Prevalence and Clinical Outcome of Inborn Neonates with Hypoglycaemia at the Point of Admission as seen in Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria

Abstract

. Abstract Background: Neonatal hypoglycaemia is one of the commonest abnormalities of the newborn which, if unrecognized may result in poor neurologic development, poor intellectual functions, seizures or even death. This study was therefore carried out to determine the prevalence of hypoglycaemia, its’ associated risk factors and clinical outcome among inborn neonates. Methodology: This prospective study was conducted in the Neonatal Unit of the Rivers State University teaching Hospital from April 2019 to March 2020. Results: Of the 468 neonates admitted, 71 (15.2%) had hypoglycaemia with M:F ratio of 1.6:1. Hypoglycaemia was more common with presentations on the first day of life, those who commenced breastfeeding from day 2 of admission and above and had hypothermia. The commonest clinical features in hypoglycaemic neonates were difficulty in breathing (45.1%), seizures (7.0%) and cyanosis (5.6%), although there was no statistical significance (P>0.05). Maternal risk