Continuous glucose monitoring in neonates: a review

Table 1 Methodologies for continuous glucose monitoring

Fluid location	Biosensor	Advantages	Disadvantages	Commercial devices currently used in neonates
Subcutaneous	Microdialysis fibre with external amperometric probe.	Most accurate.	Subcutaneous inflammation.	Not available
		Sensing element is outside the skin and so is not susceptible to biofouling.	Subcutaneous inflammation.
			Expensive.
			Long lag time.
			Discomfort.
			Requires calibration.
	Amperometric needle electrode.	Easier insertion.	Less accurate.	Medtronic MiniMed.
			Sensor degradation due to biofouling.	Medtronic MiniMed.
			Sensor degradation due to biofouling.	DexCom.
			Poor detection with oedema.
			Discomfort. Most require calibration.
Transdermal	Glucose binding protein.	No skin penetration.	Accuracy unknown.	Not yet available.
Transdermal	Glucose binding protein.	Potentially suitable in neonates due to their high trans-epidermal water loss.	Accuracy unknown.	Not yet available.

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