Congenital hyperinsulinism in newborns and young children: the state of the problem and the results of surgical treatment

Abstract

Congenital hyperinsulinism causes irreversible damage to the cerebral cortex with subsequent disability in children. The article presents the features of etiopathogenesis, clinical picture of the disease. The histological variants of pancreatic lesions are analyzed in detail. The principles of correct diagnosis are formulated. A new in Russia method for the preoperative determination of the histological form of the disease, which is carried out at the y, Almazov National Medical Research Centre since 2017, – PET/ CT with 18F-DOPA, explained the biochemical basis of its clinical application and the examination technique. The principles of the selection of drug therapy with possible complications, the need for an adequate assessment of its effectiveness are described. If it is impossible to achieve a stable target euglycemia without the need for intravenous glucose infusion, surgical correction of the disease is indicated. In schematic drawings and intraoperative photographs, approaches to surgical treatment are described, the stages of operations and possible complications are clearly disassembled. The results of surgical interventions at the N.N. V.A. Almazov for 01.2017–02.2021, where 39 children with congenital hyperinsulinism were operated on. According to PET/CT with 18F-DOPA, 15 diffuse and 24 focal forms were diagnosed. After surgery, in 12 (31%) patients, a diffuse lesion of the gland was confirmed, in 23 (59%) – a focal nature of the lesion, in 4 (10%) – an atypical form was diagnosed intraoperatively. Of 39 children, 36 (92%) have complete relief of hyperinsulinism, a significant improvement in psychomotor development, of which 9 (23%) need insulin replacement therapy with minimal dosages, these are 8 children with a diffuse form of the disease and 1 child with an atypical one. Intraand postoperative complications were not observed. Thus, partial pancreatectomy for focal forms, subtotal for atypical and near total for diffuse forms, can cope with hypoglycemia due to congenital hyperinsulinism and prevent damage to the central nervous system of newborns and infants.