Neonatal hypoglycemia

Murthi S, Alsaffar H, Al Mandhari H. Predictors of the Need to Use Medications in the Management of Neonatal Hypoglycemia

Background and objective Neonatal hypoglycemia (NH) is one of the most common causes of admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Persistent NH despite adequate feeding and intravenous dextrose may often require medications to maintain normal blood glucose levels (BGL). Several medications are used in the management of persistent NH, such as glucagon, diazoxide, and octreotide. In this study, we aimed to determine the factors that predict the need for medications to treat persistent NH. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study conducted at the Sultan Qaboos University Hospital (SQUH), Muscat, Oman. Infants admitted to the NICU between 2015 and 2019 with hypoglycemia (capillary blood glucose <2.6 mmol/l) were eligible to be included in the study. A prespecified dataset was collected from electronic patient records, including birth weight (BW), APGAR scores, gestational age, BGL, maternal risk factors such as diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension, or antenatal use of medications, and the NICU management during admission. Data analysis was performed using SPSS Statistics for Windows, version 27.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Results A total of 89 neonates were admitted due to NH during the study period. Of them, 10 (11.2%) patients had received medication (diazoxide). Use of medication for persistent NH was significantly associated with maternal gestational diabetes/diabetes mellitus (GDM/DM) status (p=0.041), higher BW (p=0.001), and large for gestational age [LGA (defined as BW >90th percentile)] (p=0.014), severe hypoglycemia (mean glucose level of 1-1.5 mmol/l) at two hours of life and at admission, and elevated maximum glucose infusion rate (GIR). GIR for the medication-requiring cohort was 12.95 mg/kg/min and that for the non-medication-requiring cohort was 6.77 mg/kg/min (p<0.001). Conclusion Based on our findings, the need for using certain medications to treat persistent NH, such as diazoxide in neonates admitted with NH, can be predicted by factors such as maternal GDM/DM status, BW >90th percentile, very low BGL at two hours of age and on admission, and elevated GIR. Elevated maximum GIR was a leading indicator for using medications in the treatment of NH.

Yenidoğan hipoglisemisine güncel yaklaşım

Neonatal hipoglisemi yenidoğan döneminde sık görülen, yaşamın ilerleyen dönemlerini de etkileyen bir sağlık sorunudur. Hipoglisemi akut ve kronik komplikasyonlara neden olarak yenidoğan bebeğin büyümesi ve gelişmesinde kalıcı ve geri dönüşümsüz nörolojik sorunlara yol açabilmektedir. Hipoglisemiyi saptamak için en duyarlı test halen plazma glukozu ile ölçümü olsa da, yıllardır kullanılan geleneksel glukoz ölçüm yöntemleri ile birlikte son yıllarda noninvaziv glukoz ölçüm yöntemlerindeki gelişmeler ile riskli bebeklerde hipogliseminin tanı ve tedavisinde bu teknolojik ölçüm yöntemleri yaygın kullanılmaya başlamıştır. Glukometre, kan gazı analizatörleri, laboratuvarda enzimatik ölçüm geleneksel ölçüm yöntemleri iken, sürekli glukoz ölçüm sistemleri yeni nesil glukoz ölçümünde yer almaya başlayan yeni bir tekniktir. Hipoglisemi gelişimini engellemek için koruyucu önlemler alırken erken dönemde anne sütü ile emzirme desteği sağlanmalı ve teşvik edilmelidir. Hangi durumların hipoglisemi için risk oluşturduğu, hangi glukoz eşik değerinde tedavi vermek gerektiği ve son kullanılan yeni nesil glukoz ölçüm yöntemlerinin etkileri ve güncel tedaviler bu derlemede tartışılmıştır. Riskli bebeklerde kan şekeri ölçümleri ve klinik bulguların gözlenmesi yanında hipoglisemide ayırıcı tanı yapılarak tedavinin yönetilmesi de prognozda önemli bir yer tutar.

Management of hypoglycemia in newborn: Turkish Neonatal and Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes Societies consensus report

Hypoglycemia is one of the most important and most common metabolic problems of the newborn because it poses a risk of neurological injury, if it is prolonged and recurs. Therefore, newborns who carry a risk of hypoglycemia should be fed immediately after delivery and the blood glucose level should be measured with intervals of 2-3 hours from the 30^th minute after feeding. The threshold value for hypoglycemia is 40 mg/dL for the first 24 hours in symptomatic babies. In asymptomatic babies, this value is considered 25 mg/dL for 0-4 hours, 35 mg/dl for 4-24 hours, 50 mg/dL after 24 hours and 60 mg/dL after 48 hours. Screening should be performed with bed-side test sticks. When values near the limit value are obtained, confirmation with laboratory method should be done and treatment should be initiated, if necessary. The level targeted with treatment is considered 50 mg/dL in the postnatal first 48 hours before feeding, 60 mg/dL after 48 hours in babies with high risk and above 70 mg/dL in babies with permanent hypoglycemia. In cases in which the blood glucose level is below the threshold value and can not be increased by feeding, a glucose infusion of 6-8 mg/kg/min should be initiated. If symptoms accompany, a mini bolus of 10% dextrose (2 ml/kg/min) should accompany. Incements (2 mg/kg/min) should be performed, if the target level can not be achieved and decrements (2 ml/kg/ min) should be performed, if nutrition and stabilization is provided. The infusion should be discontinued, if the infusion rate decreases to 3-5 mg/ kg/min. If necessary, blood samples should be obtained during hypoglycemia in terms of differential diagnosis and the investigation should be performed following a 6-hour fasting period in babies fed enterally and at any time when the plasma glucose is <50 mg/dL in babies receiving parenteral infusion. The hypoglycemic babies in the risk group whose infusions have been terminated can be discharged, if the plasma glucose level is found to be at the target level for two times before feeding and babies with permanent, severe or resistant hypoglycemia can be discharged, if the plasma glucose level is >60 mg/dL following a 6-hour fast.

Diagnosis and management of hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia

Hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia (HH) is a heterogeneous condition with dysregulated insulin secretion which persists in the presence of low blood glucose levels. It is the most common cause of severe and persistent hypoglycaemia in neonates and children. Recent advances in genetics have linked congenital HH to mutations in 14 different genes that play a key role in regulating insulin secretion (ABCC8, KCNJ11, GLUD1, GCK, HADH, SLC16A1, UCP2, HNF4A, HNF1A, HK1, PGM1, PPM2, CACNA1D, FOXA2). Histologically, congenital HH can be divided into 3 types: diffuse, focal and atypical. Due to the biochemical basis of this condition, it is essential to diagnose and treat HH promptly in order to avoid the irreversible hypoglycaemic brain damage. Recent advances in the field of HH include new rapid molecular genetic testing, novel imaging methods (18F-DOPA PET/CT), novel medical therapy (long-acting octreotide formulations, mTOR inhibitors, GLP-1 receptor antagonists) and surgical approach (laparoscopic surgery). The review article summarizes the current diagnostic methods and management strategies for HH in children.

Hypoglycemia: When to Treat?

Hypoglycemia is the most common metabolic disorder encountered in neonates. The definition of hypoglycemia as well as its clinical significance and management remain controversial. Most cases of neonatal hypoglycemia are transient, respond readily to treatment, and are associated with an excellent prognosis. Persistent hypoglycemia is more likely to be associated with abnormal endocrine conditions, such as hyperinsulinemia, as well as possible neurologic sequelae. Manifestations of hypoglycemia include seizures which can result in noteworthy neuromorbidity in the long haul. Thus, hypoglycemia constitutes a neonatal emergency which requires earnest analytic assessment and prompt treatment. In this review, we have tried to cover the pathophysiology, the screening protocol for high-risk babies, management, long-term neurologic sequelae associated with neonatal hypoglycemia, with evidence-based answers wherever possible, and our own practices.

Retrospective evaluation of a national guideline to prevent neonatal hypoglycemia

BACKGROUND

Hypoglycemia is common in neonates and may cause adverse neurological outcomes. Guidelines should aim to prevent repeated hypoglycemic episodes in risk groups, but they are not usually stratified according to the severity of hypoglycemia risk, which may lead to inappropriate and redundant interventions. We evaluated the effect of a national prevention guideline stratified according to mild, moderate, and severe risks of hypoglycemia.

METHODS

From national registers, a population cohort of 22,725 neonates was identified retrospectively before and after implementation of a national guideline. Of these, 1900 had World Health Organization International Classification of Diseases 10 discharge diagnoses of hypoglycemia. Diagnoses indicating hypoglycemia risk [small/large for gestational age (SGA/LGA), asphyxia, prematurity, maternal insulin-treated diabetes mellitus] were recorded. Neonatal ward files were evaluated to validate hypoglycemia diagnoses. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) were calculated, adjusting for sex, parity, SGA, LGA, preterm birth, and asphyxia, where relevant.

RESULTS

Primiparity and male sex were associated independently with hypoglycemia diagnosis [aORs, 1.29 (1.17-1.42) and 1.14 (1.03-1.26), respectively]. Overall incidence of hypoglycemia at discharge decreased from 9.4% to 5.5% after guideline implementation [aOR_change, 0.57 (0.50-0.64)]. Overall incidence of validated hypoglycemia decreased from 2.1% to 1.2% [aOR 0.59 (0.46-0.77), p<0.001]. By risk group, the hypoglycemia incidence decreased from 30.5% to 18.6% [aOR 0.52 (0.36-0.75)] among SGA neonates, from 25.8% to 16.4% [aOR 0.57 (0.42-0.76)] among preterm infants, and from 27.4% to 16.6% [aOR 0.63 (0.34-0.83)] among those with asphyxia. LGA neonates showed a decreased incidence in obstetric wards only. No significant change was observed for the diabetes group.

CONCLUSION

Stratification of hypoglycemia risk in a hypoglycemia prevention guideline was followed by decreased estimated hypoglycemia incidence, but no causative conclusion could be drawn. Prospective studies with risk stratification for hypoglycemia prevention are encouraged.

Hyperinsulinemic Hypoglycemia in Infancy: Current Concepts in Diagnosis and Management

PURPOSE

Molecular basis of various forms of hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia, involving defects in key genes regulating insulin secretion, are being increasingly reported. However, the management of medically unresponsive hyperinsulinism still remains a challenge as current facilities for genetic diagnosis and appropriate imaging are limited only to very few centers in the world. We aim to provide an overview of spectrum of clinical presentation, diagnosis and management of hyperinsulinism.

METHODS

We searched the Cochrane library, MEDLINE and EMBASE databases, and reference lists of identified studies.

CONCLUSION

Analysis of blood samples, collected at the time of hypoglycemic episodes, for intermediary metabolites and hormones is critical for diagnosis and treatment. Increased awareness among clinicians about infants at-risk of hypoglycemia, and recent advances in genetic diagnosis have made remarkable contribution to the diagnosis and management of hyperinsulinism. Newer drugs like lanreotide a long acting somatostatin analogue and sirolimus (mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor) appears promising as patients with diffuse disease can be treated successfully without subtotal pancreatectomy, minimizing the long-term sequelae of diabetes and pancreatic insufficiency. Newer insights in understanding the molecular and histological basis and improvements in imaging and surgical techniques will modify the approach to patients with congenital hyperinsulinism.

Hyperinsulinemic Hypoglycemia

In hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia (HH) there is dysregulation of insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells. Insulin secretion becomes inappropriate for the level of blood glucose leading to severe hypoglycemia. HH is associated with a high risk of brain injury because insulin inhibits lipolysis and ketogenesis thus preventing the generation of alternative brain substrates (such as ketone bodies). Hence HH must be diagnosed as soon as possible and the management instituted appropriately to prevent brain damage. This article reviews the mechanisms of glucose physiology in the newborn, the mechanisms of insulin secretion, the etiologic types of HH, and its management.

The Diagnosis and Management of Hyperinsulinaemic Hypoglycaemia

Insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells is tightly regulated to keep fasting blood glucose concentrations within the normal range (3.5-5.5 mmol/L). Hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia (HH) is a heterozygous condition in which insulin secretion becomes unregulated and its production persists despite low blood glucose levels. It is the most common cause of severe and persistent hypoglycaemia in neonates and children. The most severe and permanent forms are due to congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI). Recent advances in genetics have linked CHI to mutations in 9 genes that play a key role in regulating insulin secretion (ABCC8, KCNJ11, GLUD1, GCK, HADH, SLC16A1, UCP2, HNF4A and HNF1A). Histologically, CHI can be divided into 3 types; diffuse, focal and atypical. Given the biochemical nature of HH (non-ketotic), a delay in the diagnosis and management can result in irreversible brain damage. Therefore, it is essential to diagnose and treat HH promptly. Advances in molecular genetics, imaging methods (18F-DOPA PET-CT), medical therapy and surgical approach (laparoscopic surgery) have completely changed the management and improved the outcome of these children. This review provides an overview of the genetic and molecular mechanisms leading to development of HH in children. The article summarizes the current diagnostic methods and management strategies for the different types of CHI.

Hypoglycemia, polycythemia and hyponatremia in a newborn exposed to nebivolol during pregnancy

Nebivolol is a third-generation beta blocker that exerts selective antagonistic activity on β₁ receptors. It has vasodilating properties that result from direct stimulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase. Nebivolol is indicated for the treatment of hypertension and heart failure, and is generally well tolerated. In this article, we report a case of an infant who was admitted to the Pediatrics and Neonatology Unit of the Moscati Hospital (Aversa, Italy) about 24 hours after birth. The reason for hospitalization was persistent severe hypoglycemia (blood glucose = 30 mg/dL) and jaundice (total bilirubin = 12.5 mg/dL, indirect bilirubin 11.75 mg/dL). He was born by spontaneous delivery after a normal term pregnancy. Birth weight was 3040 g and the Apgar score was 6-9. The mother reported taking nebivolol 5 mg/day for unspecified tachycardia in the last 4 months of pregnancy. Clinical and instrumental investigations carried out during hospitalization did not reveal any congenital or perinatal abnormalities. After treatment for metabolic and electrolyte imbalance, he was discharged on the 10^th day of hospitalization, in good clinical condition and with normalization of clinical and laboratory parameters. Currently, there are no specific studies on nebivolol tolerability during pregnancy. Our data suggest that the risk profile of nebivolol during pregnancy is the same as that of other β-blockers. Therefore, further studies are required to determine the safety of β-blockers during pregnancy and the risks to the unborn child.

Diagnostic pitfalls in the assessment of congenital hypopituitarism

BACKGROUND

The diagnosis of congenital hypopituitarism is difficult and often delayed because its symptoms are nonspecific.

AIM

To describe the different clinical presentations of children with congenital hypopituitarism to reduce the time for diagnosis and to begin a precocious and appropriate treatment.

STUDY DESIGN

We analyzed a cohort of five children with congenital hypopituitarism, describing their clinical, biochemical and radiological characteristics from the birth to diagnosis.

RESULTS

As first sign of the disease, all of five patients presented a neonatal hypoglycemia, associated in four cases with jaundice. In all these four cases, the clinicians hypothesized a metabolic disease delaying the diagnosis, which was performed in only two cases within the neonatal period. In the other three cases, the diagnosis was formulated at 2, 5 and 8 years of life because there was severe and precocious growth impairment.

CONCLUSIONS

It is important to suspect congenital hypopituitarism in the presence of persistent neonatal hypoglycemia associated with jaundice and of a precocious and severe reduction of the growth velocity in childhood. In all these cases, it is necessary to undertake a hypothalamic-pituitary magnetic resonance imaging scan as soon as possible, and to start appropriate treatment.

Congenital hyperinsulinemia with grade 4 intraventricular hemorrhage: a case report with a 2-year follow-up

Massive intraventricular hemorrhage associated with hypoglycemia has rarely been reported. We present a late preterm baby girl with severe hypoglycemia after birth. Despite high glucose infusion rates, her glucose levels remained in the 30s to 50s (mg/dL) during the first week of life with a brief period of normoglycemia. On day 2, her computed tomography scan of head showed extensive intraventricular hemorrhage with intraparenchymal extension, which was reported as unexpected for an infant born close to term. She was diagnosed with congenital hyperinsulinemia. Her glucose levels normalized on diazoxide therapy started on day 6. In the absence of any other clear cause, the massive brain hemorrhage was thought to be secondary to prolonged severe hypoglycemia the infant suffered. She remains in global developmental delay at her age at 26 months. This case highlights the importance of early referral of neonatal hypoglycemia for prompt diagnosis and management to avoid the consequences of prolonged low blood glucose.