Congenital hyperinsulinism | |
---|---|
Other names | CHI, familial hyperinsulinism, hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia of infancy |
Insulin (which this condition creates in excess) | |
Specialty | Pediatrics, gastroenterology, endocrinology |
Symptoms | Hypoglycemia[1] |
Causes | ABCC8 gene mutations (most common)[2] |
Diagnostic method | Blood sample[3] |
Treatment | Diazoxide, octreotide[4] |
Congenital hyperinsulinism (HI or CHI) is a rare condition causing severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in newborns due to the overproduction of insulin.[5] There are various causes of HI, some of which are known to be the result of a genetic mutation.[6] Sometimes HI occurs on its own (isolated) and more rarely associated with other medical conditions (as a syndrome).[7]
Congenital forms of hyperinsulinism can be transient (short-term) or persistent (long-term) and mild or severe. It can be the result of a defect in the entire pancreas (diffuse HI) or in just part of the pancreas (focal HI).[7] Irrespective of the form, cause, or type, HI is a medical emergency that must be managed from its onset.[8] There is no other hypoglycemic condition in the newborn period as dangerous as HI.[9] Left untreated, hypoglycemia from HI can cause developmental disorders, seizures, permanent brain damage, and even death.[10][11]
For those with focal HI, there is the potential for a cure with surgery.[12] For those with diffuse HI, diazoxide is the only approved medication to treat hypoglycemia. For those who do not respond to diazoxide, the condition is often managed with continuous carbohydrates delivered through a feeding pump and a gastrostomy tube, and off-label use of medications such as octreotide given by injection.[13][14] In the most severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove most of the pancreas.[12] New and more effective treatments are in development for those who continue to have hypoglycemia on existing therapies and treatments, and for those who experience adverse effects of current treatments.[15]
The incidence of persistent HI has been found to range from 1:2,500 to 1:50,000 births depending on the region or country.[8] The incidence of transient forms of HI has been estimated to be between 1:1200[16] and 1:2000.[17]
Banerjee Raskin Arnoux et al Congenital hyperinsulinism
was invoked but never defined (see the help page).Banerjee Salomon‐Estebanez Shah et al Therapies and outcomes
was invoked but never defined (see the help page).Rosenfeld Ganguly De Leon Congenital hyperinsulinism disorders
was invoked but never defined (see the help page).Lord Radcliffe Gallagher et al High Risk of Diabetes
was invoked but never defined (see the help page).Avatapalle Banerjee Shah et al Abnormal Neurodevelopmental
was invoked but never defined (see the help page).Bailey Rout Harding et al Prolonged transitional neonatal
was invoked but never defined (see the help page).