Hypoglycaemia secondary to labetalol infusion

A 42-year-old multigravida with severe pre-eclampsia had an emergency caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia. Peri-operatively, her arterial pressure was controlled with oral methydopa and an intravenous infusion of labetalol. Post-operatively, in the Intensive Care Unit, she had recurrent episodes of hypoglycaemia which required treatment with intravenous glucose. These episodes resolved when the labetalol infusion was stopped. Clinicians should be aware of the potential of labetalol to cause hypoglycaemia