemia were of variable quality with is a lack of consensus regarding definitions for infants at risk for hypoglycemia. In the cohort study, one-quarter of infants were eligible for hypoglycemia screening. Further research is required to identify which infants may benefit from neonatal hypoglycemia screening.

Perinatal asphyxia and hypothermic treatment from the endocrine perspective

Introduction

Perinatal asphyxia is one of the three most important causes of neonatal mortality and morbidity. Therapeutic hypothermia represents the standard treatment for infants with moderate-severe perinatal asphyxia, resulting in reduction in the mortality and major neurodevelopmental disability. So far, data in the literature focusing on the endocrine aspects of both asphyxia and hypothermia treatment at birth are scanty, and many aspects are still debated. Aim of this narrative review is to summarize the current knowledge regarding the short- and long-term effects of perinatal asphyxia and of hypothermia treatment on the endocrine system, thus providing suggestions for improving the management of asphyxiated children.

Results

Involvement of the endocrine system (especially glucose and electrolyte disturbances, adrenal hemorrhage, non-thyroidal illness syndrome) can occur in a variable percentage of subjects with perinatal asphyxia, potentially affecting mortality as well as neurological outcome. Hypothermia may also affect endocrine homeostasis, leading to a decreased incidence of hypocalcemia and an increased risk of dilutional hyponatremia and hypercalcemia.

Conclusions

Metabolic abnormalities in the context of perinatal asphyxia are important modifiable factors that may be associated with a worse outcome. Therefore, clinicians should be aware of the possible occurrence of endocrine complication, in order to establish appropriate screening protocols and allow timely treatment.

Hypoglycemia and associated comorbidities among newborns of mothers with diabetes in an academic tertiary care center

Background

Hypoglycemia is considered the common metabolic problem in newborns with serious long-term sequelae. This study evaluates the incidence of hypoglycemia in the newborns of mothers with diabetes mellitus and assesses the comorbidities that affect the newborns of mothers with gestational diabetes compared with the newborns of mothers with pregestational diabetes mellitus.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study was conducted between January-2018 and December-2020. All admissions to the hospital nursery of the newborns of diabetic mothers with diabetes mellitus were included.

Results

The study comprised 1,036 mothers with diabetes, of the newborns of mothers with pregestational diabetes, 22% had hypoglycemia, and of mothers with gestational diabetes, 12%. Mothers with pregestational diabetes had a significantly higher risk of needing an emergency cesarean section (OR: 2.1, 95% CI: 1.3-3.4); and of having a baby who is large for its gestational age (OR: 9.5, 95% CI: 2.6-35.5), must be admitted to the NICU (OR: 2.9, 95% CI: 1.5-5.6), has respiratory distress syndrome (OR: 3.3, 95% CI: 1.5-7.4), and needs gavage feeding (OR: 3.5, 95% CI: 1.4-8.9).

Conclusion

About 13% of the newborns of mothers with diabetes had hypoglycemia. Significantly more of these newborns were of mothers with pregestational diabetes than of mothers with gestational diabetes. Newborn of mothers with pregestational diabetes mellitus have the risk of large weight and neurological problems, such as sucking difficulties, length of hospital stay, NICU admission, and respiratory distress syndrome.

A quality improvement initiative for neonatal hypoglycemia screening and management in a level III neonatal intensive care unit

OBJECTIVE

To bring screening and management of neonatal hypoglycemia in alignment with the 2011 AAP hypoglycemia clinical report METHODS: A multidisciplinary team developed a quality improvement initiative for neonatal hypoglycemia in neonates ≥35 weeks gestational age in a Level III neonatal intensive care unit between July 2020 and December 2021. A key driver diagram identified interventions for plan-do-study-act testing with corresponding measures to implement a hypoglycemia management protocol and improve adherence to AAP guidelines.

RESULTS

Time to first blood glucose measurement increased from 49.8 to 122.7 min of life and time to first enteral feed decreased from 14.2 to 3.6 h of life. Neonates receiving intravenous dextrose decreased from 97.1 to 24.7% and discharge rates as a mother-neonate dyad increased from 35 to 62.4%.

CONCLUSIONS

Adherence to the AAP guidelines improved during testing and implementation of a hypoglycemia protocol and was associated with an increased mother-neonate dyad discharge rate.

Analysis of risk factors of neonatal hypoglycemia and its correlation with blood glucose control of gestational diabetes mellitus: A retrospective study

This study aimed to investigate the risk factors associated with neonatal hypoglycemia and its correlation with blood glucose control in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). This study was a retrospective study. 880 pregnant women with GDM and their newborns were hospitalized from January 2018 to December 2022 in our hospital. The clinical information of GDM pregnant women and their newborns were reviewed and the hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) values measured within 1 week before delivery were collected. According to the occurrence of neonatal hypoglycemia, which was divided into the control and observation groups. Logistic regression model was used to estimate the potential factors associated with neonatal hypoglycemia. The association between HbA1c of pregnant women before delivery and abnormal glucose metabolism in newborns was examined using spearman correlation analysis. A total of 104 cases of hypoglycemia occurred in neonates delivered by 880 GDM women and the incidence of neonatal hypoglycemia was 11.82%. There were significant differences in pre-pregnancy overweight or obesity, delivery mode, maternal blood sugar control effect and neonatal feeding standard between the 2 groups of GDM women (P < .05). Pre-pregnancy overweight or obesity, poor blood sugar control in GDM women, and improper neonatal feeding were risk factors for neonatal hypoglycemia. The results of logistic regression analysis showed that abnormal glucose metabolism in newborn (odds ratio [OR]: 2.43, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.12-4.73) and neonatal hypoglycemia (OR: 3.04, 95% CI: 1.33-5.79) were a risk factor. We also conducted the logistic analysis to evaluate the correlation between HbA1c before delivery and abnormal glucose metabolism in newborns of pregnant women with GDM through adjusting some potential factors. The results were still significant in the abnormal glucose metabolism in newborn (OR: 2.84, 95% CI: 1.23-6.63) and neonatal hypoglycemia (OR: 3.64, 95% CI: 1.46-8.18). Overweight or obesity of GDM parturient before pregnancy, poor blood glucose control of GDM parturient and improper feeding of newborns are all risk factors for neonatal hypoglycemia. HbA1c before delivery has a certain predictive value for abnormal glucose metabolism in newborns.

Executive function and behaviour problems in school-age children born at risk of neonatal hypoglycaemia

AIM

To examine the relationship between neonatal hypoglycaemia and specific areas of executive function and behaviour in mid-childhood.

METHOD

Participants in a prospective cohort study of infants born late preterm or at term at risk of neonatal hypoglycaemia were assessed at 9 to 10 years. We assessed executive function using performance-based (Cambridge Neuropsychological Tests Automated Battery) and questionnaire-based (Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function) measures and behaviour problems with the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Data are reported as adjusted odds ratio (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals, and standardized regression coefficients.

RESULTS

We assessed 480 (230 females, 250 males; mean age 9 years 5 months [SD 4 months, range 8 years 8 months-11 years 0 months]) of 587 eligible children (82%). There were no differences in performance-based executive function between children who did and did not experience neonatal hypoglycaemia (blood glucose <2.6 mmoL/L). However, children who experienced hypoglycaemia, especially if severe or recurrent, were at greater risk of parent-reported metacognition difficulties (aOR 2.37-3.71), parent-reported peer (aOR 1.62-1.89) and teacher-reported conduct (aOR 2.14 for severe hypoglycaemia) problems. Both performance- and questionnaire-based executive functions were associated with behaviour problems.

INTERPRETATION

Neonatal hypoglycaemia may be associated with difficulties in specific aspects of parent-reported executive functions and behaviour problems in mid-childhood.

The association of hypoglycemia with outcome of critically ill children in relation to nutritional and blood glucose control strategies

BACKGROUND

Withholding parenteral nutrition (PN) until one week after PICU admission facilitated recovery from critical illness and protected against emotional and behavioral problems 4 years later. However, the intervention increased the risk of hypoglycemia, which may have counteracted part of the benefit. Previously, hypoglycemia occurring under tight glucose control in critically ill children receiving early PN did not associate with long-term harm. We investigated whether hypoglycemia in PICU differentially associates with outcome in the context of withholding early PN, and whether any potential association with outcome may depend on the applied glucose control protocol.

METHODS

In this secondary analysis of the multicenter PEPaNIC RCT, we studied whether hypoglycemia in PICU associated with mortality (N = 1440) and 4-years neurodevelopmental outcome (N = 674) through univariable comparison and multivariable regression analyses adjusting for potential confounders. In patients with available blood samples (N = 556), multivariable models were additionally adjusted for baseline serum NSE and S100B concentrations as biomarkers of neuronal, respectively, astrocytic damage. To study whether an association of hypoglycemia with outcome may be affected by the nutritional strategy or center-specific glucose control protocol, we further adjusted the models for the interaction between hypoglycemia and the randomized nutritional strategy, respectively, treatment center. In sensitivity analyses, we studied whether any association with outcome was different in patients with iatrogenic or spontaneous/recurrent hypoglycemia.

RESULTS

Hypoglycemia univariably associated with higher mortality in PICU, at 90 days and 4 years after randomization, but not when adjusted for risk factors. After 4 years, critically ill children with hypoglycemia scored significantly worse for certain parent/caregiver-reported executive functions (working memory, planning and organization, metacognition) than patients without hypoglycemia, also when adjusted for risk factors including baseline NSE and S100B. Further adjustment for the interaction of hypoglycemia with the randomized intervention or treatment center revealed a potential interaction, whereby tight glucose control and withholding early PN may be protective. Impaired executive functions were most pronounced in patients with spontaneous or recurrent hypoglycemia.

CONCLUSION

Critically ill children exposed to hypoglycemia in PICU were at higher risk of impaired executive functions after 4 years, especially in cases of spontaneous/recurrent hypoglycemia.

Associations Between Autism Spectrum Quotient and Integration of Visual Stimuli in 9-year-old Children: Preliminary Evidence of Sex Differences

PURPOSE

The dorsal stream vulnerability hypothesis posits that the dorsal stream, responsible for visual motion and visuo-motor processing, may be particularly vulnerable during neurodevelopment. Consistent with this, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been associated with deficits in global motion integration, though deficits in ventral stream tasks, such as form identification, have also been reported. In the current study, we examined whether a similar pattern of results is found in a cohort of 381 children born with neurodevelopmental risk factors and exhibiting a wide spectrum of caregiver-reported autistic traits.

METHODS

We examined the associations between global motion perception, global form perception, fine motor function, visual-motor integration, and autistic traits (autism spectrum quotient, AQ) using linear regression, accounting for possible interactions with sex and other factors relevant to neurodevelopment.

RESULTS

All assessments of dorsal stream function were significantly associated with AQ such that worse performance predicted higher AQ scores. We also observed a significant sex interaction, with worse global form perception associated with higher AQ in boys (n = 202) but not girls (n = 179).

CONCLUSION

We found widespread associations between dorsal stream functions and autistic traits. These associations were observed in a large group of children with a range of AQ scores, demonstrating a range of visual function across the full spectrum of autistic traits. In addition, ventral function was associated with AQ in boys but not girls. Sex differences in the associations between visual processing and neurodevelopment should be considered in the designs of future studies.

Effects of oral glibenclamide versus subcutaneous insulin on perinatal outcome of patients with gestational diabetes mellitus: A randomized clinical trial

Background

The first-line treatment for gestational diabetes mellitus remains insulin, but oral hypoglycemic agents are easier and cheaper to use. The aim of the current study was to compare the efficacy and safety of oral glibenclamide and subcutaneous insulin on the serum glucose control and perinatal outcome of patients with gestational diabetes mellitus.

Materials and methods

This randomized clinical trial was conducted during a 2-year period from 2017 to 2019 in two tertiary healthcare centers in Shiraz, Iran. We included 84 singleton pregnancies between 24 and 34 weeks of gestation diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus. Patients were randomly assigned to oral glibenclamide (n = 44) or subcutaneous insulin (n = 40) according to a standard protocol and followed until delivery. The primary endpoint was to compare the glycemic level of patients, and the secondary outcomes included pregnancy adverse events and neonatal complications such as preeclampsia, preterm and premature rupture of membranes, preterm labor, placental abruption, maternal hypoglycemia, birth weight, neonatal hypoglycemia, hyperbilirubinemia, respiratory distress syndrome, and neonatal intensive care unit admission.

Results

The two study groups had comparable baseline characteristics. After treatment, the two study groups were comparable regarding fasting blood glucose (p = 0.398) and 2 h postprandial glucose (p = 0.085). There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding the rate of preeclampsia (p = 0.250), preterm rupture of membranes (p = 0.998), preterm labor (p = 0.495), hypoglycemia (p = 0.476), and abruption (p = 0.815). There was no significant difference between the two study groups in birth weight (p = 0.863) and the Apgar score at 1 (p = 0.190) and 5 min (p = 0.055). The rates of neonatal adverse events including hypoglycemia (p = 0.999), hyperbilirubinemia (p = 0.160), neonatal intensive care unit admission (p = 0.852), and respiratory distress syndrome (p = 0.665) were comparable between the two groups.

Conclusion

The results of the current study demonstrate that oral glibenclamide is as effective and safe as subcutaneous insulin in glycemic control and maternal and neonatal outcomes in women with gestational diabetes mellitus. Thus, it could be used as first-line treatment of gestational diabetes mellitus.

Neonatal Golden Hour: a review of current best practices and available evidence

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Recommendations made by several scientific bodies advocate for adoption of evidence-based interventions during the first 60 min of postnatal life, also known as the 'Golden Hour', to better support the fetal-to-neonatal transition. Implementation of a Golden Hour protocol leads to improved short-term and long-term outcomes, especially in extremely premature and extreme low-birth-weight (ELBW) neonates. Unfortunately, several recent surveys have highlighted persistent variability in the care provided to this vulnerable population in the first hour of life.

RECENT FINDINGS

Since its first adoption in the neonatal ICU (NICU) in 2009, published literature shows a consistent benefit in establishing a Golden Hour protocol. Improved short-term outcomes are reported, including reductions in hypothermia and hypoglycemia, efficiency in establishing intravenous access, and timely initiation of fluids and medications. Additionally, long-term outcomes report decreased risk for bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).

SUMMARY

Critical to the success and sustainability of any Golden Hour initiative is recognition of the continuous educational process involving multidisciplinary team collaboration to ensure coordination between providers in the delivery room and beyond. Standardization of practices in the care of extremely premature neonates during the first hour of life leads to improved outcomes.

VIDEO ABSTRACT

http://links.lww.com/MOP/A68 .

Severity and duration of dysglycemia and brain injury among patients with neonatal encephalopathy

Background

Evidence is needed to inform thresholds for glycemic management in neonatal encephalopathy (NE). We investigated how severity and duration of dysglycemia relate to brain injury after NE.

Methods

A prospective cohort of 108 neonates ≥36 weeks gestational age with NE were enrolled between August 2014 and November 2019 at the Hospital for Sick Children, in Toronto, Canada. Participants underwent continuous glucose monitoring for 72 h, MRI at day 4 of life, and follow-up at 18 months. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to assess the predictive value of glucose measures (minimum and maximum glucose, sequential 1 mmol/L glucose thresholds) during the first 72 h of life (HOL) for each brain injury pattern (basal ganglia, watershed, focal infarct, posterior-predominant). Linear and logistic regression analyses were used to assess the relationship between abnormal glycemia and 18-month outcomes (Bayley-III composite scores, Child Behavior Checklist [CBCL] T-scores, neuromotor score, cerebral palsy [CP], death), adjusting for brain injury severity.

Findings

Of 108 neonates enrolled, 102 (94%) had an MRI. Maximum glucose during the first 48 HOL best predicted basal ganglia (AUC = 0.811) and watershed (AUC = 0.858) injury. Minimum glucose was not predictive of brain injury (AUC <0.509). Ninety-one (89%) infants underwent follow-up assessments at 19.0 ± 1.7 months. A glucose threshold of >10.1 mmol/L during the first 48 HOL was associated with 5.8-point higher CBCL Internalizing Composite T-score (P = 0.029), 0.3-point worse neuromotor score (P = 0.035), 8.6-fold higher odds for CP diagnosis (P = 0.014). While the glucose threshold of >10.1 mmol/L during the first 48 HOL was associated with higher odds of the composite outcome of severe disability or death (OR 3.0, 95% CI 1.0-8.4, P = 0.042), it was not associated with the composite outcome of moderate-to-severe disability or death (OR 0.9, 95% CI 0.4-2.2, P = 0.801). All associations with outcome lost significance after adjusting for brain injury severity.

Interpretation

Maximum glucose concentration in the first 48 HOL is predictive of brain injury after NE. Further trials are needed to assess if protocols to control maximum glucose concentrations improve outcomes after NE.

Funding

Canadian Institutes for Health Research, National Institutes of Health, and SickKids Foundation.

Fewer glucose checks and decreased supplementation using dextrose gel for asymptomatic neonatal hypoglycemia

OBJECTIVE

Evaluate the impact of a neonatal hypoglycemia (NH) clinical pathway implementing buccal dextrose gel in late preterm and term infants.

STUDY DESIGN

Quality improvement study at a children's hospital associated birth center. Number of blood glucose checks, use of supplemental milk, and need for IV glucose were followed for 26-months after implementation of dextrose gel and compared to previous 16-month period.

RESULTS

After QI implementation, 2703 infants were screened for hypoglycemia. Of these, 874 (32%) received at least one dose of dextrose gel. Special cause shifts with reductions in mean number of blood glucose checks per infant (pre 6.6 vs. post 5.6), use of supplemental milk (pre 42% vs. post 30%), and need for IV glucose (pre 4.8% vs. post 3.5%) were found.

CONCLUSION

Incorporating dextrose gel into a clinical pathway for NH was associated with a sustained reduction in number of interventions, use of supplemental milk and need for IV glucose.

Association between newborn hypoglycemia screening and breastfeeding success in an Ottawa, Ontario, hospital: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

There has been limited investigation of the unintended effects of routine screening for asymptomatic hypoglycemia in at-risk newborns. This study aimed to explore whether rates of exclusive breastfeeding were lower in screened babies than in unscreened babies.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study conducted in Ottawa, Canada, used data from Hôpital Montfort's electronic health information system. Healthy singleton newborns discharged between Feb. 1, 2014, and June 30, 2018, were included. We excluded babies and mothers with conditions expected to interfere with breastfeeding (e.g., twins). We investigated the association between postnatal screening for hypoglycemia and initial exclusive breastfeeding (in the first 24 hours of life).

RESULTS

We included 10 965 newborns; of these, 1952 (17.8%) were fully screened for hypoglycemia. Of screened newborns, 30.6% exclusively breastfed and 64.6% took both formula and breastmilk in the first 24 hours of life. Of unscreened newborns, 45.4% exclusively breastfed and 49.8% received both formula and breastmilk. The adjusted odds ratio for exclusive breastfeeding in the first 24 hours of life among newborns screened for hypoglycemia was 0.57 (95% confidence interval 0.51-0.64).

INTERPRETATION

The association of routine newborn hypoglycemia screening with a lower initial rate of exclusive breastfeeding suggests a potential effect of screening on early breastfeeding success. Confirmation of these findings might warrant a re-evaluation of the net benefit of asymptomatic postnatal hypoglycemia screening for different newborn populations at risk of hypoglycemia.

Screening and diagnosis of neonatal hypoglycaemia in at-risk late preterm and term infants following AAP recommendations: a single centre retrospective study

BACKGROUND

There is a lack of consensus regarding the definition and treatment threshold for neonatal hypoglycaemia. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has a published clinical report making recommendations on practice guidelines. There is limited literature discussing the impact of these guidelines. In this study, we evaluated the screening and diagnosis of neonatal hypoglycaemia following the AAP guidelines.

METHODS

Infants born ≥35 weeks gestational age and admitted to the well-baby nursery between January and December 2017 were included in this study. Our hypoglycaemia policy was based on the AAP clinical report for hypoglycaemia management in newborns. Chart review was done to obtain infant hypoglycaemia risk factors and blood glucose values in the first 24 hours. Data analysis was conducted using Stata V.14.2 (StataCorp).

RESULTS

Of 2873 infants born and admitted to the well-baby nursery, 32% had at least one hypoglycaemia risk factor and 96% of them were screened for hypoglycaemia. Screened infants were more likely to be born at a lower gestational age, via C-section, and to a multiparous older mother. Screened infants and hypoglycaemic infants had lower exclusive breastfeeding rates compared with those who were not screened or not hypoglycaemic, respectively. Sixteen per cent of screened infants were diagnosed with hypoglycaemia; 0.8% of at-risk screened infants and 5% of hypoglycaemic infants were admitted to the NICU for treatment of hypoglycaemia. Thirty-one per cent of preterm infants, 15% of large for gestational age infants, 13% of small for gestational age infants and 15% of infants of diabetic mothers were hypoglycaemic. Hypoglycaemic infants were more likely to be born preterm and via C-section.

CONCLUSION

Using the AAP time-based definitional blood glucose cut-off values, our incidence of hypoglycaemia found in those who were screened for risk factors was lower compared with other studies. Future long-term follow-up studies will be important.

Hypoglycaemia in high-risk neonates on exclusive breastfeeding

Background

Neonates at risk of hypoglycemia are often roomed in with mothers, but there is paucity of literature on the occurrence of hypoglycemia in these exclusively breastfed high-risk neonates. The primary objective was to estimate the incidence of hypoglycaemia in high-risk neonates on exclusive breastfeeding. The secondary objectives were to study the time of presentation, symptoms of hypoglycaemia, and the various maternal and neonatal risk factors.

Methods

This prospective observational study was carried out in a tertiary care teaching hospital of eastern India between January 2017 and June 2018. All neonates roomed in with mothers with high-risk factors such as low birth weight, preterm, small for gestational age, large for gestational age and infants of diabetic mothers were included. All included neonates were exclusive breastfed and underwent blood glucose monitoring at 2, 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h of life using glucometer strips and also whenever clinical features suggested hypoglycaemia. Hypoglycemia was defined as the blood glucose level ≤46 mg/dL.

Results

Of a total of 250 neonates studied, 52 (20.8%) developed hypoglycaemia in first 72 h. Hypoglycaemia was detected in most at 2 h with the second peak at 48 h of age. Only 8 (3.2%) neonates had symptomatic hypoglycaemia with jitteriness being the commonest symptom, followed by lethargy and poor feeding.

Conclusion

There is a need to closely monitor the blood glucose levels for at least first 48 h in high-risk neonates roomed in with mothers on exclusive breastfeeding.

Model-based subcutaneous insulin for glycemic control of pre-term infants in the neonatal intensive care unit

Hyperglycaemia is a common problem in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Achieving good control can result in better outcomes for patients. However, good control is difficult, where poor control and resulting hypoglycaemia reduces outcomes and confounds results. Clinically validated models can provide good control, and subcutaneous insulin delivery can provide more options for insulin therapy for clinicians. However, this combination has only been significantly utilised in adult outpatient diabetes, but could hold benefit for treating NICU infants. This research combines a well-validated NICU metabolic model with subcutaneous insulin kinetics models to assess the feasibility of a model-based approach. Clinical data from 12 very/extremely pre-mature infants was collected for an average study duration of 10.1 days. Blood glucose, interstitial and plasma insulin, as well as subcutaneous and local insulin were modelled, and patient-specific insulin sensitivity profiles were identified for each patient. Modelling error was low, where the cohort median [IQR] mean percentage error was 0.8 [0.3 3.4] %. For external validation, insulin sensitivity was compared to previous NICU cohorts using the same metabolic model, where overall levels of insulin sensitivity were similar. Overall, the combined system model accurately captured observed glucose and insulin dynamics, showing the potential for a model-based approach to glycaemic control using subcutaneous insulin in this cohort. The results justify further model validation and clinical trial research to explore a model-based protocol.

Maximizing the detection rate of hypoglycemia among preterm neonates admitted in Neonatal intensive care unit in Ethiopia, 2021

The burden of hypoglycemia is high in resource limited countries, such as Ethiopia. However, there are no sufficient studies conducted in Ethiopia in general and in the study setting in particular in the previous era. Hence, this study aims to assess the proportion of hypoglycemia and associated factors among preterm neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit at Debre Tabor Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia, in 2021. A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from October 1 to December 30, 2021, at Debre Tabor Comprehensive Specialized Hospital in the neonatal intensive care unit ward. The data was entered in Epi-info 7 and exported to STATA version 14. A binary and multivariable logistic regression was computed at 95% confidence interval (CI). During bivariable analysis, variables having a p-value of less than 0.25 were chosen for multivariable logistic regression analysis, and variables having a p-value of less than 0.05 in multivariable analysis, were significant associations with the dependent variable. The study included 267 preterm neonates, and 23.59% (95% CI 18.9-29.1) were develop hypoglycemia. Moreover, 49 (18.35%) preterm neonates died during the study period. In this study, preterm neonates with hypothermia [Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR = 4.5; 95 CI 3.4, 7.2)], birth asphyxia (AOR = 5.1; 95 CI 3.9, 27.1), seizure (AOR = 4.7; 95 CI 2.8, 17.8), and also preterm neonates born from diabetic mothers (AOR = 6.7; 95 CI 3.3, 27.2) were significantly associated with the occurrence of hypoglycemia in the neonatal intensive care. The proportion of hypoglycemia and associated factors among preterm neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit at Debre Tabor Comprehensive Specialized Hospital was found to be high. The associated factors for the occurrence of hypoglycemia were discovered to be neonates with hypothermia, birth asphyxia, seizure, and neonates born with a diabetes mother. Thus, recognizing and treating the above associated factors is essential to preventing, and controlling hypoglycemia.

Cross-cultural validity and reliability of the BRIEF-P at age 2 and 4.5 years in children born at risk of neonatal hypoglycemia

Executive function (EF) encompasses several neurocognitive processes that are important in self-regulation of behavior and the attainment of social and cognitive competencies. While much progress has been made in developing valid measures for adult and adolescent EF, there is a dearth of valid measures for preschool children. Given the steep trajectory of neuropsychological development among this age group and the importance of EF, a valid measure for clinical assessment and research is needed that can capture EF in the everyday context of early childhood. The Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function Preschool Version (BRIEF-P) measures parent and teacher observations of children's everyday self-regulatory behaviors. The BRIEF-P has been validated in a range of normative and non-normative samples, but further validation is needed across cultures. This study aimed to evaluate the cross-cultural validity and reliability of the BRIEF-P when used by New Zealand Māori (n = 131) and European (n = 193) parents of children born with risk factors of neonatal hypoglycemia. Parents of children who participated in the prospective, longitudinal Children with Hypoglycemia and their Later Development (CHYLD) study completed the BRIEF-P when the child was 2 years ±4 weeks and 4.5 years ±8 weeks old. Results showed that the BRIEF-P is a highly reliable and valid instrument. Comparisons between Māori and New Zealand European samples revealed biases, which could be a source of further work to improve the construct validity of this measure, such as the development of norms and item validation for non-European and non-Western samples.

Topical Review: Optometry in Nepal-Clinical Practice, Research Advances, and Challenges

SIGNIFICANCE

This article reviews educational standard, clinical practice, research advances, and challenges associated with optometry in Nepal and provides critical considerations for contemporary and new optometry programs in countries with similar socioeconomic status and health care systems.Optometry education started in Nepal in 1998 with the primary objective of addressing the unmet needs of eye health and vision care in the country. Over the last two decades, this program has made significant contributions to facilitating and improving the delivery of quality eye care and establishing the nation's eye health system as an exemplary model in South Asia. Despite the positive impact in a short time, optometry education and the profession continue to face several challenges, including a shortage of training resources and facilities, poor quality control and regulation of practice standards, lack of professional recognition, limited pathways for entry to governmental jobs via the national public service commission, and limited clinical and academic opportunities in existing eye care programs. This article reviews current education and clinical practice standards, highlights research advances, and discusses present and future challenges in sustaining and improving the quality of education and advancing the scope of practice of optometry in Nepal. Given the limited access to primary eye care services in Nepal, appropriate professional recognition and integration into the national health system, and initiatives targeted at improving the delivery of optometry education in alignment with successful international models may provide a long-sought solution to making eye care services accessible to all and lowering the burden of visual impairment in the country.

New approaches to screening and management of neonatal hypoglycemia based on improved understanding of the molecular mechanism of hypoglycemia

For the past 70 years, controversy about hypoglycemia in newborn infants has focused on a numerical "definition of neonatal hypoglycemia", without regard to its mechanism. This ignores the purpose of screening newborns for hypoglycemia, which is to identify those with pathological forms of hypoglycemia and to prevent hypoglycemic brain injury. Recent clinical and basic research indicates that the three major forms of neonatal hypoglycemia are caused by hyperinsulinism (recognizing also that other rare hormonal or metabolic conditions may also present during this time frame). These include transitional hypoglycemia, which affects all normal newborns in the first few days after birth; perinatal stress-induced hypoglycemia in high-risk newborns, which afflicts ∼1 in 1,200 newborns; and genetic forms of congenital hyperinsulinism which afflict ∼1 in 10,000-40,000 newborns. (1) Transitional hyperinsulinism in normal newborns reflects persistence of the low glucose threshold for insulin secretion during fetal life into the first few postnatal days. Recent data indicate that the underlying mechanism is decreased trafficking of ATP-sensitive potassium channels to the beta-cell plasma membrane, likely a result of the hypoxemic state of fetal life. (2) Perinatal stress-induced hyperinsulinism in high-risk infants appears to reflect an exaggeration of this normal low fetal glucose threshold for insulin release due to more severe and prolonged exposure to perinatal hypoxemia. (3) Genetic hyperinsulinism, in contrast, reflects permanent genetic defects in various steps controlling beta-cell insulin release, such as inactivating mutations of the K _ATP-channel genes. The purpose of this report is to review our current knowledge of these three major forms of neonatal hyperinsulinism as a foundation for the diagnosis and management of hypoglycemia in newborn infants. This includes selection of appropriate interventions based on underlying disease mechanism; combined monitoring of both plasma glucose and ketone levels to improve screening for infants with persistent forms of hypoglycemia; and ultimately to ensure that infants at risk of persistent hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia are recognized prior to discharge from the nursery.

Continuous glucose monitoring for children with hypoglycaemia: Evidence in 2023

In 2023, childhood hypoglycaemia remains a major public health problem and significant risk factor for consequent adverse neurodevelopment. Irrespective of the underlying cause, key elements of clinical management include the detection, prediction and prevention of episodes of hypoglycaemia. These tasks are increasingly served by Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) devices that measure subcutaneous glucose at near-continuous frequency. While the use of CGM in type 1 diabetes is well established, the evidence for widespread use in rare hypoglycaemia disorders is less than convincing. However, in the few years since our last review there have been multiple developments and increased user feedback, requiring a review of clinical application. Despite advances in device technology, point accuracy of CGM remains low for children with non-diabetes hypoglycaemia. Simple provision of CGM devices has not replicated the efficacy seen in those with diabetes and is yet to show benefit. Machine learning techniques for hypoglycaemia prevention have so far failed to demonstrate sufficient prediction accuracy for real world use even in those with diabetes. Furthermore, access to CGM globally is restricted by costs kept high by the commercially-driven speed of technical innovation. Nonetheless, the ability of CGM to digitally phenotype disease groups has led to a better understanding of natural history of disease, facilitated diagnoses and informed changes in clinical management. Large CGM datasets have prompted re-evaluation of hypoglycaemia incidence and facilitated improved trial design. Importantly, an individualised approach and focus on the behavioural determinants of hypoglycaemia has led to real world reduction in hypoglycaemia. In this state of the art review, we critically analyse the updated evidence for use of CGM in non-diabetic childhood hypoglycaemia disorders since 2020 and provide suggestions for qualified use.

Neurodevelopmental correlates of caudate volume in children born at risk of neonatal hypoglycaemia

BACKGROUND

Neonatal hypoglycaemia can lead to brain damage and neurocognitive impairment. Neonatal hypoglycaemia is associated with smaller caudate volume in the mid-childhood. We investigated the relationship between neurodevelopmental outcomes and caudate volume and whether this relationship was influenced by neonatal hypoglycaemia.

METHODS

Children born at risk of neonatal hypoglycaemia ≥36 weeks' gestation who participated in a prospective cohort study underwent neurodevelopmental assessment (executive function, academic achievement, and emotional-behavioural regulation) and MRI at age 9-10 years. Neonatal hypoglycaemia was defined as at least one hypoglycaemic episode (blood glucose concentration <2.6 mmol/L or at least 10 min of interstitial glucose concentrations <2.6 mmol/L). Caudate volume was computed using FreeSurfer.

RESULTS

There were 101 children with MRI and neurodevelopmental data available, of whom 70 had experienced neonatal hypoglycaemia. Smaller caudate volume was associated with greater parent-reported emotional and behavioural difficulties, and poorer prosocial behaviour. Caudate volume was significantly associated with visual memory only in children who had not experienced neonatal hypoglycaemia (interaction p = 0.03), but there were no other significant interactions between caudate volume and neonatal hypoglycaemia.

CONCLUSION

Smaller caudate volume is associated with emotional behaviour difficulties in the mid-childhood. Although neonatal hypoglycaemia is associated with smaller caudate volume, this appears not to contribute to clinically relevant neurodevelopmental deficits.

IMPACT

At 9-10 years of age, caudate volume was inversely associated with emotional-behavioural difficulties and positively associated with prosocial behaviour but was not related to executive function or educational achievement. Previous studies have suggested that neonatal hypoglycaemia may contribute to smaller caudate volume but exposure to neonatal hypoglycaemia did not appear to influence the relationship between caudate volume and behaviour. Among children not exposed to neonatal hypoglycaemia, caudate volume was also positively associated with visual memory, but no such association was detected among those exposed to neonatal hypoglycaemia. Understanding early-life factors that affect caudate development may provide targets for improving behavioural function.

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

IMPORTANCE

Neonatal hypoglycemia is common, but its association with later neurodevelopment is uncertain.

OBJECTIVE

To examine associations between neonatal hypoglycemia and neurocognitive outcomes at corrected age 2 years.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

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.

EXPOSURES

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.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

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).

RESULTS

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).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

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.

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.

Risk of hypoglycemia by anthropometric measurements in neonates of mothers with diabetes

Macrosomia in neonates of diabetic women is a risk factor for neonatal hypoglycemia, with an over-risk for asymmetric macrosomia. This study aimed to study the association between anthropometric measurements and hypoglycemia in neonates of mothers treated for gestational diabetes. This is a secondary analysis of the INDAO trial study conducted between May 2012 and November 2016 in 13 French tertiary care university hospitals in 890 pregnant women with gestational diabetes treated with either insulin or glyburide. Neonatal anthropometric measurements were birthweight and weight-length ratio (WLR, defined as birth weight/length). Neonatal hypoglycemia was defined as capillary blood glucose below 36 mg/dL (2 mmol/L) or below 45 mg/dL (2.5 mmol/L) associated with clinical signs after 2 h of life. Their relationships were modeled with logistic regressions using fractional polynomials. Extreme categories of birthweight or WLR adjusted for gestational age at birth and sex were defined as Z-score <  -1.28 or > 1.28. These categories were compared to Z-score between -1.28 and 1.28 by estimating odds ratios and confidence intervals for neonatal hypoglycemia. Neonatal hypoglycemia occurred in 9.1% of cases. The relationship between birthweight and WLR Z-scores and neonatal risk of hypoglycemia adjusted for maternal treatment was a U-shaped curve. Adjusted odds ratios for the risk of hypoglycemia were 9.6 (95% CI 3.5, 26.8) and 2.3 (95% CI 1.1, 4.9) for WLR Z-score below -1.28 and above 1.28, respectively, compared with WLR Z-score between -1.28 and 1.28.    Conclusion: Birthweight Z-score was associated with the risk of neonatal hypoglycemia in neonates from mothers treated for gestational diabetes. The risk of neonatal hypoglycemia was increased for both extreme birthweight Z-scores, regardless of maternal treatment. Small for gestational age neonates of diabetic mothers require special attention for the risk of neonatal hypoglycemia. What is Known: • Macrosomia in neonates of diabetic women is a risk factor for neonatal hypoglycemia, with an over-risk for asymmetric macrosomia. Few retrospective studies have assessed the risk for neonatal hypoglycemia among small for gestational age neonates born to diabetic mothers. What is New: • The risk of neonatal hypoglycemia among neonates of diabetic mothers increased for both low and high weight-length ratio, regardless of maternal medicinal treatment, gestational age at birth, and sex of the newborn.

Protecting against brain damage by improving treatment in neonates with hypoglycaemia: ProBrain-D-a study protocol of a prospective longitudinal study

INTRODUCTION

Although neonatal hypoglycaemia is the most common metabolic problem in neonates, there is no standard guideline for screening. Additionally, treatment of neonatal hypoglycaemia and glucose administration thresholds are discussed controversially. Severe hypoglycaemia can lead to brain damage, but data on the effects of mild hypoglycaemia on neurological development are limited. To our knowledge, this is the first prospective longitudinal cohort study to analyse if the implementation of a new diagnosis and treatment standard for neonatal hypoglycaemia may improve the outcome of neonates at risk for hypoglycaemia, especially concerning neurodevelopment. Furthermore, the acceptance and feasibility of the standard among different professional groups and parents are analysed.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

After implementation of a structured standard operating procedure (SOP), detailing preventive measures, blood glucose screening and neonatal hypoglycaemia treatment in a tertiary care hospital, 678 neonates ≥35+0 weeks of gestation will be recruited in a monocentric prospective cohort study. For comparison, 139 children born before the implementation of this new SOP, who had risk factors for neonatal hypoglycaemia or qualified for blood glucose measurements are recruited (retrospective cohort). For the primary end point, comparative analyses between and within the prospective and retrospective cohorts will be performed regarding the neurological outcome at 2-2.5 years of age in Bayley Scales of Infant Development. Furthermore, comprehensive clinical data and data on nutrition and developmental milestones are assessed at different time points (6 weeks, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months) in the prospective cohort. Acceptance and feasibility of the new standard are assessed using questionnaires.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The study has been approved by the Ethics Committee of the Medical Faculty of the Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf (20201162). The results of this study will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals and presented at international conferences.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

DRKS00024086.

Rooming-In Practice During the Pandemic: Results From a Retrospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic emerged in December 2019 and spread rapidly worldwide. So far, evidence regarding the breastfeeding and rooming-in management of mothers with COVID-19 and their newborn infants is scarce.

RESEARCH AIMS

1) To assess the rate of exclusive breastfeeding at discharge among mothers with COVID-19 and their newborn infants managed either using a rooming-in or a separation regimen; and 2) to evaluate different neonatal outcomes, including the need for re-hospitalization related to COVID-19 among newborn infants in the two groups.

METHOD

We conducted a retrospective two-group comparative observational study. The sample was participants with COVID-19 and their newborn infants (N = 155 dyads) between March 1, 2020, and April 30, 2021. Two time periods were outlined resulting from the two different clinical practices of mother-infant separation and rooming-in.

RESULTS

Within the sample, 145 (93.5%) were asymptomatic. All neonates had documented Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) test results, and six tested positive by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction within 48 hr of life. The rate of exclusive breastfeeding was significantly higher (p < .0001) within the rooming-in group. Length of hospital stay was significantly lower (p = .001) within the rooming-in group.

CONCLUSIONS

Protected rooming-in practice has proven to be safe and effective in supporting breastfeeding: None of the infants enrolled were hospitalized due to COVID-19 infection and the rate of exclusive breastfeeding at discharge was increased compared to those infants separated from their mothers.

Implementation and outcomes of a standard dose dextrose gel protocol for management of transient neonatal hypoglycemia

OBJECTIVE

The use of oral dextrose gel (DG) reduces IV dextrose use. Prior studies used weight-based dosing (WD), though barriers exist, and are mitigated using standard dosing (SD). Our outcomes include IV dextrose use, NICU admissions, breastfeeding, adverse events, and assessment of WD vs SD.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective chart review comparing pre-DG, WD, and SD in 16490 newborns (1329 hypoglycemic) ≥ 35 weeks admitted to the nursery over 3 years.

RESULTS

There was reduction in IV dextrose use 10.9% vs 6.5% (p = 0.004) and NICU admissions 27.9% vs 16.1% (p < 0.001) associated with DG use, and increased rate of breastfed infants 33.8% vs 43.5% (p = 0.001), with no difference between WD and SD. No difference noted in adverse events across the study period.

CONCLUSIONS

DG utilization is associated with reduced IV dextrose use, NICU admissions, and improved breastfeeding rates without changes in adverse events. We offer SD as a safe alternative to WD.

Feasibility and Safety of Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Infants at Risk of Hypoglycemia in a Rooming-in Setting

Background:Screening of neonatal hypoglycemia uses currently intermittent blood sampling. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) allows for tighter glucose control and better comfort for newborns and parents. CGM has previously been used in intensive care setting or blinded to clinicians. Our pilot study uses CGM in real time in rooming-in setting. Methods: CGM was attached within first two hours of life. Low glucose readings were verified to prevent overtreatment. Pairs of sensor readings and corresponding blood glucose measurements were assessed retrospectively. Neurodevelopmental evaluation was performed at 24 months. Results: 44 infants were enrolled. Three had verified hypoglycemia found due to CGM. No patient was below 2 standard deviations in any components of Bayley scales. Median scores were: Cognitive 100, language 86, motor 94. Conclusion: Use of CGM in a rooming-in environment is safe from clinical and neurodevelopmental point of view. Randomized trials are needed to evaluate superiority in longer term outcomes.

No Clinically Relevant Memory Effects in Perinatal Hyperglycemia and Hypoglycemia: A 40-Year Follow-Up of a Small Cohort

Maternal diabetes mellitus in pregnancy is associated with impairments in memory functions of the offspring in childhood and adolescence but has not been studied in adulthood. The association of perinatal hypoglycemia with memory has not been studied in adulthood either. The combined sequelae of these two risk factors have not been directly compared. We studied general cognitive ability and memory functions in a prospective follow-up of a cohort born in 1971 to 1974. The sample included participants exposed to prenatal hyperglycemia (n = 24), perinatal hypoglycemia (n = 19), or both (n = 7). It also included controls with no early risks (n = 82). We assessed the participants' Intelligence quotient (IQ), working memory, and immediate and delayed recall of both verbal and visual material at the age of 40. We did not find significant differences in IQ or the memory tests between the groups. We did identify an interaction (p = 0.03) of the early risk with the type of digit span task: compared to the controls, the participants exposed to perinatal hypoglycemia had a larger difference between the forward digit span, a measure of attention, and the backward digit span, a measure of working memory processing (p = 0.022). The interaction remained significant when birth weight was controlled for (p = 0.026). Thus, in this small cohort, prenatal hyperglycemia, perinatal hypoglycemia, and their combination appeared relatively benign disorders. The association of these conditions with neurocognitive impairments in adulthood remains unconfirmed. The significance of the working memory difference needs to be verified with a larger sample.

Dynamic Methods for Childhood Hypoglycemia Phenotyping: A Narrative Review

Hypoglycemia results from an imbalance between glucose entering the blood compartment and glucose demand, caused by a defect in the mechanisms regulating postprandial glucose homeostasis. Hypoglycemia represents one of the most common metabolic emergencies in childhood, potentially leading to serious neurologic sequelae, including death. Therefore, appropriate investigation of its specific etiology is paramount to provide adequate diagnosis, specific therapy and prevent its recurrence. In the absence of critical samples for biochemical studies, etiological assessment of children with hypoglycemia may include dynamic methods, such as in vivo functional tests, and continuous glucose monitoring. By providing detailed information on actual glucose fluxes in vivo, proof-of-concept studies have illustrated the potential (clinical) application of dynamic stable isotope techniques to define biochemical and clinical phenotypes of inherited metabolic diseases associated with hypoglycemia. According to the textbooks, individuals with glycogen storage disease type I (GSD I) display the most severe hypoglycemia/fasting intolerance. In this review, three dynamic methods are discussed which may be considered during both diagnostic work-up and monitoring of children with hypoglycemia: 1) functional in vivo tests; 2) in vivo metabolic profiling by continuous glucose monitoring (CGM); 3) stable isotope techniques. Future applications and benefits of dynamic methods in children with hypoglycemia are also discussed.

Reliability and Observer Dependence of Signs of Neonatal Hypoglycemia

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate, using video documentation, the sensitivity, specificity, and interobserver reliability of visualizable signs of neonatal hypoglycemia at different glucose concentrations in neonates.

STUDY DESIGN

In a prospective cohort study of 145 neonates with and without risk factors for hypoglycemia, 430 videos were recorded before blood glucose measurements and analyzed by 10 blinded investigators of different professions. The primary outcome measures were sensitivity and specificity for clinical detection of hypoglycemia.

RESULTS

The overall sensitivity to detect low blood glucose (<55 mg/dL [<3.1 mmol/L]) based on signs was 30%, and the specificity was 82%. Significantly more investigators suspected hypoglycemia while viewing videos of infants with blood glucose levels of 46-54 mg/dL (2.6-3.0 mmol/L) and 30-45 mg/dL (1.7-2.5 mmol/L) compared with ≥55 mg/dL (≥3.1 mmol/L) (29 ± 3% and 31 ± 4% vs 18 ± 1%; P = .001; P = .007). After 48 hours of life, significantly more investigators suspected hypoglycemia in videos of infants with blood glucose levels of ≤45 mg/dL (≤2.5 mmol/L) compared with blood glucose levels of >45 mg/dL (>2.5 mmol/L) (28.9 ± 8.1% vs 10.9 ± 1.8%; P = .007). For blood glucose levels 30-45 mg/dL (1.7-2.5 mmol/L), sensitivity varied widely between investigators, ranging from 5% to 62%. Three hypoglycemic episodes <30 mg/dL (<1.7 mmol/L) were only partially recognized.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical observation of signs is neither sensitive nor specific to detect neonatal hypoglycemia, and there are large interobserver differences. Thus, guidelines on neonatal hypoglycemia should reconsider whether distinguishing between asymptomatic and symptomatic hypoglycemia provides useful information for the management of neonatal hypoglycemia, because it may pose a risk for systematic under-recognition and undertreatment, leading to an increased risk for neurodevelopmental impairment.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

German Clinical Trials Register: DRKS00021500 www.drks.de/drks_web/setLocale_EN.do.