Prevalence Of Hypoglycemia In Newborn At Kenyatta National Hospital And The Response To Glucose Supplementation In Low Birth Weight

Hypoglycaemia in neonates is defined as blood glucose concentration below 1.1mmol/l for term neonates. A common abnormality in neonates, it is associated, with neurological damage and death when it occurs in the first few days of life.  This is more pronounced in rural set-ups without the knowledge, detection and management facilities. When promptly diagnosed and managed, its effects can be prevented or minimized.  Studies at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) show that 59.8% of all neonates born at the facility have low birth weight (LBW- ≤2500 gms) and end up in newborn unit.  It has also been noted that the LBW neonates mostly suffer hypoglycaemia and hence need for this study.  Four populations of neonates and one population of mothers of the neonates were used in the study.  The neonates‟ blood glucose was determined using the precision QID sensor.  The neonates were weighed in grams (gms) using a top loading balance.  The mother‟s height, weight and HIV status were determined during the last trimester of pregnancy.  The neonates‟ populations excluded neonates with congenital or physical abnormalities and those from diabetic mothers.  The first population of neonates (for blood glucose reference range) had 117 neonates after removal of the outliers and were physically healthy weighing > 2500 gms. The second (Population A) had 348 neonates of all neonates born during the study.  Their blood glucose and weight were taken at birth.  The third, LBW neonates (Population B) had 336 neonates whose weight and blood glucose were taken at birth.  The fourth of 54 neonates (Population C) consisted of LBW with blood glucose