Treatment of hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia with nifedipine

Abstract

We report on two children with mild persistent hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia. In both, oral nifedipine treatment (0.7 and 2.0 mg/kg per day respectively) had a significant clinical effect. In one case, nifedipine monotherapy prevented hypoglycaemia; in the second case, the dosage and the side-effects of other substances could be reduced, thus circumventing surgical therapy.

Conclusion: Nifedipine treatment has a favourable effect on the clinical course of patients with mild hyperinsulinism. It represents a valuable new substance for the treatment of this disorder.