Association of Neonatal Sepsis with Hypoglycemia and Hypothermia in Preterm Infant
Keywords:
Neonatal Sepsis, Hypoglycemia, Hypothermia, Preterm NeonatesAbstract
Background: Despite advances in neonatal care, early recognition of sepsis and its associated metabolic disturbances remains challenging, particularly in vulnerable preterm neonates. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the association between neonatal sepsis and the occurrence of hypoglycemia and hypothermia in preterm newborns. Aim of the study: The aim of the study was to investigate the association between neonatal sepsis and the occurrence of hypoglycemia and hypothermia in preterm neonates.
Methods: This observational, comparative study was conducted in the Department of Paediatrics and Neonatal at Bashundhara Ad-din Medical College and Hospital, along with other private hospitals in Dhaka, Bangladesh, from June 2023 to May 2024. A total of 200 preterm neonates were included to investigate the association between neonatal sepsis, hypoglycemia, and hypothermia. Neonatal sepsis was diagnosed based on clinical signs and laboratory confirmation. Hypoglycemia was defined as blood glucose levels <45 mg/dL, and hypothermia was defined as a body temperature <36.5°C. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0, with statistical significance set at p<0.05.
Results: Preterm neonates with neonatal sepsis had significantly lower gestational age (34.1 weeks) and birth weight (2050 grams) compared to non-septic neonates (35.3 weeks, 2170 grams). Neonatal sepsis remained predominant, accounting for 62.5% of cases. Sepsis was strongly associated with hypoglycemia (44.4% vs. 17.2%) and hypothermia (52.8% vs. 21.9%) among preterm neonates.
Conclusion: This study demonstrates a significant association between neonatal sepsis and the increased occurrence of hypoglycemia and hypothermia in preterm newborns.
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