Response to glucagon in small-for-dates hypoglycaemic and non-hypoglycaemic newborn infants

Abstract

32 glucagon tests with insulin studies have been performed in hypoglycaemic and non-hypoglycaemic small-for-dates infants. The results suggest that glycogen depletion is an important factor in neonatal hypoglycaemia, and varies with the degree of hypoglycaemia. Hyperinsulinism was found in a proportion of hypoglycaemic infants, though there did not appear to be any correlation between the degree of hyperinsulinism and the severity of the glycogen depletion. Glucagon is not recommended as a therapeutic tool in neonatal hypoglycaemia.