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[Preoperative management of newborn infants with hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia (2)]

A Lischka1

  • 1Abteilung für Neonatologie, Universitäts-Klinik Wien.

Klinische Padiatrie
|September 1, 1987
PubMed

Insights

Cyclic somatostatin (S) partially suppressed hormones in infants with persistent hyperinsulinism, preventing hypoglycemia during preoperative management. The somatostatin sensitivity test (SST) helps determine the optimal S dose for achieving normoglycemia.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Metabolic Disorders
  • Surgical Management

Background:

  • Persistent hyperinsulinism in infants, caused by nesidioblastosis or pancreatic microadenoma, requires effective preoperative management.
  • Cyclic somatostatin (S) administration is a potential therapeutic strategy prior to subtotal pancreatectomy.

Observation:

  • Four infants (ages 12-89 days) with persistent hyperinsulinism received cyclic somatostatin as part of preoperative management.
  • The "somatostatin sensitivity test" (SST) was employed to assess individual hormonal responses to stepwise increasing somatostatin doses.

Findings:

  • Somatostatin infusion achieved normoglycemia with a dextrose infusion at 5 mg/kg/min.
  • Partial suppression of insulin (61% decrease), C-peptide (64% decrease), and a 23% increase in glucagon were observed.
  • Hormonal suppression was partial, avoiding recurrent hypoglycemia and complete suppression of key hormones like HGH and cortisol.

Implications:

  • The SST is a clinically practical tool for determining individualized somatostatin dosages to achieve normoglycemia.
  • This approach mitigates the risk of complete somatostatin-induced suppression of essential hormones, optimizing patient safety.
  • Effective preoperative management with somatostatin can improve outcomes for infants undergoing subtotal pancreatectomy for hyperinsulinism.

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