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Recurrent hypoglycemia in a toddler

Marissa Cohen1, Sean Zwiebel1, Rebecca Jeanmonod1

  • 1St Luke's University Hospital, 801 Ostrum St, Bethlehem, PA 18015, USA.

The American Journal of Emergency Medicine
|May 19, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Idiopathic ketotic hypoglycemia is a common cause of low blood sugar in toddlers. Early diagnosis through ketone testing is crucial to prevent long-term health issues in affected children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Endocrinology
  • Metabolic Disorders

Background:

  • Idiopathic ketotic hypoglycemia (IKH) is the most frequent cause of hypoglycemia in toddlers.
  • Diagnosis is critical to prevent severe long-term health consequences.

Observation:

  • This diagnosis should be suspected in toddlers with hypoglycemia, normal growth, and normal development, especially when toxic ingestions and sepsis are ruled out.
  • A case report details a 3-year-old girl experiencing recurrent hypoglycemia due to IKH.

Findings:

  • IKH is diagnosed when hypoglycemia is accompanied by ketonuria and ketonemia.
  • Testing for ketones in urine and blood is essential for evaluating hypoglycemic toddlers.

Implications:

  • Prompt diagnosis and management of IKH can prevent serious developmental and neurological sequelae.
  • Increased awareness and appropriate diagnostic testing for IKH in toddlers are recommended.

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