Rapid Glucose Disappearance in Infants with Infection

Abstract

Altered carbohydrate metabolism has been reported during episodes of neo natal infection. To document that there is more rapid glucose disappearance during infection, intravenous glucose tolerance tests (IVGTT) and serial plasma growth hormone and insulin levels were determined in eight full-term neonates during the first three days of an acute episode of infection and during convalescence, 5 to 15 days later. Eight healthy infants were each studied once using the same study protocol. Glucose disappearance rates, measured as Kt of glucose, were increased (p < 0.01) during both the acute septic period (3.7 ± 0.3% disappearance/min; mean ± S.E.M.) and convalescent period (2.5 ± 0.2%/min) when compared with values in control infants (1.3 ± 0.3%/min). Gram-negative, gram-positive, and viral infections were all associated with rapid glucose disposal. The ab normality in carbohydrate homeostasis persisted for at least 5 to 15 days after treatment was begun. Baseline and stimulated (20-minutes post bolus glucose infusion) plasma insulin and growth hormone levels did not differ among the groups. Thus, there is no evidence that hyperinsulinism produced the rapid glucose disappearance rate and enhanced glucose utilization. The reason for the disturbed carbohydrate metabolism in neonatal infections remains un known.