Hypoglycemia is the most common metabolic problem in the neonatal period with a potential to cause brain injury. However, there are controversies in diagnosis, significance, and treatment of neonatal hypoglycemia. Several large-scale prospective and retrospective studies have reported the impact of neonatal hypoglycemia on neurodevelopment in high-risk infants. Significance of short-term hypoglycemia on neurodevelopment in healthy infants remains unresolved. There are also concerns that rapid correction of hypoglycemia may worsen brain injury. Conflicting recommendations from professional societies have further muddied the field. This review examines the current knowledge on the epidemiology of neonatal hypoglycemia, its impact on neurodevelopment, current screening and treatment recommendations, and the emerging role of dextrose gel for management of neonatal hypoglycemia.
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