A Perspective on Neurological Aspects of Neonatal Hypoglycaemia

Abstract

Cerebral metabolism is mainly dependent upon glucose utilization. In newborn infants, low blood glucose levels cause to neuronal and glial cell death, and hence associated with long-term neuro­developmental handicaps. Occipital and parietal lobes are most severely affected regions of the brain on imaging techniques in infants suffered from brain damage as a result of neonatal hypoglycaemia. On neurodevelopment follow up, the mental and psychomotor developmental indexes of the children who suffered from hypoglycaemia during newborn period are significantly low. Hence, early diagnosis and treatment of neonatal hypoglycaemia is mandatory to prevent the long-term neurological sequelae.