Does preventing neonatal hypoglycaemia improve outcome at two years of age?

Hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose concentration) is common, and the only readily preventable cause of brain damage in newborn babies. We are undertaking the hPOD trial (hypoglycaemia Prevention with Oral Dextrose); a multicenter randomised trial of dextrose gel for prevention of hypoglycaemia in babies at risk. If gel is effective in preventing hypoglycaemia and admission to newborn intensive care (primary outcome) it may also prevent brain damage and enhance breast feeding. However, it is important to determine whether these effects, if they eventuate, improve later developmental, health and growth outcomes. This application is to follow up trial babies to determine if there are benefits or adverse effects at two years of age. Since approximately 30% of babies are born at risk of hypoglycaemia, hence may be eligible for dextrose gel prophylaxis if it proves effective, this evidence of longer term efficacy and safety will be essential before introduction into clinical practice.