A Case of Hyperinsulinemic Hypoglycemia in Premature Infant Treated with Oral Diazoxide

ABSTRACT

Neonatal hyperinsulinism, whether permanent or transient, results in prolonged hypoglycemia, which increases the risk of hypoglycemic brain injury. Therefore, prompt diagnosis and management of hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia is important. Drawing a “critical sample” at the time of hypoglycemia is useful for diagnosis. Genetic testing for defective insulin-regulating genes in pancreatic beta-cells might also be helpful in cases of prolonged hypoglycemia. High-calorie feeding or glucose infusion is necessary to maintain normoglycemia. Diazoxide is the treatment of choice for hyperinsulinism and should be continued until the hypoglycemia resolves. We describe a case of transient neonatal hyperinsulinemia hypoglycemia in a small-for-gestational-age preterm infant who underwent diazoxide treatment and achieved a favorable outcome.