A New Evidence Based Approach to Neonatal Hypoglycemia: Use of Oral Dextrose Gel

Mustafa Belli & Nevin Uslu^*

Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, Turkey

Dr. Nevin Uslu, Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, Turkey.

Keywords: Neonatal Hypoglycemia, Oral Dextrose Gel, Neonatal Hypoglycemia Treatment

Abstract

Neonatal hypoglycemia is a common metabolic condition that occurs in the first 48 hours, affects 15% of newborns and may lead to brain damages. In order to prevent neonatal hypoglycemia, it is crucial that newborns are fed at an early period. Although oral feeding is mostly the first choice of treatment, intravenous dextrose treatment (IVDT) is also used. For IVDT, newborns are generally treated in intensive care units (ICUs). That newborns are cared in ICUs causes a negative mother-baby interaction, weaning, invasive interventions for newborns (measuring blood glucose, IV catheterization, etc.), neonatal stress and increased hospital costs. Therefore, it is important that newborns are enterally fed at an early period.

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