Hypoglycemia In Newborns

pasindu krisantha | 3:39 PM |


Cousin Kim New Born Baby Boy
Photo license: AttributionShare Alike Some rights reserved
source : http://flic.kr/p/5W8Zet
Probably, to the surprise of many, hypoglycemia can manifest itself in even the newest members of the human race.  The official term, Neonatal Hypoglycemia, refers to low blood-glucose during the first few days of these little ones' lives.  Babies, like anyone else, require blood-glucose for their energy, with most of it being used by the baby's brain.  When an infant does not have enough glucose, medical intervention is required.

While in the womb, the child receives glucose through the placenta; and once born, receives glucose from either breast milk or formula, in addition to producing his own glucose, via the liver. Too little glucose can impair the ability of the baby's brain to function properly.  Severe or prolonged hypoglycemia may, tragically, result in seizures, coma and serious brain injury.
There are any number of reasons a newborn can develop hypoglycemia; and it occurs in about 2 out of every 1,000 births.  According to the American Association of Pediatrics, blood glucose levels should be measured in infants who have clinical indicators or who are known to be at risk. The AAP goes on to say that healthy, full-term newborns who experienced normal gestation and delivery don't require glucose monitoring or screening.


Common Hypoglycemic Symptoms

Each newborn may experience symptoms differently; and indicators can include:
1. Jitteriness
2. Abnormal blue coloring
3. Interrupted breathing--breathing can slow or stop, altogether
4. Poor feeding
5. Lethargy
6. Seizures/tremors
7. Exaggerated startle reflex
8. Sweatiness
9. Low body temperature

Symptoms of Neonatal Hypoglycemia can imitate other medical conditions; and parents should always seek the expertise of their baby's pediatrician for a thorough, concise diagnosis.


What Determines A Newborn's Treatment?

Targeted treatment for hypoglycemia will be based on various factors:
1. Baby's gestational age, general health and medical 'history'
2. Extent of the disease
3. Baby's tolerance to certain medications, interventions or treatments


Hypoglycemic Treatment For Newborns

A variety of measures can be employed to treat this disease in the very young:
1. extra feedings of breast milk or formula, or a rapid-acting source of glucose, such as glucose/water mixture, as an early feeding

2. an intravenously-fed sugar solution if child is unable to feed by mouth or if blood-sugar level is low

3. medication administered if low blood-sugar continues, though this is rare~
Hospital staff will continue with treatment for hours, days or a week, if necessary, until child can maintain normal blood-sugar levels.   
                                               
Thank goodness we live in a wonderful age where highly-qualified medical specialists can work wonders with helping the tiniest of humans become healthy, after experiencing hypoglycemia at such a young age!  Though complications can occur, the outlook is good for newborns who respond well to treatment.

Miss Carlson writes regularly on health related topics and recommends companies like quicksticks.com for diabetics.

Category: , , ,

About This site:
Our aim is to give you comprehensive account on every medical procedure .if this article help you don’t forget to shear with other on social network below .if you have any dout please contact us .if you willing to write article to our site please contact us