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Abstract

Background

The study examined the medical impact of tahneek with dates on hypoglycemia in high-risk newborns. Tahneek, an Islamic tradition, may offer benefits such as stimulating mouth muscles and aiding in breastfeeding initiation. The study assessed its efficacy in comparison with routine feeding practices on blood glucose levels and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admissions in high-risk newborns. By addressing neonatal hypoglycemia risks, this research uniquely explored the potential synergy between tradition and contemporary medical strategies.

Methods

This single-center, open-label, randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted at King Abdulaziz Medical City, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and included neonates at risk of developing hypoglycemia. A total of 324 subjects participated: 162 in the intervention group, 162 in the control. The intervention group received a single dose of soft date paste containing glucose equivalent to 200 mg/kg at 1 h after birth; the control group received routine feeds. Blood glucose levels were monitored by standard protocols.

Conclusions

The main outcome measures included the incidence of hypoglycemia and the need for NICU admission for hypoglycemia. The study found no significant difference in hypoglycemia incidence (11.7 vs 14.11, p = .51) or NICU admissions for hypoglycemia (0.12% vs 0.18%, p = .69) between the intervention and control groups, respectively. Exclusive breastfeeding showed a slight preference in the intervention group. Study concluded that tahneek with dates did not reduce the occurrence of hypoglycemia or the need for NICU admissions. However, the practice was deemed safe, culturally accepted, noninvasive, and well tolerated by neonates.

Keywords

neonate hypoglycemia tahneek dates NICU Islamic tradition

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