Cholelithiasis in a newborn following treatment with the somatostatin analogue octreotide

Area of Science:

• Neonatology
• Pediatric Endocrinology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI) is a rare disorder of insulin dysregulation in newborns.
• Octreotide, a somatostatin analogue, is used to manage hyperinsulinism by inhibiting insulin secretion.

Observation:

• A newborn infant diagnosed with congenital hyperinsulinism was treated with octreotide.
• The infant subsequently developed cholelithiasis (gallstones) and cholestatic jaundice.

Findings:

• Treatment with octreotide in a neonate with congenital hyperinsulinism was associated with the development of gallstones.
• Cholestatic jaundice was observed as a concurrent complication, suggesting a link to octreotide therapy.

Implications:

• This case suggests a potential risk of cholelithiasis and cholestatic jaundice with octreotide use in neonates with CHI.
• Further investigation into the mechanism and incidence of these adverse effects is warranted.
• Clinicians should consider monitoring for hepatobiliary complications in infants treated with octreotide for congenital hyperinsulinism.