Episode 921: Pediatric Hypoglycemia

Emergency Medical Minute

Contributor: Taylor Lynch, MD

Educational Pearls:

When it comes to hypoglycemia, the age dictates possible causes

• Neonate:

• Hormonal deficiency

• Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (21-hydroxylase deficiency, 11β-hydroxylase deficiency)

• Primary or Secondary Adrenal Insufficiency leading to cortisol deficiency

• Hypopituitarism

• Inborn errors of metabolism

• Systemic infection (Under 30 days old should trigger a full infectious workup)

• Toddler

• Accidental ingestions

• Sulfonylureas such as glipizide or glyburide

• Older children

• Addison’s Disease (Hypocortisolism)

• Accidential or intentional ingestions

• Exogenous insulin

How is it diagnosed?

• Child or infant

• Glucose