Prevalence and factors associated with neonatal hypoglycemia in Northern Uganda: a community-based crosssectional study
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Date
2020
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Tropical Medicine and Health
Abstract
Neonatal hypoglycemia is the most common endocrine abnormality in children, which is associated
with increased morbidity and mortality. The burden and risk factors of neonatal hypoglycemia in rural communities
in sub-Saharan Africa are unknown.
Objective: To determine the prevalence and risk factors for neonatal hypoglycemia in Lira District, Northern
Uganda.
Methods: This was a community-based cross-sectional study, nested in a cluster randomized controlled trial
designed to promote health facility births and newborn care practices in Lira District, Northern Uganda. This study
recruited neonates born to mothers in the parent study. Random blood glucose was measured using an On Call®
Plus glucometer (ACON Laboratories, Inc., 10125 Mesa Road, San Diego, CA, USA). We defined hypoglycemia as a
blood glucose of < 47 mg/dl. To determine the factors associated with neonatal hypoglycemia, a multivariable
linear regression mixed-effects model was used.
Results: We examined 1416 participants of mean age 3.1 days (standard deviation (SD) 2.1) and mean weight of
3.2 kg (SD 0.5). The mean neonatal blood glucose level was 81.6 mg/dl (SD 16.8). The prevalence of a blood glucose
concentration of < 47 mg/dl was 2.2% (31/1416): 95% CI 1.2%, 3.9%. The risk factors for neonatal hypoglycemia
were delayed breastfeeding initiation [adjusted mean difference, − 2.6; 95% CI, − 4.4, − 0.79] and child age of 3 days
or less [adjusted mean, − 12.2; 95% CI, − 14.0, − 10.4].
Conclusion: The incidence of neonatal hypoglycemia was low in this community and was predicted by delay in
initiating breastfeeding and a child age of 3 days or less. We therefore suggest targeted screening and management of
neonatal hypoglycemia among neonates before 3 days of age and those who are delayed in the onset of breastfeeding.
Description
Keywords
Hypoglycemia, Newborn care, Breastfeeding, Neonatal care, Endocrinology
Citation
Mukunya, D., Odongkara, B., Piloya, T., Nankabirwa, V., Achora, V., Batte, C., ... & Tumwine, J. K. (2020). Prevalence and factors associated with neonatal hypoglycemia in Northern Uganda: a community-based cross-sectional study. Tropical Medicine and Health, 48(1), 1-8. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41182-020-00275-y