Hypoglycemia Due to Hyperinsulinism in Infants and its Conservative Treatment

Abstract

Normal brain function depends on a continuous supply of glucose, the principal metabolic fuel of the human brain, from the blood stream. Low plasma glucose concentrations, and as a consequence, low brain glucose availability result in cerebral energy failure, neuronal death, and irreversible brain damage. The developing brain is particularly vulnerable to the deleterious effects of hypoglycemia, as demonstrated by the high frequency of neurodevelopmental deficits in children with congenital hypoglycemia disorders. Thus it is critically important to screen, identify, and treat neonates with persistent hypoglycemia.