Prevalence and risk factors for hypoglycemia in acutely ill children seen at the emergency pediatric unit of the Federal Teaching Hospital Katsina, Northern Nigeria

Abstract

Hypoglycemia is a common metabolic problem seen in children presenting with acute illnesses. It may be part of the presentation and portends the illness’s severity, contributing to morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors for hypoglycemia in children seen at the Emergency Paediatric Unit of the Federal Teaching Hospital Katsina. The study was descriptive and cross-sectional and was conducted in the Emergency Paediatric Unit (EPU) of the Federal Teaching Hospital Katsina. Of the One hundred and forty-six children screened for hypoglycemia, 6.2% had (plasma glucose less than 3 mmol/l). Patients whose last feed was taken 12 hours or more were more likely to have hypoglycemia at presentation (OR 51; CI=7.5–358). There were more deaths among hypoglycemic subjects compared to those without hypoglycemia. Children have a limited capacity for gluconeogenesis and are thus at higher risk of morbidities and mortalities related to hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia should, therefore, be sought in all patients presenting with acute pediatric emergencies, particularly in those with a history of prolonged fasting.