What is the recommended management for a newborn with Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome regarding monitoring for hypoglycemia?

The recommended management for a newborn with Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome regarding monitoring for hypoglycemia includes close monitoring due to transient fetal hyperinsulinemia. This condition is characterized by a variety of abnormalities, including overgrowth and predisposition to certain tumors. Newborns with this syndrome often experience hypoglycemia due to high levels of insulin that persist after birth, stemming from the fetus producing excess insulin in response to increased fetal growth factors and body mass.

These infants typically have a greater risk of developing hypoglycemic episodes during the early days of life. Therefore, close monitoring is essential because unrecognized hypoglycemia can lead to serious complications, including neurological damage. It is important to track blood glucose levels carefully and be prepared to manage any drops in glucose adequately.

Other management options, such as immediate feeding on demand or monitoring every 2 to 3 hours, may not provide the same level of vigilance necessary for timely intervention in these high-risk newborns. Regular blood glucose checks every hour might also be excessive unless there are signs of hypoglycemia or other clinical concerns. Thus, the approach of close monitoring specifically targets the transient nature of fetal hyperinsulinemia characteristic of Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome, making it the most effective strategy