Oral dextrose gel for hypoglycemia in a well-baby nursery: a baby-friendly initiative

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the impact of oral dextrose gel (ODG) treatment on NICU admission rates for hypoglycemic infants in a well-baby nursery. Study design: We retrospectively compared newborn infants at risk for hypoglycemia born during the intervention period (n = 3775) with historical controls (n = 655). We also compared the rates of the primary outcome (NICU admission) and secondary outcomes (exclusive breastfeeding and hospital costs) between the two periods. Results: Following the implementation of ODG supplementation, the NICU admissions rates dropped from 4% to 2%, p < 0.05, for at-risk infants and from 15% to 7%, p < 0.05, for hypoglycemic infants in the baseline and intervention periods, respectively, with an adjusted OR (95% CI) of 0.39 (0.24–0.64), p < 0.001. Additionally, the ODG protocol sustained rates of exclusive breastfeeding in contrast to the institutional protocol. Conclusion: The adoption of an ODG protocol fosters a more nurturing and baby-friendly environment through reduced NICU transfers, support for exclusive breastfeeding, and decreased hospital costs.