TRANSITORY HYPERINSULINISM IN ASPHYXIATED NEONATES

Background - Hypoglycemia is a well-known complication in neonates sma ll for gestational age and in those with diabetic mothers. Birth asphy xiated infants call develop severe hypoglycemia due to reduced glycoge n stores. Case reports. - The first patient was born at 41 weeks, weig hing 3,780 g by emergency cesarean section because of fetal distress. He developed a pneumothorax and hypoglycemia. He was given glucose inf usion (at day 4: 20 mg/kg/d). Hyperinsulinism was confirmed: blood lev els at 18.3 mU/L on day 1 and 11.7 mU/L on day 2. The infusion rate wa s gradually decreased The second patient was born at 39 weeks, weighin g 2,780 g by emergency cesarean section because of fetal distress. She needed glucose infusion (24 g/kg/d) because of hypoglycemia with hype rinsulinism (12.8 mU/L on day 2 and 11.7 mU/L on day 3). After 5 days, the infusion of glucose was replaced by oral Seeding only. Conclusion . - Transient hypoglycemia in asphyxiated newborn infants with hyperin sulinism must be considered even when hypoglycemia may be difficult to prove.