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Updated: Aug 21, 2026

Biochemical Measurement of Neonatal Hypoxia
Published on: August 24, 2011
[Persistent neonatal hyperinsulinism. Analysis of the differential diagnosis. Report of two cases]
M Isabel Hernández1, M Isabel Hodgson, Andreina Cattani
1Departamento de Pediatría, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile.
Insights
Persistent neonatal hyperinsulinism causes severe hypoglycemia in infants. Surgical intervention, including total pancreatectomy, can effectively manage refractory cases, as demonstrated in two patients with focal adenomatous hyperplasia.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Surgical Gastroenterology
Background:
- Persistent neonatal hyperinsulinism is a leading cause of persistent hypoglycemia in infants.
- Genetic mutations in specific genes underlie inadequate insulin secretion, guiding patient management.
Observation:
- Two neonates presented with severe hypoglycemia and seizures shortly after birth.
- Initial subtotal pancreatectomy failed to resolve hypoglycemia in both cases.
Findings:
- Both patients required a total pancreatectomy to achieve euglycemia.
- Histopathological examination revealed focal adenomatous hyperplasia of the pancreas in one patient.
- Both children are now euglycemic and exhibit normal development post-surgery.
Implications:
- Total pancreatectomy is a viable, albeit drastic, option for refractory neonatal hyperinsulinism.
- Early diagnosis and tailored surgical approaches are crucial for favorable outcomes.
Abstract:
Persistent neonatal hyperinsulinism is the most common cause of refractory hypoglycemia during the first year of life. Inadequate insulin secretion is associated to mutations of four different genes, that can be diagnosed to orient patient management. We report two patients: a female newborn that presented a hypoglycemia of 16 mg/dl two hours after birth, was subjected to a subtotal pancreatectomy that did not correct hypoglycemia, requiring a total pancreatectomy. Pathological study of the pancreas showed a focal adenomatous hyperplasia. At the present time, she is three years of age and maintains euglycemia with fractionated feeding. A male newborn that had seizures at 28 hours of life and a hypoglycemia of 15 mg/dl was detected. He was also subjected to a subtotal pancreatectomy, that did not correct hypoglycemia and bad to be extended to a total pancreatectomy. At the present time, he is 3 years and 11 months of age and has a normal psychomotor development.
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