Fructosamine Levels and Hyperglycemia in Preterm Neonates

Background: Hyperglycemia is a common complication of prematurity, which requires attention because of its high prevalence and multiple consequences. Serum fructosamine used in diabetic patients provides information about the average glucose concentration in the preceding period of 2-3 weeks. Objective: We investigated the physiologic characteristics of a glycemic marker, fructosamine, in preterm and term neonates. We also studied its association with hyperglycemia and related morbidities of preterm infants. Method: Fructosamine levels of 22 extremely premature (gestational age, GA: 25.8 +/- 1.0 weeks), 36 moderately premature (GA: 29.8 +/- 1.3 weeks) and 26 term infants (GA: 39.1 +/- 1.3 weeks) were determined in the 1st week of life. Fructosamine assay was repeated in all preterm neonates in the 4th and 7th postnatal weeks. Hyperglycemic episodes and main morbidities of preterm infants were recorded and analyzed in association with fructosamine levels. Results: Preterm infants had higher fructosamine levels after birth compared to term infants and a postnatal fall was observed. Serum fructosamine did not show association with the occurrence of hyperglycemia or its main morbidities in preterm infants.Conclusion: In the framework of our study, we could not confirm the usefulness of fructosamine determination in the glycemic control of preterm neonates during the perinatal period. Copyright (c) 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel