Dedeke I.O.F Okeniyi J.A.O

Neonatal hypoglycaemia is a major metabolic problem. It may result in mortality or severe handicap among survivors. Many babies admitted for neonatal care are at high risk for hypoglycaemia. The present study set out to determine its point-of-admission prevalence, clinical presentation and outcome. Consecutive neonates who met the study criteria had plasma glucose determined at admission into the special care baby unit of Wesley Guild Hospital. Hypoglycaemia was defined as plasma glucose of 2.5mmol/L. Babies with and without hypoglycaemia were compared for risk factors, clinical features and outcome. A total of 150 neonates were studied out of which 49 (32.7%) had hypoglycaemia. The mean age, 38.3 ± 71.6 in hours was s ig n if ican tly lo w er amo n g neonates with hypoglycaemia than those without hypoglycaemia [p = 0.006]. Low socioeconomic class Background