Frequency of Hypoglycemia in Neonates with Low Birth Weight Presenting at Saidu Group of Teaching Hospital

Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency of hypoglycemia in neonates with low birth weight (LBW) presenting at Saidu Group of Teaching Hospital, Swat. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Pediatrics, Saidu Group of Teaching Hospital, Swat, over six months. A total of 143 neonates with low birth weight (<2500 g) were enrolled using non-probability consecutive sampling. Neonates with asphyxia, congenital malformations, or respiratory distress were excluded. Data regarding demographic characteristics, maternal comorbidities, and neonatal clinical features were collected on a structured proforma. Hypoglycemia was defined as blood glucose <45 mg/dL confirmed through venous blood sampling. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v.25. Descriptive statistics were applied, and chi-square test was used to control for effect modifiers. A p-value ≤0.05 was considered significant. Results: Among 143 neonates with LBW, 38 (26.6%) developed hypoglycemia, while 105 (73.4%) remained normoglycemic. The mean age of neonates was 4.2 ± 2.6 days, with 56% males and 44% females. Hypoglycemia was more common in neonates of mothers with diabetes and hypertension. Stratified analysis revealed significant association of hypoglycemia with maternal diabetes (p = 0.02), gestational age <37 weeks (p = 0.03), and maternal low BMI (p = 0.04). Conclusion: Hypoglycemia was observed in nearly one-fourth of neonates with LBW, highlighting it as a common and clinically significant problem. Early detection and timely interventions, especially in infants of diabetic and hypertensive mothers, are essential to prevent adverse neurological outcomes.

Keywords: Hypoglycemia, Neonates, Low birth weight, Frequency, Saidu Group of Teaching Hospital.