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Cardiology117 papers

Hyperinsulinism

Last edited: 4/14/2026

Overview

Congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI) is characterized by inappropriate insulin secretion leading to severe hypoglycemia, often due to dysfunction of ATP-sensitive potassium channels (KATP) in pancreatic beta-cells. It can manifest as diffuse or focal disease, with genetic mutations in genes like SUR1, KIR6.2, and GLUD1 implicated in its pathogenesis 12456.

Diagnosis

  • Clinical Presentation: Profound hypoglycemia, often with neuroglycopenic symptoms 12.
  • Genetic Testing: Mutations in SUR1 (ABCC8), KIR6.2 (KCNJ11), and GLUD1 genes 12456.
  • Imaging: Focal CHI identified via MRI with arterial secretagogue stimulation 2.
  • Biochemical Tests: Elevated insulin and low blood glucose levels during hypoglycemia 12.
  • Histological Examination: Diffuse CHI shows generalized beta-cell hyperplasia; focal CHI reveals localized lesions 2.
  • GDH Activity: Reduced GTP sensitivity in GLUD1-related cases 46.
  • Management

  • First-Line Treatments:
  • - Diazoxide: Initial pharmacological intervention to inhibit insulin secretion 12.
  • Adjunctive Treatments:
  • - Surgical Intervention: Subtotal pancreatectomy for refractory cases 27. - Glucose Infusion: Continuous glucose infusion to maintain normoglycemia 1. - Leucine-Restricted Diet: Beneficial in GLUD1-related hyperinsulinism 4. - Somatostatin Analogues: Octreotide for additional control of insulin secretion 1.

    Special Populations

  • Pediatrics: Neonatal and infancy-onset hypoglycemia requiring early intervention 124.
  • Syndromal Disorders: Hyperinsulinism associated with complex syndromes like Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome may necessitate tailored management 3.
  • Key Recommendations

  • Genetic Testing for Diagnosis: Perform genetic testing for mutations in SUR1, KIR6.2, and GLUD1 genes in patients with suspected CHI (Evidence: Strong 12456).
  • Initial Use of Diazoxide: Initiate treatment with diazoxide for managing hyperinsulinism (Evidence: Strong 12).
  • Consider Surgical Options for Refractory Cases: Evaluate subtotal pancreatectomy in patients unresponsive to medical management (Evidence: Moderate 27).
  • Tailored Dietary Management: Implement leucine-restricted diets in GLUD1-related hyperinsulinism (Evidence: Moderate 4).
  • Continuous Glucose Monitoring: Utilize continuous glucose monitoring to manage hypoglycemia effectively (Evidence: Expert opinion).
  • References

    1 Sivaprasadarao A, Taneja TK, Mankouri J, Smith AJ. Trafficking of ATP-sensitive potassium channels in health and disease. Biochemical Society transactions 2007. link 2 Giurgea I, Bellanné-Chantelot C, Ribeiro M, Hubert L, Sempoux C, Robert JJ et al.. Molecular mechanisms of neonatal hyperinsulinism. Hormone research 2006. link 3 Meissner T, Rabl W, Mohnike K, Scholl S, Santer R, Mayatepek E. Hyperinsulinism in syndromal disorders. Acta paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992) 2001. link 4 De Lonlay P, Benelli C, Fouque F, Ganguly A, Aral B, Dionisi-Vici C et al.. Hyperinsulinism and hyperammonemia syndrome: report of twelve unrelated patients. Pediatric research 2001. link 5 Miki Y, Taki T, Ohura T, Kato H, Yanagisawa M, Hayashi Y. Novel missense mutations in the glutamate dehydrogenase gene in the congenital hyperinsulinism-hyperammonemia syndrome. The Journal of pediatrics 2000. link90052-0) 6 Stanley CA, Fang J, Kutyna K, Hsu BY, Ming JE, Glaser B et al.. Molecular basis and characterization of the hyperinsulinism/hyperammonemia syndrome: predominance of mutations in exons 11 and 12 of the glutamate dehydrogenase gene. HI/HA Contributing Investigators. Diabetes 2000. link 7 Sempoux C, Poggi F, Brunelle F, Saudubray JM, Fekete C, Rahier J. Nesidioblastosis and persistent neonatal hyperinsulinism. Diabete & metabolisme 1995. link

    Original source

    1. [1]
      Trafficking of ATP-sensitive potassium channels in health and disease.Sivaprasadarao A, Taneja TK, Mankouri J, Smith AJ Biochemical Society transactions (2007)
    2. [2]
      Molecular mechanisms of neonatal hyperinsulinism.Giurgea I, Bellanné-Chantelot C, Ribeiro M, Hubert L, Sempoux C, Robert JJ et al. Hormone research (2006)
    3. [3]
      Hyperinsulinism in syndromal disorders.Meissner T, Rabl W, Mohnike K, Scholl S, Santer R, Mayatepek E Acta paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992) (2001)
    4. [4]
      Hyperinsulinism and hyperammonemia syndrome: report of twelve unrelated patients.De Lonlay P, Benelli C, Fouque F, Ganguly A, Aral B, Dionisi-Vici C et al. Pediatric research (2001)
    5. [5]
      Novel missense mutations in the glutamate dehydrogenase gene in the congenital hyperinsulinism-hyperammonemia syndrome.Miki Y, Taki T, Ohura T, Kato H, Yanagisawa M, Hayashi Y The Journal of pediatrics (2000)
    6. [6]
    7. [7]
      Nesidioblastosis and persistent neonatal hyperinsulinism.Sempoux C, Poggi F, Brunelle F, Saudubray JM, Fekete C, Rahier J Diabete & metabolisme (1995)

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