Dextrose gel reduces hypoglycemic episodes in newborn nursery

Oral Dextrose gel improves neonatal care by lowering the incidences of multiple hypoglycemic episodes (the most common metabolic condition in newborns).

To examine the efficacy of oral Dextrose gel (DG) 40% for managing neonatal hypoglycemia. 

This study reviewed medical records of 738 at-risk infants in two groups: one before (Cohort 1) and one after (Cohort 2) the use of 40% DG orally. The main outcome was two or more episodes of hypoglycemia in infants. The average glucose levels and admission to the NICU were secondary outcomes.

In Cohort 1, there were 384 at-risk newborns, and in Cohort 2, there were 354. Following DG implementation, the incidence of experiencing two or more hypoglycemia episodes decreased significantly (62 versus 29). There were no significant differences found in the lowest recorded glucose levels (37 (14-45) versus 37 (10-45)) or in NICU admission rates (21.2% versus 18.8%).

DG reduces the occurrence of subsequent hypoglycemia episodes in newborn children.