Implementation and outcomes of a standard dose dextrose gel protocol for management of transient neonatal hypoglycemia

Objective The use of oral dextrose gel (DG) reduces IV dextrose use. Prior studies used weight-based dosing (WD), though barriers exist, and are mitigated using standard dosing (SD). Our outcomes include IV dextrose use, NICU admissions, breastfeeding, adverse events, and assessment of WD vs SD. Study design Retrospective chart review comparing pre-DG, WD, and SD in 16490 newborns (1329 hypoglycemic) ≥ 35 weeks admitted to the nursery over 3 years. Results There was reduction in IV dextrose use 10.9% vs 6.5% ( p = 0.004) and NICU admissions 27.9% vs 16.1% ( p