The medicolegal implications of hypoglycaemia in the newborn

Abstract

Neonatal hypoglycaemia is commonly physiological, but failure of normal neonatal metabolic adaptation may occur, causing persistent and severe hypoglycaemia with concomitant brain injury. Little is known about the level and duration of neonatal hypoglycaemia which cause brain injury, and studies of the long-term effects of hypoglycaemia are flawed by confounding factors. This paper reviews the etiology, clinical significance and preventive management of neonatal hypoglycaemia, and makes recommendations for safe practice. Criteria for establishing an association between neonatal hypoglycaemia and brain injury are outlined.