ASSOCIATION OF HYPOGLYCEMIA AND HYPOCALCEMIA IN NEONATES WITH PERINATAL ASPHYXIA

Abstract

Objective
To determine the association of hypoglycemia and hypocalcemia in neonates diagnosed with perinatal asphyxia.

Methodology:
This Prospective case-control study was conducted at the Department of Pediatrics, Combined Military Hospital, Kharian, over a period of six months. A total of 200 neonates aged 1–24 hours and born at gestational age >32 weeks were included, with 100 neonates in the perinatal asphyxia group (cases) and 100 in the control group. Neonates with congenital anomalies or conditions interfering with metabolic regulation were excluded. Blood glucose and serum calcium levels were assessed within the first 12 hours of life. Hypoglycemia was defined as blood glucose <40 mg/dL, and hypocalcemia as serum calcium <7 mg/dL. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21, with odds ratios (OR) calculated to determine associations.

Results:
The mean gestational age was 37.9 ± 1.8 weeks in the case group and 38.3 ± 1.5 weeks in the control group. Hypocalcemia was observed in 23% of asphyxiated neonates compared to 3% in controls (OR = 9.97; p < 0.001), while hypoglycemia was found in 20% of cases versus 5% of controls (OR = 4.88; p = 0.002). Other demographic and clinical parameters, such as birth weight and gender, showed no significant differences.

Conclusion:
Perinatal asphyxia is significantly associated with hypoglycemia and hypocalcemia in neonates. Early screening and timely management of these metabolic disturbances are essential to reduce complications and improve neonatal outcomes.