HYPERGLYCEMIA REVEALING NEONATAL INFECTIO N

Background. - Hyperglycemia as the first manifestation of neonatal sep sis is rare. Case report. - A breast-fed neonate was admitted at the a ge of 6 days because of vomiting. Group B streptococci had been isolat ed in secretions of the ear at birth but the neonate had not been trea ted. At admission, physical examination was normal but glucosuria, wit hout ketonuria, and hyperglycemia (9.7 mmol/l) were noted. Because hyp erglycemia was not explained by usual causes, the baby was systematica lly given antibiotics. The next day, blood, spinal fluid and urine cul tures taken on admission were positive for group B streptococci while blood fibrinogen and C-reactive protein were increased. Hyperglycemia and glycosuria were normal after 24 hours of antibiotic therapy and fo llow-up was uneventful. Subsequently, the same bacteria was isolated f rom the mother's milk. Conclusion. - Isolated hyperglycemia may reveal an infection; therefore its discovery might contribute to early diagn osis and treatment.