Characteristics of infants at risk of hypoglycaemia secondary to being 'infant of a diabetic mother'.

BACKGROUND: Infants of diabetic mothers (IDMs) are at risk of hypoglycaemia in the neonatal period. The prediction of which of these infants are at higher risk of developing hypoglycaemia is complex.

AIMS: To determine the characteristics of infants of diabetic mothers who are more likely to need an admission to the neonatal intensive care unit to manage their hypoglycaemia.

METHODS: Retrospective chart review of maternal and infant characteristics of 'at-risk' infants. Electronic patient records and neonatal and obstetric database accessed to obtain data.

RESULTS: A total of 326 infants were identified in a study period accessible to electronic patient records. Macrosomia was present in 15% of the infants. Hypoglycaemic episodes occurred in 109 (33.4%) infants. Maternal diabetes type, HbA1c, prematurity, macrosomia, and temperature instability were identified as risk factors most commonly associated in infants who actually went on to develop hypoglycaemia.

CONCLUSIONS: A weighted risk score to predict hypoglycaemia in this at-risk population may serve to rationalise admission to the neonatal unit and management of IDMs.