Sirolimus therapy for congenital hyperinsulinism in an infant with a novel homozygous KCNJ11 mutation

J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab. 2018 Jan 26;31(1):87-89. doi: 10.1515/jpem-2017-0238.

Abstract

Background: Congenital hyperinsulinism results in refractory hypoglycemia. If a therapy with diazoxide has been unresponsive this has been treated by subtotal pancreatectomy in the past. This therapeutic option poses an increased risk of developing diabetes at a later stage. There have been a few case reports on the use of sirolimus in such situations in the recent past.

Case presentation: Our patient was started on sirolimus very early, on day 29 of life and at the age of 14 months is doing well on sirolimus therapy. His growth and development have been good and he has not had any major complications so far. Genetic testing showed a novel KCNJ11 homozygous mutation on next generation sequencing and the parents were heterozygous carriers.

Conclusions: We report the successful use of sirolimus in the management of diazoxide unresponsive congenital hyperinsulinism with diffuse pancreatic involvement. We believe this is the youngest patient to be initiated on sirolimus so far.

Keywords: KCNJ11 mutation; hyperinsulinism; sirolimus.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Congenital Hyperinsulinism / drug therapy*
  • Congenital Hyperinsulinism / genetics
  • Homozygote*
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Mutation*
  • Potassium Channels, Inwardly Rectifying / genetics*
  • Prognosis
  • Sirolimus / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Kir6.2 channel
  • Potassium Channels, Inwardly Rectifying
  • Sirolimus