An Overview of Hypoglycemia in Children Including a Comprehensive Practical Diagnostic Flowchart for Clinical Use

Overview

Journal Front Endocrinol (Lausanne)

Specialty Endocrinology

Date 2021 Aug 19

PMID 34408725

Citations 18

Authors

Alberto Casertano

Alessandro Rossi

Simona Fecarotta

Francesco Maria Rosanio

Cristina Moracas

Francesca Di Candia

Giancarlo Parenti

Adriana Franzese

Enza Mozzillo

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Hypoglycemia is the result of defects/impairment in glucose homeostasis. The main etiological causes are metabolic and/or endocrine and/or other congenital disorders. Despite hypoglycemia is one of the most common emergencies in neonatal age and childhood, no consensus on the definition and diagnostic work-up exists yet. Aims of this review are to present the current age-related definitions of hypoglycemia in neonatal-pediatric age, to offer a concise and practical overview of its main causes and management and to discuss the current diagnostic-therapeutic approaches. Since a systematic and prompt approach to diagnosis and therapy is essential to prevent hypoglycemic brain injury and long-term neurological complications in children, a comprehensive diagnostic flowchart is also proposed.

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