Hypoglycemia: When to Treat?

Murthi S, Alsaffar H, Al Mandhari H. Predictors of the Need to Use Medications in the Management of Neonatal Hypoglycemia

Background and objective Neonatal hypoglycemia (NH) is one of the most common causes of admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Persistent NH despite adequate feeding and intravenous dextrose may often require medications to maintain normal blood glucose levels (BGL). Several medications are used in the management of persistent NH, such as glucagon, diazoxide, and octreotide. In this study, we aimed to determine the factors that predict the need for medications to treat persistent NH. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study conducted at the Sultan Qaboos University Hospital (SQUH), Muscat, Oman. Infants admitted to the NICU between 2015 and 2019 with hypoglycemia (capillary blood glucose <2.6 mmol/l) were eligible to be included in the study. A prespecified dataset was collected from electronic patient records, including birth weight (BW), APGAR scores, gestational age, BGL, maternal risk factors such as diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension, or antenatal use of medications, and the NICU management during admission. Data analysis was performed using SPSS Statistics for Windows, version 27.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Results A total of 89 neonates were admitted due to NH during the study period. Of them, 10 (11.2%) patients had received medication (diazoxide). Use of medication for persistent NH was significantly associated with maternal gestational diabetes/diabetes mellitus (GDM/DM) status (p=0.041), higher BW (p=0.001), and large for gestational age [LGA (defined as BW >90th percentile)] (p=0.014), severe hypoglycemia (mean glucose level of 1-1.5 mmol/l) at two hours of life and at admission, and elevated maximum glucose infusion rate (GIR). GIR for the medication-requiring cohort was 12.95 mg/kg/min and that for the non-medication-requiring cohort was 6.77 mg/kg/min (p<0.001). Conclusion Based on our findings, the need for using certain medications to treat persistent NH, such as diazoxide in neonates admitted with NH, can be predicted by factors such as maternal GDM/DM status, BW >90th percentile, very low BGL at two hours of age and on admission, and elevated GIR. Elevated maximum GIR was a leading indicator for using medications in the treatment of NH.

Associations of Maternal Fructosamine before Delivery in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Pregnancies with Neonatal Glucometabolic Disorders

Background

The offspring of pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are vulnerable to be glucometabolic disorders. However, to date, few current studies focused on the associations of maternal accumulated glucose exposure before delivery with neonatal glucometabolic disorders and large for gestational age (LGA) infants. This study is aimed at exploring the associations of maternal fructosamine (FMN) before delivery in GDM pregnant women with neonatal glucometabolic disorders in the first 3 days of life and LGA infants.

Methods

The study subjects were the GDM pregnant women, who gave birth in our hospital from September 1, 2018 to January 31, 2021, and their newborns. The maternal FMN adjusted by serum albumin (FMNALB) before delivery was selected as exposure factors. A multivariate logistical regression model was used to calculate the odds ratios (OR) for neonatal glucometabolic disorders, hypoglycemia needing intervention (<2.6 mmol/L), and glucose intolerance (>7.0 mmol/L) in the first 3 days and LGA infants.

Results

In GDM pregnant women, the newborns in the maternal FMNALB ≥ 75th percentile (≥5.89 mmol/g) group had higher risks in neonatal glucometabolic disorders (aOR 2.50, 95% CI 1.34-4.65, P = 0.004) and hypoglycemia (aOR 2.18, 95% CI 1.16-4.10, P = 0.016). However, FMNALB ≥ 75th percentile seemed to be not predictive of the glucose intolerance (aOR 1.76, 95% CI 0.82-3.79, P = 0.149) and LGA (aOR 1.56, 95% CI 0.81-3.02, P = 0.185). Further, in the sensitivity analysis, the newborns in the maternal FMNALB ≥ 90th percentile (≥6.40 mmol/g) group also had higher risks in neonatal glucometabolic disorders (aOR 5.70, 95% CI 2.18-14.89, P < 0.001) and hypoglycemia (aOR 3.72, 95% CI 1.48-9.31, P = 0.005).

Conclusions

The maternal FMNALB before delivery in GDM pregnant women was a useful biomarker to identify the offspring with high risk of neonatal glucometabolic disorders. However, the association between maternal FMNALB and the risk of LGA infants was not so strong.

Report of Prolonged Neonatal Hypoglycemia in Three Infants of Mothers With Variants in HNF1A

Background/Objective

Genetic variants in hepatic nuclear factor 1α (HNF1A) cause maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY). We sought to examine whether HNF1A MODY variants also cause neonatal hypoglycemia.

Case Report

We present 3 infants with variants in HNF1A shared with their mothers. The infants experienced neonatal hypoglycemia, 2 extending beyond 1 year and the third resolving by 28 days, and all were large for gestational age (birth weights of >99th percentile). In 2 cases, genetic testing for neonatal hypoglycemia revealed pathogenic variants in HNF1A; 1 mother was previously diagnosed with HNF1A MODY, and the other's genetic testing and ultimate MODY diagnosis were prompted by her child's hypoglycemia workup. In the third case, the infant's persistent hypoglycemia prompted genetic testing, revealing an HNF1A variant of uncertain significance, which was then identified in the mother.

Discussion

Genetic variants causing HNF1A MODY have not been definitively linked to neonatal hypoglycemia or fetal overgrowth in utero. MODY caused by HNF1A is clinically similar to that caused by HNF4A, for which a causal relationship with neonatal hypoglycemia is more certain. Case reports have previously implicated variants in HNF1A in congenital hyperinsulinism; however, these cases have generally not been in families with MODY. The cases presented here suggest that HNF1A variants causing MODY may also cause neonatal hypoglycemia.

Conclusion

Although confounding factors make the assessment of neonatal hypoglycemia challenging, these cases offer potential support for single genetic variants in HNF1A causing both MODY and neonatal hypoglycemia, with associated fetal overgrowth in utero.

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.

Effect of Prophylactic Dextrose Gel on Continuous Measures of Neonatal Glycemia: Secondary Analysis of the Pre-hPOD Trial

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effects of different doses of prophylactic dextrose gel on glycemic stability assessed using continuous glucose monitoring in the first 48 hours when given to babies at risk of neonatal hypoglycemia.

STUDY DESIGN

Continuous glucose monitoring was undertaken for the first 48 hours in 133 infants at risk of hypoglycemia who participated in the pre-hPOD randomized dosage trial of dextrose gel prophylaxis.

RESULTS

Low glucose concentrations were detected in 41% of infants by blood glucose monitoring and 68% by continuous interstitial glucose monitoring. The mean ± SD duration of low interstitial glucose concentrations was 295 ± 351 minutes in the first 48 hours. Infants who received any dose of dextrose gel seemed to be less likely than those who received placebo gel to experience low glucose concentrations (<47 mg/dL [2.6 mmol/L]; P = .08), particularly if they received a single dose of 200 mg/kg (relative risk, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.50-0.10; P = .049). They also spent a greater proportion of time in the central glucose concentration range of 54-72 mg/dL (3-4 mmol/L) (any dose, mean ± SD, 58.2 ± 20.3%; placebo, 50.0 ± 21.9%; mean difference, 8.20%; 95% CI, 0.43-15.9%; P = .038). Dextrose gel did not increase recurrent or severe episodes of low glucose concentrations and did not increase the peak glucose concentration. These effects were similar for all trial dosages.

CONCLUSIONS

Low glucose concentrations were common in infants at risk of hypoglycemia despite blood glucose monitoring and treatment. Prophylactic dextrose gel reduced the risk of hypoglycemia without adverse effects on glucose stability.

Evaluation of a continuous glucose monitoring system in neonatal foals

Background

Monitoring blood glucose concentrations is common in critically ill neonatal foals, especially septic foals and those receiving naso‐esophageal feedings or IV parenteral nutrition. Glucose typically is measured using a point‐of‐care (POC) glucometer but requires repeated restraint and blood collections, which may cause irritation at venipuncture sites and increased demands on nursing staff. Continuous glucose monitoring systems (CGMS) may provide an accurate alternative for monitoring blood glucose concentration.

Objectives

To determine the correlation and accuracy of a CGMS to monitor neonatal foals' blood glucose concentrations as compared to a POC glucometer and laboratory chemistry analysis (CHEM).

Animals

Samples from 4 healthy and 4 ill neonatal foals.

Methods

A CGMS was placed on each foal, and glucose measurements acquired from this device were compared to simultaneous measurements of blood glucose concentration using a POC glucometer and CHEM.

Results

Two‐hundred matched glucose measurements were collected from 8 neonatal foals. The mean bias (95% limits of agreement) between CGMS and CHEM, CGMS and POC glucometer, and POC glucometer and CHEM was 3.97 mg/dL (−32.5 to 40.4), 18.2 mg/dL (−28.8 to 65.2), and 22.18 mg/dL (−9.3 to 53.67), respectively. The Pearson's correlation coefficient (r) was significantly correlated among all devices: GCMS and CHEM (r = 0.81), CGMS and POC glucometer (r = 0.77) and POC glucometer‐CHEM (r = 0.92).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Within the blood glucose concentration ranges in this study (78‐212 mg/dL), CGMS measurements were significantly correlated with CHEM, suggesting that it is an acceptable method to provide meaningful, immediate, and continuous glucose concentration measurements in neonatal foals while eliminating the need for repeated restraint and blood collection.

Role of umbilical cord C-peptide levels in early prediction of hypoglycemia in infants of diabetic mothers

BACKGROUND

Until now, diabetes during pregnancy has been associated with a high risk of maternal, fetal, and neonatal morbidities and mortalities. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the risk factors of hypoglycemia in infants of diabetic mothers (IDMs) and to study the relationship between umbilical cord (UC) C peptide levels and the risk of developing hypoglycemia.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

UC blood C-peptide and serial serum blood glucose measurements were done for all included singleton newborns born to diabetic mothers during the study period. Maternal and neonatal data such as gestational age, maternal age, maternal weight, types of diabetics and its control, maternal glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C), birth weight, Apgar score, and neonatal complete blood picture were collected.

RESULTS

In total, 83 IDMs met the inclusion criteria. Fifty-four (65.06%) developed hypoglycemia and 29 (34.94%) remained normoglycemic. However, there were no significant differences between hypoglycemic and normoglycemic IDMs in terms of types of maternal diabetics (P value = 0.41), its duration (P value = 0.43). The hypoglycemia peak occurred within the first 3 h of life, with 33.11 ± 8.84 mg/dl for the hypoglycemia group and 54.10 ± 6.66 mg/dl for the normoglycemic group (P value < 0.0001). Most of the babies had no hypoglycemic manifestation (96.30%). Neonates with hypoglycemia their mothers had poor diabetes control in the last trimester (HbA1C 7.09 ± 0.96%) compared to normoglycemic babies (HbA1C 6.11 ± 0.38%), (P-value < 0.0001). The mean (SD) of UC C-peptide level in hypoglycemic neonates increased to 1.73 ± 1.07 ng/ml compared to normoglycemic ones with 1.08 ± 0.81 ng/ml (P value = 0.005).

CONCLUSION

Poor diabetes control, especially in the last trimester, is associated with neonatal hypoglycemia. Increased UC C-peptide levels could be used as an early indicator for the risk of developing neonatal hypoglycemia and a predictor for babies need neonatal admission.

A Randomized Control Trial of Oral Sucrose Solution for Prevention of Hypoglycemia in High Risk Infants

BACKGROUND

Neonatal hypoglycemia is found in up to 15% of neonates and 50% of those with risk factors. Hypoglycemia can cause brain damage and increase risk of developmental delay. Nevertheless, the data regarding hypoglycemia prevention by oral sucrose are still limited. The present study aimed to investigate whether oral sucrose solution can prevent hypoglycemia in high-risk infants.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Four hundred and twenty-five infants with high hypoglycemic risk were randomized into two groups (214 infants in the intervention and 211 infants in the control groups). The intervention group received one dose of 0.8 ml/kg of 24% oral sucrose solution followed by enteral feed and was compared to the control group receiving enteral feed alone. Glucose levels were evaluated by Dextrostrix.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in antenatal and perinatal risk factors of neonatal hypoglycemia between groups. Glucose level on admission was 72.1±20.3 and 72.1±24.1 mg/dl in the intervention and control groups, respectively. Although no significant difference was recognized in terms of capillary blood glucose levels between groups, data analysis revealed that the glucose increase over time was significantly higher in the intervention group at 1 h (mean±SE=3.61±1.27 mg/dl; p<0.005), 3 h (mean±SE=7.95±1.57 mg/dl, p<0.001), and 6 h (mean±SE=6.31±1.62 mg/dl, p<0.001) in comparison to those of the control. No serious adverse event was observed in either group.

CONCLUSION

A single dose of 24% sucrose solution enhanced the increase of glucose level at 1, 3 and 6 h. However, routine early feeding alone is not inferior to the addition of an oral sucrose solution.

An Overview of Hypoglycemia in Children Including a Comprehensive Practical Diagnostic Flowchart for Clinical Use

Hypoglycemia is the result of defects/impairment in glucose homeostasis. The main etiological causes are metabolic and/or endocrine and/or other congenital disorders. Despite hypoglycemia is one of the most common emergencies in neonatal age and childhood, no consensus on the definition and diagnostic work-up exists yet. Aims of this review are to present the current age-related definitions of hypoglycemia in neonatal-pediatric age, to offer a concise and practical overview of its main causes and management and to discuss the current diagnostic-therapeutic approaches. Since a systematic and prompt approach to diagnosis and therapy is essential to prevent hypoglycemic brain injury and long-term neurological complications in children, a comprehensive diagnostic flowchart is also proposed.

Simulation Education for Preterm Infant Delivery Room Management at Community Hospitals

BACKGROUND

Preterm infants are at risk for hypothermia in the delivery room (DR). Hypothermia and community hospital delivery are factors associated with increased morbidities and mortality in preterm infants. Community hospital providers have less experience with preterm deliveries and thermoregulation methods in the DR.

METHODS

Community hospital DR providers in Indiana completed a cognitive test evaluating preterm infant DR management. A simulation-based team assessment was evaluated by using a scoring tool. After debriefing, the simulation performance was repeated and rescored. Afterward, providers completed a cognitive knowledge posttest. Eleven to eighteen months later, sites were revisited with cognitive knowledge and team simulated scenarios reassessed.

RESULTS

Twenty-five community hospitals with >400 multidisciplinary providers participated in the initial study visit. Average pre- and posttest scores were 48.8% and 94.1% respectively (P value <.001). Participants performed an average of 22.8 of 36 scoring items during a simulated preterm delivery including 4.4 of 8 thermoregulation related actions. Performance immediately improved in a statistically significant manner during the repeat scenario. When sites were revisited, participants performed an average of 26.7 of 36 scoring items including 6.1 of 8 thermoregulation actions during a simulated preterm delivery a statistically significant (P <.001) improvement from the initial visit.

CONCLUSIONS

Simulation education regarding preterm infant DR management improved community providers immediate knowledge and skills and also follow-up performance at ∼1 year. In simulation, providers performed thermoregulation maneuvers more often and efficiently, critical to resuscitation because delays in thermoregulation can significantly adversely affect outcomes.

Management of Multi Organ Dysfunction in Neonatal Encephalopathy

Neonatal Encephalopathy (NE) describes neonates with disturbed neurological function in the first post-natal days of life. NE is an overall term that does not specify the etiology of the encephalopathy although it often involves hypoxia-ischaemia. In NE, although neurological dysfunction is part of the injury and is most predictive of long-term outcome, these infants may also have multiorgan injury and compromise, which further contribute to neurological impairment and long-term morbidities. Therapeutic hypothermia (TH) is the standard of care for moderate to severe NE. Infants with NE may have co-existing immune, respiratory, endocrine, renal, hepatic, and cardiac dysfunction that require individualized management and can be impacted by TH. Non-neurological organ dysfunction not only has a negative effect on long term outcome but may also influence the efficacy of treatments in the acute phase. Post resuscitative care involves stabilization and decisions regarding TH and management of multi-organ dysfunction. This management includes detailed neurological assessment, cardio-respiratory stabilization, glycaemic and fluid control, sepsis evaluation and antibiotics, seizure identification, and monitoring and responding to biochemical and coagulation derangements. The emergence of new biomarkers of specific organ injury may have predictive value and improve the definition of organ injury and prognosis. Further evidence-based research is needed to optimize management of NE, prevent further organ dysfunction and reduce neurodevelopmental impairment.

Accuracy of the point-of-care glucose meter for use in calves

The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy and precision of portable blood glucose meters, such as i-STAT 1 and Precision Xceed, for use in calves. Whole blood and plasma samples were obtained from eleven calves that received 2.5 or 5.0% dextrose-containing polyelectrolyte isotonic solutions. Measurements using the i-STAT 1 (r²=0.99, P<0.0001) and Precision Xceed (r²=0.96, P<0.0001) were well correlated with those by the hexokinase method, which is the gold standard. Although the accuracy of i-STAT 1 was equivalent to that of the hexokinase method, there was an autocorrelation in the residuals between the results from the Precision Xceed and the hexokinase method. Thus, the i-STAT 1 can be used to measure the blood glucose concentration in cattle.

Nutritional policies for late preterm and early term infants - can we do better?

Late preterm (LP) and early term (ET) infants can be considered the "great dissemblers": they resemble healthy full-term infants in appearance, but their immaturity places them at increased risk of poor short- and long-term outcomes. Nutritional requirements are greater than for full-term babies, but there are few good data on the nutritional requirements for LP and ET babies, leading to substantial variation in practice. Recent data indicate that rapid growth may be beneficial for neurocognitive function but not for body composition and later metabolic health. Breastfeeding the LP or ET infant can be challenging, and mothers of these infants may need additional support to breastfeed successfully. Future research should investigate nutritional requirements of LP and ET infants for optimal growth, addressing both short- and long-term outcomes and the potential trade-off between neurocognitive and metabolic benefits.

Infant of diabetic mother: what one needs to know?

The global incidence of diabetes mellitus, including diabetes in pregnant women, is on the rise. Diabetes mellitus in a pregnant woman jeopardizes not only maternal health but can also have significant implications on the child to be born. Therefore, timely diagnosis and strict glycemic control are of utmost importance in achieving a safe outcome for both the mother and fetus. The treating physician should be aware of the complications that can arise due to poor glycemic control during pregnancy. The objective of this article is to discuss the key concerns in a neonate born to diabetic mother, the underlying pathogenesis, and the screening schedule during pregnancy.