Can prophylactic oral dextrose solution prevent hypoglycemia in high risk newborns?

Abstract

Prophylactic oral dextrose gel recommended to prevent hypoglycaemia in high risk babies is not readily available and affordable. This study was therefore conducted to find out if oral dextrose solution decreases the incidence of hypoglycaemia in high risk neonates. This study included 186 high risk newborns. Oral 10% dextrose 2ml/kg was given at 30 minutes, 2, 6 and 12 hours of life, along with direct breastfeeding. Capillary blood glucose measurement was monitored at 2, 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 hours of life. Low blood sugar levels were confirmed by simultaneous venous blood sampling. Statistical tests used were chi square for proportions and ANOVA for means. Of the 186 high risk babies maximum babies were small for gestational age (n = 68, 36.5%). Among the high risk babies, 7 (3.7%) developed hypoglycaemia. All were asymptomatic. A higher proportion of hypoglycaemia was seen IUGR babies (n = 2/9, 22.2%) and in those delivered by caesarean section (n =3/71, 4.2%). Compared to the incidence of hypoglycaemia (7.2%) in the historical control group the incidence of hypoglycaemia (3.7%) in interventional group was lower though statistically not significant (p=NS). There is a decrease in the incidence of hypoglycemia in high-risk infants given prophylactic oral dextrose solution. However, this trend was not statistically significant.