Oral Dextrose Gel in the Treatment of Neonatal Hypoglycemia: An Evidence Based Practice Change

Background: Neonatal hypoglycemia (NH) is a common problem in the newborn period that resolves by 24-48 hours of life. Infants with known NH risk factors take longer to achieve blood glucose homeostasis. The leading cause of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admissions in otherwise healthy term and late preterm infants is NH.

Purpose: To determine the efficacy of dextrose gel in addition to oral feedings in NH treatment as compared to the previous practice of oral feedings alone. Lewin's change theory was used in staff education and project implementation.