The Effect of Early Feeding on Plasma Glucose Levels in SGA Infants

Abstract

Plasma glucose levels were measured during the first day of life in 24 small-for-gestational- age (SGA) infants who began formula feedings within two hours of birth. In contrast to the high incidence of low blood sugar seen previously in fasted SGA infants, no infant had a plasma glucose below 30 mg/dl; after the first feeding, no values below 40 mg/dl occurred. Mean plasma glucose levels were lower in infants born to mothers with preeclampsia (57.2 ± 2 vs 69.7 ± 2.3 mg/dl, p < .005). The results indicate that hypoglycemia (plasma glucose < 40 mg/dl) can be easily avoided in SGA infants simply by providing adequate calories without delay after delivery.

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