Severe transient neonatal hyperinsulinism: First Peruvian case series

Abstract

Congenital hyperinsulinism is characterized by dysregulated insulin secretion and is the most common and severe cause of persistent hypoglycemia in pediatrics. Brain damage rates can be as high as 50% due to inadequate treatment. Transient congenital hyperinsulinism is more frequent than permanent congenital hyperinsulinism. Acquired hyperinsulinism due to perinatal stress is often transient, too. Diazoxide is the first-line therapy. However, in Peru, reports about pediatric patients with hyperinsulinism treated with diazoxide are scarce. Our article describes the first Peruvian case series of severe transient neonatal hyperinsulinism treated with diazoxide, with good response and manageable adverse effects. Diazoxide should be included in the Single National Pharmaceutical Request Form for Essential Medicines of Peru to expedite the use of a medication as essential as this one.