For hypoglycaemia in newborns, which glucose concentration should be used?

The appropriate glucose concentration to use for treating hypoglycemia in newborns is 10% glucose. This concentration is commonly recommended as it provides a balanced approach to increasing blood glucose levels without the risks associated with higher concentrations.

Using 10% glucose is particularly advantageous in the neonatal setting for several reasons. First, it offers an effective means to rapidly elevate blood glucose levels, which is critical in addressing hypoglycemia and preventing potential neurological damage. Second, it has a more favorable osmolarity than higher concentrations, reducing the risk of vascular irritation and avoiding complications associated with fluid overload.

While 25% and 50% glucose solutions can be found in clinical use, they are not typically used for newborns due to their high osmolarity, which can lead to adverse effects. A concentration of 100% glucose is not suitable for direct administration, as it would cause severe injury to vascular tissues. Therefore, 10% glucose stands out as the safest and most effective option for managing neonatal hypoglycemia. This is why it is the preferred choice in clinical guidelines.