Intravenous Glucagon Infusion in the Management of Hypoglycemia in Infants of Diabetic Mothers - Centre for Population Health Research (POPC) - A joint centre by the University of Turku and the municipal authority of the Hospital District of Southwest Finland. The goal of Centre for Population Health Research is to promote health and well-being of society by enhancing research and development work on clinical-epidemiological population research.

Am J Perinatol. 2026 Jan 29. doi: 10.1055/a-2788-2020. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of continuous intravenous (IV) glucagon infusion in the management of neonatal hypoglycemia in infants of diabetic mothers (IDMs).This retrospective case-control study included IDMs treated for hypoglycemia at Turku University Hospital, Finland, over 11 years. Sixteen infants received IV glucose and continuous IV glucagon, while 26 matched controls received IV glucose only.Prior to glucagon initiation, cases had higher IV glucose requirements and lower plasma glucose levels than controls. Following infusion, plasma glucose normalized rapidly. The mean (SD) duration of glucagon treatment was 5.6 (1.2) days. Maternal prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) was significantly higher in cases (mean = 35.0 kg/m² [SD = 8.2 kg/m²]) than in controls (mean = 27.6 kg/m² [SD = 7.1 kg/m²]), p = 0.006. No significant differences in adverse effects were observed.Continuous IV glucagon infusion is an effective and safe treatment for refractory hypoglycemia in IDMs. · There are limited data on glucagon use in neonatal hypoglycemia.. · Newborns of diabetic mothers could be a target population.. · Glucagon infusion may be a valuable adjunctive therapy..

PMID:41610862 | DOI:10.1055/a-2788-2020