What is a short-term consequence of hyperglycemia in infants?

Hyperglycemia in infants can lead to osmotic diuresis, a process where excess glucose in the blood spills over into the urine. This high glucose concentration in the renal tubules increases osmolarity, causing water to be drawn into the urine by osmosis. As a result, the infant may experience increased urination (polyuria), which can lead to significant fluid loss and dehydration. This dehydration can quickly become a critical concern in neonates, who have a limited reserve and are especially vulnerable to fluid imbalances.

Understanding osmotic diuresis is fundamental in neonatal care, as it not only emphasizes the importance of monitoring blood glucose levels but also highlights the need to promptly address any signs of dehydration in affected infants. In contrast to the other options, while neurologic development issues and compromised nutritional status may arise from prolonged or severe hyperglycemia, they are more accurately considered long-term consequences rather than immediate results of short-term hyperglycemic episodes.