Primum non nocere: earlier cessation of glucose monitoring is possible

Newborns are at relatively high risk for developing hypoglycaemia in the first 24 h after birth. Well-known risk factors are prematurity, small for gestational age (SGA) or large for gestational age (LGA), and maternal pre-existent or gestational diabetes mellitus. Prolonged hypoglycaemia is associated with poor neurodevelopmental outcomes; hence, prevention through proper monitoring and treatment is important. Given the ongoing debate concerning frequency and duration of screening for neonatal hypoglycaemia, therefore, we investigated the frequency and duration of glucose monitoring safe to discover neonatal hypoglycaemia in different risk groups. Data of newborns at risk for hypoglycaemia were retrospectively collected and analysed. Blood glucose concentrations were measured 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 h after birth. Moderate hypoglycaemia was defined as a blood glucose concentration of 34 weeks) and maternal diabetes. What is Known: * Newborns are at relatively high risk for developing hypoglycaemia and such hypoglycaemia is associated with adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. * Proper glucose monitoring and prompt treatment in case of neonatal hypoglycaemia are necessary. What is New: * Glucose monitoring 12 h after birth is proficient for most newborns at risk. * Maternal diabetes leads to the highest risk of early neonatal hypoglycaemia and newborns with more than one risk factor are at increased risk of hypoglycaemia