The neonatal energy triangle. Part 1: Metabolic adaptation.

The first part of this two part series on the neonatal energy triangle gives a general overview of the transition period during the first six to ten hours of life. Although all elements of the triangle, hypothermia, hypoglycaemia and hypoxia, are interlinked this first part of the series describes the normal metabolic adaptation at birth and the difficulties involved in recognising and treating hypoglycaemia. In the second part of the series the two other elements of the triangle, hypoxia and hypothermia, will be addressed.