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Increased urinary catecholamines in an infant with the diencephalic syndrome
Archives of Disease in Childhood
|June 1, 1978
Summary
In a 15-month-old infant with diencephalic syndrome, elevated urinary catecholamines (norepinephrine and epinephrine) were observed. This suggests sympathetic stimulation due to a lesion may cause diencephalic syndrome symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Diencephalic syndrome is a rare condition in infants.
- It presents with a range of neurological and endocrine symptoms.
- The underlying pathophysiology is not fully understood.
Observation:
- A 15-month-old infant diagnosed with diencephalic syndrome was studied.
- Urinary excretion levels of norepinephrine and epinephrine were measured.
- The infant exhibited symptoms including euphoria, irritability, pallor, and hypertension.
Findings:
- Urinary norepinephrine levels were moderately increased.
- Urinary epinephrine levels were significantly elevated.
- These findings indicate excessive catecholamine secretion.
Implications:
- Catecholamine secretion may result from sympathetic nervous system stimulation.
- A space-occupying lesion in the diencephalon could trigger this response.
- Catecholamine release might explain several symptoms of diencephalic syndrome.