Hyperglycaemia and insulinopenia in a neonate with cystic fibrosis.
Abnormal glucose tolerance is a frequent late complication of cystic fibrosis (CF), but the prevalence of CF-related diabetes mellitus (CFRD) in children less than 10 y old is less than 2%. The youngest child with CFRD reported to date was 6 mo of age. Insulinopenia is the primary cause of abnormal glucose tolerance/CFRD, but it is unknown whether it may begin in the neonatal period. We describe a case of a neonate with CF who presented with hyperglycaemia in the diabetic range and marked insulinopenia. Insulinopenia and impaired glucose tolerance were permanent findings at 6 and 15 mo of age.


CONCLUSIONS
This case suggests that abnormal glucose tolerance/diabetes may occur much earlier in the course of CF, even during neonatal age. Careful follow-up and further studies in CF infants could reveal that the real incidence of glucose intolerance and diabetes in this age group has been underestimated.
Siahanidou
Tania
T
Neonatal Unit, First Department of Paediatrics, Athens University, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece. siahanidou@hotmail.com
Mandyla
Helen
H
Doudounakis
Stavros
S
Anagnostakis
Dimitris
D
D003550:Cystic Fibrosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D018149:Glucose Intolerance / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D005951:Glucose Tolerance Test; D006801:Humans; D006943:Hyperglycemia / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007328:Insulin / Q000097:blood*
D007328:Insulin