Megestrol acetate promotes euglycemia and appetite in a child with persistent hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia of infancy.
This report describes a successful treatment with megestrol acetate in a child with persistent hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia of infancy (PHHI). An 8-y-old child with PHHI treated with octreotide had marked impairment of appetite sensation and feeding skills. Within 3 wk of starting megestrol acetate (8 mg/kg/d) to stimulate her appetite, she had a significant improvement. By 1 y postinitiation, she had acquired age-appropriate eating habits. The megestrol acetate caused hyperglycemia, necessitating the discontinuation of all other therapy for her hypoglycemia. Her height growth remained normal but she was found to have asymptomatic adrenal suppression.


CONCLUSIONS
Megestrol acetate appeared to stimulate appetite and regulate glucose homeostasis in this child with PHHI. Additional studies will be required to document its efficacy and safety in other children with this disorder.
Alyaarubi
S
S
Divisions of Pediatric Endocrinology and Psychology, Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Canada. hawa34@hotmail.com
Ramsay
M
M
Rodd
C
C
D001066:Appetite / Q000187:drug effects*; D019167:Appetite Stimulants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D044903:Congenital Hyperinsulinism / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D019290:Megestrol Acetate / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D019167:Appetite Stimulants; D019290:Megestrol Acetate