Maryland Hypoglycemia Mismanagement Lawyer
Glucose, or blood sugar, is crucial to brain development, organ function, and energy metabolism in babies. When a baby is born with low blood sugar, it is called neonatal hypoglycemia. When a baby’s blood sugar falls too low within a few days of birth, it can impair the growth process and cause brain cells to die.
Blood glucose levels naturally drop during the first two hours after delivery as the baby transitions to life outside the mother’s womb. After birth, the infant consumes glucose from breastmilk or formula. The liver also produces it.
An infant with neonatal hypoglycemia experiences a more dramatic drop in blood sugar that may last a long time. While neonatal hypoglycemia is common, it is also easily treated. However, when doctors fail to treat it, it can affect the brain’s ability to function. This can lead to serious brain injuries and seizures. If your baby has suffered from these issues due to your doctor’s negligence, seek legal help. Consider contacting the Maryland Hypoglycemia mismanagement lawyers at Wais, Vogelstein, Forman, Koch & Norman to file a medical malpractice claim and recover compensation.
Causes of Hypoglycemia
A baby can experience hypoglycemia due to the following reasons:
- The mother’s poor nutrition during pregnancy
- Too much insulin in the body due to the mother’s poorly controlled diabetes
- Incompatible blood types of mother and baby
- More insulin in the baby’s stool (a pancreatic tumor may cause this)
- Metabolic diseases
- Hormone deficiencies
- Lack of oxygen at birth
- Liver disease
- Infection
- Birth defects
Babies are more likely to have hypoglycemia if:
- They are born to mothers with diabetes.
- They are small for gestational age.
- They are preterm and have a low birth weight.
- They are large for their gestational age.
- They are born under significant stress.
- Their mothers were treated with certain medicines.
Symptoms of Hypoglycemia
The most common signs of low blood sugar include the following:
- Shakiness
- Low body temperature
- Blue tint to skin and lips
- Breathing problems
- Poor muscle tone
- Lack of interest in feeding
- Lack of movement and energy
- Seizures
Treatment Protocol
Treatment will depend on your baby’s gestational age and overall health, but it’s not too complicated. Treatment typically includes giving the baby a fast-acting source of glucose in the form of a glucose and water mixture or glucose given through an IV. The doctor will then check the baby’s blood glucose levels after treatment to see if the baby is still suffering from hypoglycemia.
Contact Us Today
Hypoglycemia is a serious issue for a baby. Babies need adequate glucose to fuel the brain and body, and when they don’t get it, it can lead to health problems.
If your doctor failed to properly monitor your baby’s glucose levels and your baby suffered complications as a result, you may have a valid medical malpractice claim. The experienced Maryland personal injury lawyers at Wais, Vogelstein, Forman, Koch & Norman can assist you with the process. Call (410) 567-0800 to schedule a consultation today.
