FUNCTIONING ISLET CELL ADENOMA IN THE NEWBORN

Abstract
Persistent hypoglycemia in the neonate is rare and may be due to inborn errors of carbohydrate metabolism, islet cell tumors, or unknown causes. A patient with the onset of symptomaric hypoglycemia at 36 hours of age had persistent hypoglycemia in spite of therapy with corticosteroids, A.C.T.H., Diazoxide, glucagon, parenteral glucose and fructose. She showed a normal hyperglycemic response to glucagon. Plasma insulin values were not diagnostic. At surgery, at 7 weeks of age, a discrete islet cell adenoma was found and removed with the body and tail of the pancreas. The spleen was not removed. Following surgery, she had a transient hyperglycemia and required insulin for 8 days with a wound infection. She has remained normoglycemic.