Congenital hyperinsulinism in infancy and childhood: challenges, unmet needs and the perspective of patients and families

Global Disparities in Congenital Hyperinsulinism Care

Inadequately treated hypoglycemia can cause seizures, permanent brain injury, and death. Children with congenital hyperinsulinism-the leading cause of persistent hypoglycemia in infants and children-have a particularly high risk of brain injury. Early identification, diagnosis, initiation of therapy, and maintenance of euglycemia are critical to mitigate risks of hypoglycemia-induced morbidity for all children. Despite this, access to screening and diagnostic tests, standard of care treatment, and specialist care for children with hypoglycemia varies widely across socioeconomic and geographic populations. This review evaluates disparities in each of these elements-screening, diagnosis, treatment, longitudinal care, and outcomes-through the lens of hyperinsulinism.

Comprehensive clinical and molecular characterization with long-term outcomes in 40 patients with congenital hyperinsulinism

PURPOSE

Congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI) represents the most frequent cause of recurrent hypoglycemia in neonates and infants, stemming from defects in the regulatory pathways of insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells. This study aims to assess the clinical and genetic characteristics of a CHI cohort and to discuss the complexities involved in managing this heterogeneous disorder.

METHODS

Forty patients (23 girls) with CHI were included in the study. Data on the diagnosis and treatment of CHI were obtained from the medical records.

RESULTS

The median age at diagnosis was 1.4 months (range 0.1-30 months). The mean gestational age was 37.8 ± 2.4 weeks, and the birth weight was 1.1 ± 2.0 SDS. The consanguinity ratio was 35.0%. Median glucose, insulin, and C-peptide concentrations at diagnosis were 34.0 mg/dl (IQR 25.2-41.7), 12.4µU/ml (IQR 4.4-27.1), and 1.5 ng/ml (IQR 0.7-3.8), respectively. Molecular genetic diagnosis could be established in 62.5% (n = 25). Pathogenic variants were predominantly identified in the KATP channel genes (17/25, 68%), with the ABCC8 being the most frequent (n = 15; biallelic: 8, monoallelic: 7). KCNJ11 variants were identified in two (5.0%), GLUD1 variants in three (7.5%), and HADH variants in five patients (12.5%). Pancreatectomy was performed in 10 patients, with a mean age at the time of surgery of 3.9 ± 3.2 months. The genetic etiology was identified in all patients who underwent pancreatectomy, all of whom had defects in the KATP channel. ABCC8 variants were detected in nine (biallelic: 5, monoallelic: 4), while a biallelic variant in the KCNJ11 was identified in one case.

CONCLUSION

A molecular genetic diagnosis was identified in approximately two-thirds of our cohort, underscoring the significance of genetic testing in the management of CHI. Ongoing advances in genetic technologies are anticipated to enhance our understanding of the etiopathogenesis of CHI and support the development of more personalized therapeutic strategies. Although the genotype-phenotype correlation remains only partially elucidated, specific genetic variants may provide predictive insights into treatment resistance, thereby informing more targeted treatment approaches.

Neonatal hyperinsulinism: a retrospective study of presentation and management in a tertiary neonatal intensive care unit in the UK

OBJECTIVE

Reports of hyperinsulinism typically focus on infants managed by highly specialised services. However, neonates with hyperinsulinism are initially managed by neonatologists and often not referred to specialists. This study aimed to characterise the diversity in presentation and management of these infants.

SETTING

Level 3 neonatal intensive care.

PATIENTS

Neonates with hyperinsulinism, defined as blood glucose <2.8 mmol/mL and insulin level >6 pmol/L.

DESIGN

7-year retrospective study (January 2015-December 2021).

RESULTS

99 cases were identified: severe-treated with diazoxide (20%), moderate-clinically concerning hyperinsulinism not treated with diazoxide (30%), mild-biochemical hyperinsulinism (50%). Birth weight z-score was -1.02±2.30 (mean±SD), 42% were preterm, but neither variable correlated with clinical severity. The severe group received a higher concentration of intravenous glucose (27±12%) compared with the moderate (15±7%) and mild (16±10%) groups (p<0.001). At diagnosis, the intravenous glucose intake was similar in the severe (7.43±5.95 mg/kg/min) and moderate (5.09±3.86 mg/kg/min) groups, but higher compared with the mild group (3.05+/2.21 mg/kg/min) (p<0.001). In the severe group, term infants started diazoxide earlier (9.9±4.3 days) compared with preterm (37±26 days) (p=0.002). The national congenital hyperinsulinism service was consulted for 23% of infants, and 3% were transferred.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights the diversity in clinical presentation, severity and prognosis of neonatal hyperinsulinism, irrespective of birth weight and gestational age. More infants were small rather than large for gestational age, and the majority had transient hyperinsulinism and were not referred to the national centre, or treated with diazoxide. Further research is required to understand the breadth of neonatal hyperinsulinism and optimal management.

Reassessing Pancreatectomy in Diffuse Congenital Hyperinsulinism: A Tale of 2 Brothers With Homozygous KCNJ11 Variants

Congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI) is a rare but serious disorder characterized by a dysregulated increase in insulin secretion, leading to hypoglycemia. Existing literature on CHI highlights the importance of early recognition and maintenance of blood glucose levels, due to the risk of neurological damage posed by uncorrected hypoglycemia. The cases presented highlight the treatment of 2 brothers who developed neonatal hypoglycemia due to diffuse CHI resulting from homozygous KCNJ11 variants. These cases demonstrate the challenges in maintaining normoglycemia in cases of CHI through medical and surgical therapies. The older sibling, Brother 1, underwent pharmacological treatment and a near-total pancreatectomy at 2.5 months. The outcomes of his treatment highlight the limitations of pancreatectomy in the management of diffuse CHI, as he experienced challenges such as continued hypoglycemic episodes and eventual development of diabetes. Brother 2 was managed with pharmacological therapies and a long-term feeding regimen via gastrostomy. At 6 years he was able to maintain normoglycemia with weaning of octreotide therapy. This paper contributes to our understanding of how to best manage diffuse CHI by emphasizing the limitations and adverse long-term outcomes of pancreatectomy-namely ongoing hypoglycemia and development of diabetes and pancreatic exocrine insufficiency.

Congenital Hyperinsulinism India Association: An Approach to Address the Challenges and Opportunities of a Rare Disease

India's population complexity presents varied challenges in genetic research, and while facilities have gained traction in tier-1 and -2 cities, reliance on international collaborations often delays such investigations. COVID-19 further exacerbated the issues with such sample sharing. Congenital Hyperinsulinism (CHI) is a rare genetic disorder of pancreatic β-cells causing hypoglycaemia in children due to abnormal insulin secretion. Given India's high birth rate and consanguineous populations, annual CHI cases are estimated to be around up to 10,000, with up to 50% having unexplained genetic causes. Diffuse or atypical lesions in such patients often necessitate near-total-pancreatectomy, risking pancreatic exocrine insufficiency and diabetes, requiring lifelong therapy. Also, novel genetic variations complicate accurate diagnosis, risk assessment, and counselling, emphasising the need for rapid genetic assessment to prevent neurological injuries and inform treatment decisions. Despite significant efforts at many institutes, there are no dedicated organisations for CHI in India. With the implementation of the National Policy for Rare Diseases 2021, we plan to form a non-profit organisation, "Congenital Hyperinsulinism India Association (CHIA)", comprising paediatric endocrinologists, paediatricians, geneticists, and independent researchers. The aims of this association are to generate a national database registry of patients, formulate a parent support group and CHIA consortium, design patient information leaflets, as well as foster genomic collaborations and promote clinical trials. Such steps will help sensitise the health authorities and policy makers, urging them to improve the allocation of health budgets for rare diseases, as well as empower patients and their families, contributing towards a better quality of life.

Correction of Congenital Hyperinsulinism by Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopy in an Infant

Background

Congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI) is a heterogeneous genetic disease characterized by increased insulin secretion, in which dysregulation of insulin secretion by pancreatic β cells causes persistent hypoglycemia in neonates and infants. Babies diagnosed with CHI require preferentially minimal invasive surgical treatment with near-total pancreatectomy (NTP).

Material and Methods

CHI was treated with robotic-assisted laparoscopy (RAL).

Results

The authors present an unreported case of CHI in an infant less than 10 kg, which was submitted to NTP treated by RAL. The procedure was performed with 3 arms of Da Vinci robot using adaptable size of trocars and the surgery was well succeeded.

Conclusions

The RAL is a challenge in pediatric pancreatic surgery to CHI due to the size of the trocars. To our knowledge, this is the first case reported in the English literature of an infant weighing less than 10 kg having been submitted to NTP by RAL.

Biomarkers and Diagnostic Thresholds for Congenital Hyperinsulinism

CONTEXT

Congenital Hyperinsulinism (CHI) is associated with inappropriately high levels of C-peptide in the context of hypoglycemia.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to better clarify a diagnostic threshold value of C-peptide for children presenting with CHI.

DESIGN

This was a retrospective case-control analysis, examining all hypoglycemia screens, undertaken between 2009 and 2019 at a quaternary paediatrics unit. Plasma C-peptide, insulin, free fatty acid (FFA) and B-hydroxybutyrate (BHOB) concentrations in children diagnosed with CHI were compared with concentrations in children diagnosed with other conditions.

PATIENTS

All patients requiring hypoglycaemic screens at the quaternary children's hospital were analysed.

RESULTS

Median [C-peptide] were statistically significantly different between CHI (147) and non-CHI (72) patients, p < 0.05. The Youden Index indicated that a [C-peptide] value of 291.5 pmol/L would give the greatest optimization of sensitivity (82%) and specificity (99%) for detecting CHI. Median [insulin] differed significantly between the cohorts with a level of 64 pmol/L for CHI patients compared with 0 pmol/L with non-CHI patients (p < 0.01). Median [BOHB] was 0 μmol/L in CHI patients as compared with 2378 μmol/L for non-CHI patients (p < 0.01). Median [FFA] levels were 1910 μmol/L in the non-CHI cohort, compared with 0 in the CHI cohort (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that a C-peptide concentration greater than 291.5 pmol/L is diagnostic of CHI in children. C-peptide appears to offer the greatest utility as a biochemical diagnostic test for CHI and could be prioritised for laboratory analysis.

Congenital hyperinsulinism in the Ukraine: a 10-year national study

Introduction

Congenital Hyperinsulinism (CHI) has not been previously studied in Ukraine. We therefore aimed to elucidate the genetics, clinical phenotype, histological subtype, treatment and long-term outcomes of Ukrainian patients with CHI.

Methods

Forty-one patients with CHI were recruited to the Ukrainian national registry between the years 2014-2023. Genetic testing (n=40), 18F-fluorodihydroxyphenylalanin and 68Ga-DOTANOC PET/CT imaging followed by surgical treatment and subsequent histological analysis (n=19) was performed through international collaboration.

Results

Pathogenic variants were identified in 19/22 (86.3%) individuals with persistent CHI (p-CHI) and 8/18 (44.4%) with early remission CHI (er-CHI). Pathogenic variants in the K-ATP channel genes were the only identified genetic cause of p-CHI (ABCC8 (n=17) and KCNJ11 (n=2)) with greater genetic heterogeneity observed in those with er-CHI (ABCC8 (n=3), KMT2D (Kabuki Syndrome, n=1), Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (n=2) and INSR (Donohue syndrome (n=2)). Histological analysis performed on 19 children with persistent CHI confirmed focal disease in 14 (73.7%), diffuse disease in two (10.5%) and atypical histology in three (15.8%). After surgery, complete recovery was observed in all 14 with focal disease, while relapse occurred in three patients with diffuse or atypical histology.

Conclusion

A genetic diagnosis was achieved for 67.5% (27/40) of the cohort with a higher pick-up rate observed in those with p-CHI. The genetics and imaging studies enabled subtype-targeted treatment with surgical cure achieved in all individuals with focal disease.

Diazoxide toxicity in congenital hyperinsulinism: A case report

BACKGROUND

Diazoxide is the sole approved drug for congenital hyperinsulinism; however, diuretic administration and vigilant monitoring are crucial to prevent and promptly identify potentially life-threatening adverse effects. This report aims to highlight a seldom-considered rare side effect of diazoxide. We believe that this brief report is of general interest to World Journal of Clinical Pediatric readership and increase the physicians' awareness of the guideline importance. Moreover, it underlines the importance of stopping immediately the drug if suspected side effects.

CASE SUMMARY

The manuscript describes a patient diagnosed with congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI) treated with diazoxide not overlapping with diuretic. He resulted in sudden respiratory distress and therefore was transferred to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. The cardiological evaluation showed pericardial effusion and left ventricular myocardial hypertrophy, absent before. In suspicion of an iatrogenic effect of diazoxide it was progressively reduced until stop while introducing diuretic treatment, with resolution of symptoms. Once clinically stabilized, an 18 fluoro-diydroxy-phenylalanine positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) was performed to differentiate between a focal or diffuse form of CHI. The PET/CT highlighted the presence of a single focal accumulation of the tracer located in the pancreatic tail, consistent with a focal form of hyperinsulinism. At the age of four months, the patient underwent a distal pancreatectomy with histological confirmation of a focal form of nesidioblastosis, resulting in a curative operation.

CONCLUSION

Diuretic administration and vigilant monitoring of diazoxide therapy are crucial to prevent and promptly identify potentially life-threatening adverse effects.

Non-surgical Treatment May be Appropriate for Most Chinese Children With Monogenic Congenital Hyperinsulinism Based on a Retrospective Study of 121 Patients

Objective: There is a notable absence of extensive Chinese studies involving monogenic congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI). The purpose of this large retrospective Chinese cohort with monogenic CHI from a national children's medical center was to analyze the genetic and clinical characteristics. Methods: We compared clinical characteristics grouped by genotypes based on CHI-targeted next-generation sequencing (tNGS) and performed subgroup analyses by onset time. Results: Totally, 121 non-consanguineous patients were enrolled. Among them, 79 patients (65.3%) had variants in ATP-sensitive potassium channel (KATP) genes (62 heterozygotes and 17 compound heterozygotes), 35 (28.9%) in glutamate dehydrogenase 1 (GLUD1), and 7 (5.8%) in rare genes (hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase [HADH], glucokinase [GCK], and hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 alpha [HNF4A]). Ten patients had ATP binding cassette subfamily C member 8 (ABCC8) variants (p.G111R), and 12 had GLUD1 variants (p.S498L), suggesting two potential founder variants. Three ABCC8 variants (p.G1478R, p.L580_S581insFASL, and p.S986⁣ ∗ ) and two HNF4A variants (p.R63W and p.V382I) were previously reported to be associated with diabetes. Non-surgical treatment was effective in 65.9% of patients with KATP variants, while in 100% of those with non-KATP variants. For the subgroup of KATP variants, neonatal-onset patients tended to present with mild symptoms (67.9% versus 19.3%), had a higher proportion of surgical intervention (24.5% versus 3.8%), and displayed higher levels of serum insulin and C-peptide than non-neonatal onset ones (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The absence of homozygous variants in KATP genes and a quite higher proportion of GLUD1 variants than previous cohorts, may explain a high response rate of non-surgical treatment in this study. Surgery might be considered for neonatal-onset children, especially when KATP variants were discovered but not for those carried variants reported to cause diabetes in later life. While expanding the genotypic spectrum, we also highlight the clinical significance of genetic screening.

Brain magnetic resonance imaging review suggests unrecognised hypoglycaemia in childhood

Introduction

Neonatal and early-life hypoglycaemia, is a frequent finding but is often non-specific and asymptomatic, making detection and diagnosis challenging. Hypoglycaemia-induced cerebral injury can be identified by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) changes in cerebral white matter, occipital lobes, and posterior parietotemporal regions. It is unknown if children may have hypoglycaemic brain injury secondary to unrecognised hypoglycaemia in early life. We have examined retrospective radiological findings of likely brain injury by neuroimaging to investigate the existence of previous missed hypoglycaemic events.

Methods

Retrospective MRI data in children in a single tertiary centre, over a ten-year period was reviewed to identify potential cases of unrecognised early-life hypoglycaemia. A detailed search from an electronic radiology repository involved the term "hypoglycaemia'' from text-based reports. The initial report was used for those who required serial scanning. Images specific to relevant reports were further reviewed by a designated paediatric neuroradiologist to confirm likely hypoglycaemia induced brain injury. Medical records of those children were subsequently reviewed to assess if the hypoglycaemia had been diagnosed prior to imaging.

Results

A total of 107 MR imaging reports were identified for review, and 52 (48.5%) showed typical features strongly suggestive of hypoglycaemic brain injury. Medical note review confirmed no documented clinical information of hypoglycaemia prior to imaging in 22 (42%) patients, raising the likelihood of missed hypoglycaemic events resulting in brain injury.

Conclusions

We have identified the existence of unrecognised childhood hypoglycaemia through neuroimaging review. This study highlights the need for heightened awareness of early life hypoglycaemia to prevent adverse neurological outcomes later in childhood.

Dasiglucagon for the Treatment of Congenital Hyperinsulinism: A Randomized Phase 3 Trial in Infants and Children

CONTEXT

Congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI) is characterized by dysregulated insulin secretion causing hypoglycemia and consequent brain damage. Dasiglucagon is a glucagon analogue under investigation to treat CHI.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of dasiglucagon delivered via continuous subcutaneous infusion to children with CHI and persistent hypoglycemia as add-on to standard of care (SoC).

METHODS

In this open-label trial, patients were randomized 1:1 to SoC or SoC + dasiglucagon (10-70 µg/h) for 4 weeks. In the following 4 weeks, all patients received dasiglucagon + SoC. Hypoglycemia was assessed by self-monitored plasma glucose (SMPG) and blinded continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). Primary endpoint was average number of SMPG-detected hypoglycemia episodes/week (SMPG <3.9 mmol/L) during Weeks 2 to 4.

RESULTS

Thirty-two patients (0.6-10.9 years) were randomly assigned to dasiglucagon + SoC (n = 16) or SoC (n = 16). The rate of SMPG-detected hypoglycemia decreased from baseline in both groups, but with no statistically significant difference during Weeks 2 to 4 (event rate ratio: 0.85 [0.54; 1.36], P = .5028). However, dasiglucagon administration resulted in a 43% reduction in CGM-detected hypoglycemia (<3.9 mmol/L) vs SoC alone during Weeks 2 to 4 (post hoc analysis; event rate ratio: 0.57 [0.39; 0.83], P = .0029). Dasiglucagon enabled reductions (of 37% to 61%) in all other measures of hypoglycemia assessed by CGM vs SoC alone including extent and percent time in hypoglycemia (post hoc analyses). Dasiglucagon appeared safe and well tolerated. Skin and gastrointestinal events were more frequent with dasiglucagon + SoC than SoC only.

CONCLUSION

Clinically meaningful reductions in all CGM-recorded measures of hypoglycemia support using dasiglucagon as a potential treatment for CHI.

Non-radioactive Rb+ Efflux Assay for Screening KATP Channel Modulators

ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels function as metabolic sensors that link cell membrane excitability to the cellular energy status by controlling potassium ion (K+) flow across the cell membrane according to intracellular ATP and ADP concentrations. As such, KATP channels influence a broad spectrum of physiological processes, including insulin secretion and cardiovascular functions. KATP channels are hetero-octamers, consisting of four inward rectifier potassium channel subunits, Kir6.1 or Kir6.2, and four sulfonylurea receptors (SURs), SUR1, SUR2A, or SUR2B. Different Kir6 and SUR isoforms assemble into KATP channel subtypes with distinct tissue distributions and physiological functions. Mutations in the genes encoding KATP channel subunits underlie various human diseases. Targeted treatment for these diseases requires subtype-specific KATP channel modulators. Rubidium ions (Rb+) also pass through KATP channels, and Rb+ efflux assays can be used to assess KATP channel function and activity. Flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (Flame-AAS) combined with microsampling can measure Rb+ in small volume, which provides an efficient tool to screen for compounds that alter KATP channel activity in Rb+ efflux assays. In this chapter, we describe a detailed protocol for Rb+ efflux assays designed to identify new KATP channel modulators with potential therapeutic utilities.

Standardised practices in the networked management of congenital hyperinsulinism: a UK national collaborative consensus

Congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI) is a condition characterised by severe and recurrent hypoglycaemia in infants and young children caused by inappropriate insulin over-secretion. CHI is of heterogeneous aetiology with a significant genetic component and is often unresponsive to standard medical therapy options. The treatment of CHI can be multifaceted and complex, requiring multidisciplinary input. It is important to manage hypoglycaemia in CHI promptly as the risk of long-term neurodisability arising from neuroglycopaenia is high. The UK CHI consensus on the practice and management of CHI was developed to optimise and harmonise clinical management of patients in centres specialising in CHI as well as in non-specialist centres engaged in collaborative, networked models of care. Using current best practice and a consensus approach, it provides guidance and practical advice in the domains of diagnosis, clinical assessment and treatment to mitigate hypoglycaemia risk and improve long term outcomes for health and well-being.

Accuracy and impact on quality of life of real-time continuous glucose monitoring in children with hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia

Objective

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) is the standard of care for glucose monitoring in children with diabetes, however there are limited data reporting their use in hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia (HH). Here, we evaluate CGM accuracy and its impact on quality of life in children with HH.

Methods

Real-time CGM (Dexcom G5 and G6) was used in children with HH aged 0-16years. Data from self-monitoring capillary blood glucose (CBG) and CGM were collected over a period of up to 28days and analysed. Quality of life was assessed by the PedsQL4.0 general module and PedsQL2.0 family impact module, completed by children and their parents/carers before and after CGM insertion. Analysis of accuracy metrics included mean absolute relative difference (MARD) and proportion of CGM values within 15, 20, and 30% or 15, 20, and 30 mg/dL of reference glucose values >100 mg/dL or ≤100 mg/dL, respectively (% 15/15, % 20/20, % 30/30). Clinical reliability was assessed with Clarke error grid (CEG) analyses.

Results

Prospective longitudinal study with data analysed from 40 children. The overall MARD between reference glucose and paired CGM values (n=4,928) was 13.0% (Dexcom G5 12.8%, Dexcom G6 13.1%). The proportion of readings meeting %15/15 and %20/20 were 77.3% and 86.4%, respectively, with CEG analysis demonstrating 97.4% of all values in zones A and B. Within the hypoglycaemia range (<70 mg/dL), the median ARD was 11.4% with a sensitivity and specificity of 64.2% and 91.3%, respectively. Overall PedsQL child report at baseline and endpoint were 57.6 (50.5 - 75.8) and 87.0 (82.9 - 91.2), and for parents were 60.3 (44.8 - 66.0) and 85.3 (83.7 - 91.3), respectively (both p<0.001).

Conclusion

Use of CGM for children with HH is feasible, with clinically acceptable accuracy, particularly in the hypoglycaemic range. Quality of life measures demonstrate significant improvement after CGM use. These data are important to explore use of CGM in disease indications, including neonatal and paediatric diabetes, cystic fibrosis and glycogen storage disorders.

Watchful waiting versus pharmacological management of small-for-gestational-age infants with hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia

Introduction

Given that reports on severe diazoxide (DZX) toxicity are increasing, we aimed to understand if the short-term clinical outcomes of small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infants with hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia (HH) managed primarily by supportive care, termed watchful waiting (WW), are different from those treated with DZX.

Method

A real-life observational cohort study was conducted from 1 September 2014 to 30 September 2020. The WW or DZX management decision was based on clinical and biochemical criteria. We compared central line duration (CLD), postnatal length of stay (LOS), and total intervention days (TIDs) among SGA-HH infants treated with DZX versus those on a WW approach. Fasting studies determined the resolution of HH.

Result

Among 71,836 live births, 11,493 were SGA, and 51 SGA infants had HH. There were 26 and 25 SGA-HH infants in the DZX and WW groups, respectively. Clinical and biochemical parameters were similar between groups. The median day of DZX initiation was day 10 of life (range 4-32), at a median dose of 4 mg/kg/day (range 3-10). All infants underwent fasting studies. Median CLD [DZX, 15 days (6-27) vs. WW, 14 days (5-31), P = 0.582] and postnatal LOS [DZX, 23 days (11-49) vs. WW, 22 days (8-61), P = 0.915] were comparable. Median TID was >3-fold longer in the DZX than the WW group [62.5 days (9-198) vs. 16 days (6-27), P < 0.001].

Conclusion

CLD and LOS are comparable between WW and DZX groups. Since fasting studies determine the resolution of HH, physicians should be aware that clinical intervention of DZX-treated SGA-HH patients extends beyond the initial LOS.

KATP channel mutations in congenital hyperinsulinism: Progress and challenges towards mechanism-based therapies

Congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI) is the most common cause of persistent hypoglycemia in infancy/childhood and is a serious condition associated with severe recurrent attacks of hypoglycemia due to dysregulated insulin secretion. Timely diagnosis and effective treatment are crucial to prevent severe hypoglycemia that may lead to life-long neurological complications. In pancreatic β-cells, adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-sensitive K+ (KATP) channels are a central regulator of insulin secretion vital for glucose homeostasis. Genetic defects that lead to loss of expression or function of KATP channels are the most common cause of HI (KATP-HI). Much progress has been made in our understanding of the molecular genetics and pathophysiology of KATP-HI in the past decades; however, treatment remains challenging, in particular for patients with diffuse disease who do not respond to the KATP channel activator diazoxide. In this review, we discuss current approaches and limitations on the diagnosis and treatment of KATP-HI, and offer perspectives on alternative therapeutic strategies.

Syndromic forms of congenital hyperinsulinism

Congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI), also called hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia (HH), is a very heterogeneous condition and represents the most common cause of severe and persistent hypoglycemia in infancy and childhood. The majority of cases in which a genetic cause can be identified have monogenic defects affecting pancreatic β-cells and their glucose-sensing system that regulates insulin secretion. However, CHI/HH has also been observed in a variety of syndromic disorders. The major categories of syndromes that have been found to be associated with CHI include overgrowth syndromes (e.g. Beckwith-Wiedemann and Sotos syndromes), chromosomal and monogenic developmental syndromes with postnatal growth failure (e.g. Turner, Kabuki, and Costello syndromes), congenital disorders of glycosylation, and syndromic channelopathies (e.g. Timothy syndrome). This article reviews syndromic conditions that have been asserted by the literature to be associated with CHI. We assess the evidence of the association, as well as the prevalence of CHI, its possible pathophysiology and its natural course in the respective conditions. In many of the CHI-associated syndromic conditions, the mechanism of dysregulation of glucose-sensing and insulin secretion is not completely understood and not directly related to known CHI genes. Moreover, in most of those syndromes the association seems to be inconsistent and the metabolic disturbance is transient. However, since neonatal hypoglycemia is an early sign of possible compromise in the newborn, which requires immediate diagnostic efforts and intervention, this symptom may be the first to bring a patient to medical attention. As a consequence, HH in a newborn or infant with associated congenital anomalies or additional medical issues remains a differential diagnostic challenge and may require a broad genetic workup.

Families' Experiences of Continuous Glucose Monitoring in the Management of Congenital Hyperinsulinism: A Thematic Analysis

Background and Aims

In patients with congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI), recurrent hypoglycaemia can lead to longstanding neurological impairments. At present, glycaemic monitoring is with intermittent fingerprick blood glucose testing but this lacks utility to identify patterns and misses hypoglycaemic episodes between tests. Although continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) is well established in type 1 diabetes, its use has only been described in small studies in patients with CHI. In such studies, medical perspectives have been provided without fully considering the views of families using CGM. In this qualitative study, we aimed to explore families' experiences of using CGM in order to inform future clinical strategies for the management of CHI.

Methods

Ten patients with CHI in a specialist centre used CGM for twelve weeks. All were invited to participate. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine families in whom patient ages ranged between two and seventeen years. Transcripts of the audio-recorded interviews were analysed using an inductive thematic analysis method.

Results

Analysis revealed five core themes: CGM's function as an educational tool; behavioural changes; positive experiences; negative experiences; and design improvements. Close monitoring and retrospective analysis of glucose trends allowed for enhanced understanding of factors that influenced glucose levels at various times of the day. Parents noted more hypoglycaemic episodes than previously encountered through fingerprick tests; this new knowledge prompted modification of daily routines to prevent and improve the management of hypoglycaemia. CGM use was viewed favourably as offering parental reassurance, reduced fingerprick tests and predictive warnings. However, families also reported unfavourable aspects of alarms and questionable accuracy at low glucose levels. Adolescents were frustrated by the short proximity range for data transmission resulting in the need to always carry a separate receiver. Overall, families were positive about the use of CGM but expected application to be tailored to their child's medical condition.

Conclusions

Patients and families with CHI using CGM noticed trends in glucose levels which motivated behavioural changes to reduce hypoglycaemia with advantages outweighing disadvantages. They expected CHI-specific modifications to enhance utility. Future design of CGM should incorporate end users' opinions and experiences for optimal glycaemic monitoring of CHI.

Correction to: Congenital hyperinsulinism in infancy and childhood: challenges, unmet needs and the perspective of patients and families

Congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI) is a rare disease that causes newborn babies and children to have low blood sugar because of the abnormal release of insulin. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that promotes the transfer of sugar from the blood into the body’s cells. In a healthy person, insulin is released only after a meal when the level of blood sugar is high, but infants and children with CHI make insulin even if the blood sugar is low. This can lead to dangerously low blood sugar levels, which can cause brain damage if left untreated. Unfortunately, diagnosis and treatment are often delayed, resulting in avoidable brain damage and developmental delays in these children. CHI is associated with substantial stress and anxiety for the families, especially due to the need for frequent feeding and the fear of low blood sugars added to the constant need to measure blood sugar levels.

This article discusses the most important challenges and unmet needs in this rare disease, including the limited treatment options, the side effects of available treatment options and the heavy psychological, social and financial burden on affected families. Effective screening of newborns for CHI needs to be improved, and quick referral to specialized treatment centers is necessary to ensure the best outcomes for patients and families. In addition, awareness of CHI has to be raised in all medical professions caring for newborns and infants, and new medications are urgently needed to ensure the best possible treatment for all patients with CHI.

Phosphomannomutase 2 hyperinsulinemia: Recent advances of genetic pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management

Congenital hyperinsulinemia (CHI), is a clinically heterogeneous disorder that presents as a major cause of persistent and recurrent hypoglycemia during infancy and childhood. There are 16 subtypes of CHI-related genes. Phosphomannomutase 2 hyperinsulinemia (PMM2-HI) is an extremely rare subtype which is first reported in 2017, with only 18 families reported so far. This review provides a structured description of the genetic pathogenesis, and current diagnostic and therapeutic advances of PMM2-HI to increase clinicians' awareness of PMM2-HI.

Anxiety, depression, and quality of life in parents of children with congenital hyperinsulinism

This study aimed to assess mental health, family burden, and quality of life (PQoL) in parents of children with persistent congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI). Forty-eight individual CHI parents (75% female) completed self-reported questionnaires and screening tools for anxiety (GAD-7), depression (PHQ-8), PQoL (ULQIE), and family burden (FaBeL). Additional data on sociodemographics, social support, and child- and disease-related data were recorded. 29.8% of parents showed major depressive symptoms and 38.3% had a probable general anxiety disorder, including 20.8% who had both. The family burden was moderate and assessment of PQoL yielded average scores. Neurological impairment in an affected child (p = .002 and p < .001, respectively) and lower working hours (p = .001 and p = .012, respectively) were the strongest predictors of worse GAD-7 and PHQ-8 scores. Furthermore, lower working hours (p = .012) and comorbidities in the affected child (p = .007) were significantly associated with lower PQoL. Mothers had worse GAD-7 scores (p = .006) and lower PQoL (p = .035) than fathers. Indication of sleep disturbance was associated with worse PHQ-8 scores (p = .003), higher family burden (p = .039), and reduced PQoL (p = .003). A higher number of caretakers besides parents was associated with decreased family burden (p = .019), improved PQoL (p < .001), and lower scores for anxiety (p = .016) and depressive (p = .021) symptoms.    Conclusion: Symptoms of depression and anxiety are alarmingly prevalent in parents of children with CHI. Psychological screening of parents should be initiated to ensure early identification of psychological strains and psychosocial support should be offered as needed. A good support network and regular work activities can improve parental mental health and well-being. What is Known: • Psychosocial strains and reduced quality of life are common in parents of chronically ill children. What is New: • In this first study evaluating mental health, family burden, and quality of life in parents of children with congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI), symptoms of depression and anxiety were alarmingly prevalent. • Parents of children with CHI should receive regular psychological screening and psychosocial support should be offered as needed. A good support network and regular work activities can improve parental mental health and well-being.

Congenital Hyperinsulinism International: A Community Focused on Improving the Lives of People Living With Congenital Hyperinsulinism

Congenital hyperinsulinism (HI) is a rare disease affecting newborns. HI causes severe hypoglycemia due to the overproduction of insulin. The signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia in HI babies is often not discovered until brain damage has already occurred. Prolonged hypoglycemia from HI can even lead to death. Disease management is often complex with a high burden on caregivers. Treatment options are extremely limited and often require long hospital stays to devise. Cascading from suboptimal treatments and diagnostic practices are a host of other problems and challenges that many with HI and their families experience including continued fear of hypoglycemia and feeding problems. The aim of this paper is (1) to describe the current challenges of living with HI including diagnosis and disease management told from the perspective of people who live with the condition (2), to provide family stories of life with HI, and (3) to share how a rare disease patient organization, Congenital Hyperinsulinism International (CHI) is working to improve the lives of HI patients and their families. CHI is a United States based nonprofit organization with a global focus. The paper communicates the programs the patient advocacy organization has put into place to support HI families through its virtual and in-person gatherings. The organization also helps individuals access diagnostics, medical experts, and treatments. CHI also raises awareness of HI to improve patient outcomes with information about HI and prolonged hypoglycemia in twenty-three languages. CHI drives innovation for new and better treatments by funding research pilot grants, conducting research through the HI Global Registry, and providing patient experience expertise to researchers developing new treatments. The organization is also the sponsor of the CHI Collaborative Research Network which brings medical and scientific experts together for the development of a patient-focused prioritized research agenda.