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Hyperglycemia in extremely low birth weight infants in a predominantly Hispanic population and related morbidities

Abstract

Objective:

This study describes the incidence, correlates and subsequent morbidities of hyperglycemia, a highly prevalent condition in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants.

Study design:

A retrospective chart review of 169 infants with birth weight (BW)<1000?g was conducted. Hyperglycemia was defined as plasma glucose level 150?mg/dl during the first 2 weeks of life. Data were analyzed by logistic regression, multivariate analysis and Fisher exact test.

Results:

Overall, 88% of the study sample developed hyperglycemia in the first 2 weeks of life. Both gestational age (GA) (odds ratio (OR) 0.11, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.01–0.89) and chorioamnionitis (OR 0.10, 95% CI=0.01–0.64) were inversely associated with hyperglycemia, whereas BW, sepsis and postnatal steroid exposure were not. After adjusting for GA, BW and postnatal steroids, hyperglycemia was associated with a statistically significant increase in retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) (OR 4.6, 95% CI 1.12–18.9). No association was found with bronchopulmonary dysplasia, intraventricular hemorrhage, death or prolonged hospital stay.

Conclusion:

Lower GA was identified as the main factor associated with hyperglycemia in ELBW infants during the first 2 weeks of life. Hyperglycemia was associated with an increased incidence of ROP; further studies need to determine if this association is causal.

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Correspondence to C L Blanco.

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Blanco, C., Baillargeon, J., Morrison, R. et al. Hyperglycemia in extremely low birth weight infants in a predominantly Hispanic population and related morbidities. J Perinatol 26, 737–741 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.jp.7211594

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