Hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia of infancy: the challenge continues

Hypoglycemia due to hyperinsulinemia is the most common cause of persistent hypoglycemia in infants and children. Recent discoveries in the molecular and biochemical regulation of insulin secretion have dramatically increased our understanding of the disorders responsible for syndromes of hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia. Here, we briefly review the current knowledge of disorders of the K(ATP) channel, activating mutations of glucokinase and glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) and other disorders that may be associated with specific phenotypes and permit appropriate targeted therapies. Despite these advances, much remains to be learned. We do not understand the mechanisms or defects in many instances, including defective carbohydrate glycosylation syndromes and perinatal hypoxia, both of which may be associated with hyperinsulinemia. Most importantly, preoperative distinction between diffuse and focal lesions cannot be always reliably made even after selective arterial infusion with calcium, glucose or a sulfonylurea with concurrent hepatic venous sampling for insulin. The ability to distinguish diffuse from localized lesions has profound implications for therapeutic approaches, prognosis and genetic counseling. To date, about 50% of individuals with hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia of infancy can be correctly categorized. Thus, the challenge continues.