A 4-hour-old infant is inconsolable with a weak cry. His hands and feet are trembling. The mother reports a history of gestational diabetes and hypertension, and states she delivered at home without complication. Which of the following is the most likely cause of this infant's signs and symptoms?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The infant's signs and symptoms are suggestive of hypoglycemia, which is common in infants of diabetic mothers as they are at a higher risk for developing hypoglycemia due to an excessive insulin release in response to maternal hyperglycemia. The tremors and weak cry seen in this infant are neurological symptoms of hypoglycemia, as glucose is the primary energy source for the brain. Meconium aspiration and febrile seizures are not likely causes for these symptoms in a 4-hour-old infant with no history of fever or meconium-stained amniotic fluid. Type 1 diabetes mellitus is also an unlikely cause as this typically presents later in childhood or adolescence.

A 4-Hour-Old Infant Is Inconsolable with a Weak Cry