Prevalence And Clinical Correlates Of Hypoglycemia In Children Admitted To The Emergency Room Of Enugu State University Teaching Hospital (ESUTH)

Abstract

Background:Hypoglycemia is a serious complication in children and is associated with increased risks of morbidity and mortality. While most studies focus on neonates, limited data exist on its prevalence and clinical correlates among older pediatric populations in Nigeria. Objective:To determine the prevalence of hypoglycemia and identify associated clinical conditions among children admitted to the children’s emergency room of Enugu State University Teaching Hospital (ESUTH). Methods:This cross-sectional study was conducted over a six-month period and recruited 300 children aged one month to seventeen years admitted consecutively into the children’s emergency room. Children with diabetes mellitus or prior glucose infusion within six hours before admission were excluded. Demographic and clinical data were collected, and blood glucose levels were measured at admission using a glucometer. Blood glucose was measured using a glucometer and defined as hypoglycemia (<70mg/dl), normoglycemia (70 - <140mg/dl) and hyperglycemia (>140mg/dl). Associations between hypoglycemia, presenting complaints, and outcomes were analyzed using appropriate statistical tests. Results:The prevalence of hypoglycemia was 4.7%, while hyperglycemia occurred in 29%. Hypoglycemia was significantly associated with hypoxia (OR = 4.07, 95% CI: 1.32–12.53, p = 0.015), frequent passage of watery stool (OR = 4.53, 95% CI: 1.23–16.74, p = 0.023), and vomiting (OR = 10.10, 95% CI: 1.30–78.69, p = 0.027). Hyperglycemia was significantly associated with weight loss (OR = 4.19, 95% CI: 1.67–10.53, p = 0.002), while children with fever or watery stool were less likely to develop hyperglycemia. Conclusion:Hypoglycemia, though less prevalent than hyperglycemia, remains an important complication in critically ill children admitted to ESUTH. Routine glucose monitoring and prompt management should be prioritized in children presenting with hypoxia, diarrheal illness, or vomiting to improve outcomes and reduce preventable mortality.