Controversies regarding definition of neonatal hypoglycemia: Suggested operational thresholds

The definition of clinically significant hypoglycemia remains one of the mo st confused and contentious issues in contemporary neonatology. In this art icle, some of the reasons for these contentions are discussed. Pragmatic re commendations for operational thresholds, ie, blood glucose levels at which clinical interventions should be considered, are offered in light of curre nt knowledge to aid health care providers in neonatal medicine. Future area s of research to resolve some of these issues are also presented.