Ragini Mutukulla, Boddu Praveen Kumar, Preeti Nagaraj Karna
BACKGROUND Hypoglycaemia is the most common metabolic abnormality in infancy and childhood. When prolonged or recurrent, they can lead to irreversible brain damage. 10-12% of Indian babies are born preterm <37 weeks. Late preterm are approximately 70% of the preterm births. They are born between 340/7 weeks to 386/7 weeks. The objectives of this study were- 1. to study the incidence of hypoglycaemia in late preterm babies who are on breast feeds since birth. 2. to study the need of regular blood glucose monitoring in early diagnosis of hypoglycaemia in late preterm. MATERIALS AND METHODS This is a hospital based observational study which included 120 late preterms and breast-fed babies. Babies who are term, asphyxiated, and on formula feeds are excluded. RESULTS Incidence of hypoglycaemia is significant in late preterm, more so, asymptomatic hypoglycaemia (84%) is highest in 24 hrs. Babies <2 Kgs had statistically significant hypoglycaemia. There is linear association with age and babies born to primi. CONCLUSION In the present study, hypoglycaemia was seen in late preterm babies in first 24 hours of life.
