Naveed Akbar Hotayana, Nabeela Rashid, Sumaira Naveed.
Prevalence and Screening of Low Birth Weight Babies for Hypoglycemia.
Pak J Med Health Sci Jan ;12(2):.

Aim: To determine the prevalence of hypoglycemia in low birth weight babies. To detect onset of hypoglycemia in first 24 hours Study Design: An observational study. Place and Duration of Study: Neonatology Department, Fatima Memorial Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan, from January 2016 to August 2016. Methods: From January 2016 to August 2016 all low birth weight babies delivered are shifted to neonatal nursery for observation and screening for hypoglycemia are included in the study. Screening was done 1 hourly for 4 hours and 4 hourly for next 20 hours by Glucosticks and sample was taken from heel prick . Blood glucose levels are monitored for first 24 hours of life. Results: Total 300 babies, were included in this study out of which 15 babies developed hypoglycemia so 5% prevalence of hypoglycemia was found. 80% of the babies developed asymptomatic hypoglycemia and 20% developed Symptomatic. Commonest symptoms for hypoglycemia are reluctance to feed. 80% of the babies developed hypoglycemia within first 4 hours of life however 20% babies develop hypoglycemia up to 16hrs of life. Conclusion: 5% of babies developed hypoglycemia and onset of hypoglycemia occurs mainly in first 4 hours of life. Majority of the babies developed asymptomatic hypoglycemia however 20% babies develop symptomatic hypoglycemia . we recommend that all the low birth weight babies must be screened for hypoglycemia in first 4 hours in order to prevent complications and poor outcome due to hypoglycemia . Screening of babies after 4 hours needs more studies .

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