Endocrine Abstracts

JOINT375

Neonatal hypoglycemia is a common metabolic disturbance that can adversely affect neurological development. Current guidelines focus on screening and managing hypoglycemia in the first 24 h of life, yet some asymptomatic at-risk infants experience hypoglycemia between 24 to 48 h, with limited recommendations for this critical period. This study aims to assess glucose screening at 48 h of age to ensure safe discharge for asymptomatic neonates at risk of hypoglycemia. A prospective cohort study was conducted from July 2023 to May 2024 at a tertiary care hospital. Asymptomatic neonates aged 48-60 h with gestational ages between 34-41 weeks, identified as at risk for hypoglycemia, were enrolled. Blood glucose levels were measured using both a glucometer and standard plasma glucose testing. Among the 139 newborns included in the study, the incidence of hypoglycemia varied significantly between glucometer (10.8%) and standard plasma glucose (48.9%) measurements. Infants with discharge weights below 2500 grams were twice as likely to experience hypoglycemia (OR: 2.221, P = 0.042). Despite a strong correlation (r=0.725,P < 0.001) between glucometer and plasma glucose readings, glucometers tended to overestimate glucose levels, particularly at lower glucose concentrations.

Conclusion: There is a high incidence of hypoglycemia among asymptomatic neonates identified as at risk before discharge. Asymptomatic neonates with risk factors for hypoglycemia who have a discharge weight of ≤ 2,500 grams should be screened for hypoglycemia at 48 to 60 h of age to ensure their safe discharge from the hospital.