Trends in Presentation and Management of Endogenous Hyperinsulinaemic Hypoglycaemia Over the Last Three Decades at a Tertiary Care Centre (1992–2022)

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Endogenous hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia (EHH) is characterized by inappropriate insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells despite low blood glucose concentrations. We aimed to evaluate the secular changes in presentation and management of EHH due to insulinoma/non-insulinoma pancreatogenous hypoglycaemia syndrome (NIPHS) at our centre. Methods: This was a single-centre ambispective study (2014–2022). The clinical, biochemical, hormonal and radiological parameters (n = 63) collected as part of this study were compared with our earlier studies (1992–2005, n = 31; and 2006–2013, n = 35) and with other centres across the world. Results: A total of 63 patients (39 males) with a preoperative diagnosis of EHH (insulinoma, n = 58; and NIPHS, n = 5) and a mean age of 40.7 years were studied. The mean lag time from the onset of symptoms to diagnosis decreased from 4.6 years during the first study period to 1.9 years during this study period. However, the majority presented with fasting hypoglycaemia of 98.4%, and both fasting and postprandial hypoglycaemia of 32%. Exclusive postprandial hypoglycaemia was present in 1.7% of insulinoma. A histopathological diagnosis of insulinoma was made in 52 patients and nesidioblastosis in two patients. Intraoperative ultrasonography (IOUS) and intraoperative palpation (IOP) yielded 100% sensitivity, while endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) and 68Ga-DOTA-Exendin-4 positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) yielded sensitivity of 86% and 85%, respectively, for localizing insulinoma. Resolution of hypoglycaemia was noted in 53 of 57 (93%) patients who underwent surgery with a preoperative diagnosis of insulinoma. Conclusion: We observed a trend towards earlier diagnosis of EHH, increased patient numbers and availability of nuclear imaging techniques for preoperative localization in the last decade compared to earlier.