Glucose instability and outcomes of neonates with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy undergoing therapeutic hypothermia.

Background: To investigate the prevalence and associated outcomes of glucose abnormalities in infants with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) undergoing therapeutic hypothermia (TH).

Methods: Glucose values were reviewed in all HIE infants. Pearson's correlation was used to assess the association of hypo- and hyperglycemic episodes with neonatal brain MRI and neurodevelopmental outcomes (NDO) at 12 & 24 months.

Results: Of 153 infants included, 31, 56 and 43 had episodes of hypo-, hyperglycemia and combined, respectively. Hyperglycemia and combined hypo/hyper had higher mortality (p = 0.035), seizures (p = 0.009), and longer hospitalization (p = 0.023). Hypo- and hyperglycemia were associated with parenchymal hemorrhages (p = 0.028 & p = 0.027, respectively). Hypoglycemia was associated with restricted diffusion (p = 0.014), while hyperglycemia was associated with cortical injuries (p = 0.045). Each hour of hyper- or hypoglycemia was associated with 5.2-5.8 times unfavorable outcomes (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Blood glucose aberrations were detrimental in HIE infants treated with TH. Optimizing glucose management is crucial in this setting.