Index of Suspicion in the NurseryCase 1: Hypoglycemia and High Hematocrit in a Term TwinCase 2: Lethargy in Twins: Double TroubleCase 3: Skin Rash, Poor Feeding, and Diarrhea in a 22-day-old Male
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abstract
Twins are born at 37-5/7 weeks gestation to a 41-year-old G4P2 woman who had unremarkable serology results. The delivery is via cesarean section because of a nonreassuring fetal heart rate. Twin B appears to be acrocyanotic and initially requires positive-pressure ventilation for 30 seconds before being able to maintain her oxygen saturation on her own. Apgar scores are 7 and 8 at 1 and 5 minutes, respectively. She also appears to be “jittery,” and her screening glucose concentration is 24 mg/dL (1.3 mmol/L). She consumes 20 mL of infant formula and a 10% dextrose (D10) infusion is begun at a rate of 60 mL/kg per day. Three hours after birth, a follow-up glucose evaluation measures 30 mg/dL (1.7 mmol/L), prompting administration of a 4-mL/kg bolus of D10 over 20 minutes and increase of the maintenance infusion rate to 100 mL/kg per day. Six hours after birth, glucose measures 80 mg/dL (4.4 mmol/L), and the infusion rate is decreased to 60 mL/kg per day. She is transferred to a hospital that has a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for close monitoring. On transfer, the oxygen saturation dips into the upper 80s/lower 90s, and nasal cannula administration of oxygen is initiated. Furthermore, during transfer (8 to 9 hours after birth), the blood glucose value is 44 mg/dL (2.4 mmol/l), so the D10 infusion rate is increased back to 100 mL/kg per day. On arrival at the second hospital, her oxygen saturation is about 85% and glucose is 50 mg/dL (2.8 mmol/L). In the NICU, she receives noninvasive respiratory support as well as 15% dextrose (D15) at a rate of 70 mL/kg per day. Twin A remains stable and continues to receive routine newborn care in the newborn nursery of the first hospital. Two days after birth, twin B continues to have glucose …
