Clinical Topic

Resource Type

  • Referral Guidelines

Publication Date

June 23, 2021

Contributor

Seth Marks

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Differential diagnosis of neonatal hypoglycemia:

  • Sepsis
  • Transient (transitional) neonatal hypoglycemia
  • Infant of diabetic mother
  • Decreased glycogen stores (e.g. IUGR)
  • Perinatal stress hyperinsulinism
  • Genetic hyperinsulinism
  • Hypopituitarism i.e. adrenal insufficiency, growth hormone deficiency
  • Fatty Acid Oxidation defects
  • Gluconeogenesis defect
  • Glycogen storage disease

Additional Information:

  • In the first 48-72 hours of age (transitional period) glucose levels drop to their lowest. Although controversial, glucose <50 mg/dl (<2.8 mmol/L) can be considered as hypoglycemia.
  • After 48-72 hours of age, glucose <3.3 mmol/L (60 mg/dL) is hypoglycemia.
  • A “critical sample” at the time of hypoglycemia (best collected at <50 mg/dl (2.8 mmol/L) is invaluable in diagnosing the cause of hypoglycemia, and should include: plasma glucose, beta-hydoxybutyrate (ketones), insulin, c-peptide, growth hormone, cortisol, free fatty acids, lactate and bicarbonate. Can also consider checking carnitine, acyl-carnitine profile and serum ammonia after consultation with a Pediatric Endocrinologist.
  • Further work up for persistent hypoglycemia should be in collaboration with endocrinology or metabolics specialist.
  • Persistent hypoglycemia can have significant short and long term sequelae if not treated.
  • Initial treatment to maintain euglycemia, until further diagnosis is available, is very important and includes providing adequate sources of glucose enterally or intravenously (the needed glucose infusion rate (GIR) in mg/kg/min should be calculated)

Suggested References and Additional Reading:

Stanley CA, Rozance PJ, Thornton PS, De Leon DD, Harris D, Haymond MW, et al. Re-evaluating “transitional neonatal hypoglycemia”: mechanism and implications for management. J Pediatr 2015;166:1520-5.

Thornton PS, Stanley CA, De Leon DD, Harris D, Haymond MW, et al. Recommendations from the Pediatric Endocrine Society for Evaluation and Management of Persistent Hypoglycemia in Neonates, Infants,

and Children. J Pediatr 2015;167:238-45.

Narvey MR, Marks SD. The screening and management of newborns at risk for low blood glucose. Paediatr Child Health 2019;24:536-44.