Challenges and consensus: A survey of the management of neonatal hypoglycaemia within the Pacific Islands

Abstract

Aim

To describe the management of neonatal hypoglycaemia within Pacific Island countries and territories by surveying practising clinicians.

Methods

Survey questions were adapted from a similar survey conducted across Australian and New Zealand neonatal nurseries. An anonymous, electronic survey link and QR code were disseminated to clinicians via our partner organisations, Facebook and direct email. Data collected were primarily descriptive.

Results

Fifty-one surveys were received from 13 Pacific Island countries. Two-t hirds (69%) of respondents reported having a neonatal hypoglycaemia protocol in their nursery. The four protocols received defined hypoglycaemia as a blood glucose concentration <2.6 mmol/L. However, treatment thresholds reported varied from <1.0 mmol/L to <3.0 mmol/L. Feeding was the most common treatment. One-third of the respondents reported resource barriers to effective management, such as a lack of specialist training and limited resources.

Conclusions

There are variations in the screening, diagnosis and treatment of neonatal hypoglycaemia in the Pacific Island countries, despite consistency in the management of neonatal hypoglycaemia within the clinical protocols. Barriers to the safe and effective management of neonatal hypoglycaemia remain concerning.