Some neonates are prone to hypoglycemia. This may be asymptomatic or symptomatic. Clinical findings may not be recognized if other illness is present, so a high index of clinical suspicion is needed with regular glucose monitorings.
Clinical findings if symptomatic - any of the following:
(1) changes in levels of consciousness, including stupor or coma
(2) tremors or jitteriness
(3) apathy
(4) cyanosis
(5) seizures
(6) intermittent apnea
(7) tachypnea
(8) irregular respirations
(9) lethargy
(10) limpness
(11) hypothermia
(12) difficulty feeding
(13) exaggerated Moro reflex
(14) weak cry
(15) high-pitched cry
(16) eye rolling
(17) sweating
(18) pallor
(19) cardiac arrest
Severe hypoglycemia that lasts long enough can cause permanent cerebral damage from hypoglycemia hypoxia. This damage may be made worse by manifestations such as seizures and cardiac arrest.
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