Abstract
In the light of recent controversy regarding the definition of neonatal hypoglycaemia, it is important to document blood glucose (BG) levels of healthy neonates in relation to other metabolic fuels. A cross sectional study was performed, taking pre-feed samples from 149 infants in the first seven days.
The overall mean BG concentration for the week was 3-67 mmol/l (range 1.50-6.18 mmol/l). The widest range of values was seen on the first day. 14% of all infants studied had BG levels ≤ 2.6 mmol/l, with all but two such low levels occurring within the first three days. The maximum mean ketone body levels were found on days 2 and 3 (max. level 2.568 mmol/l). The ketone body: glucose ratio is low on the first day, despite low blood glucose levels, indicating an immaturity of counterregulatory ketogenesis. The ratio rises to a maximum on the second postnatal day.
We conclude that a significant number of infants has low blood glucose levels in the first postnatal week, with an early immaturity of ketogenic response. Longitudinal studies of neonatal metabolic adaptation are required, as well as studies to establish the relationship between metabolic adaptation and neurological function.
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Hawdon, J., Ward Piatt, M. & Aynsley-Green, A. 13 THE METABOLIC ADAPTATION OF HEALTHY TERM INFANTS IN THE FIRST POSTNATAL WEEK. Pediatr Res 28, 279 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-199009000-00037
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-199009000-00037
