Severe Hypoglycemia due to Isolated ACTH Deficiency in Children: A New Case Report and Review of the Literature
2011
Severe Hypoglycemia from ACTH Deficiency in a Child
Sample size: 1
publication
Evidence: low
Author Information
Author(s): Michael Y. Torchinsky, Robert Wineman, George W. Moll
Primary Institution: University of Mississippi Medical Center
Hypothesis
Isolated ACTH deficiency causes life-threatening severe hypoglycemia.
Conclusion
The treatment with glucocorticoids resolved the symptoms and normalized blood glucose levels in the patient.
Supporting Evidence
- The patient had undetectable plasma ACTH and cortisol levels.
- Glucocorticoid replacement therapy led to resolution of symptoms.
- The condition may be underestimated in neonates and children with Prader-Willi syndrome.
Takeaway
A 7-year-old girl had very low hormone levels causing her to have dangerously low blood sugar, but after taking medicine, she felt better and her blood sugar returned to normal.
Methodology
The case report includes clinical evaluation, hormone level testing, and treatment with hydrocortisone.
Limitations
The genetic cause of the ACTH deficiency in the patient remained unknown.
Participant Demographics
The patient was a 7-year-old girl.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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