Sensor-augmented pump therapy in very young children with type 1 diabetes: an efficacy and feasibility observational study.
BACKGROUND
Efficacy and feasibility of sensor-augmented pump (SAP) therapy were evaluated in very young children with type 1 diabetes (T1D).


METHODS
SAP (Dexcom [San Diego, CA] Seven Plus™ usage combined with insulin pump) therapy was retrospectively evaluated in 28 children (15 boys) younger than 7 years (mean age, 5.8 ± 1.2 years; range, 3-7 years), with T1D. Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) was evaluated at baseline and at the end of the study, as were efficacy and feasibility of the system, using a rating scale (with 3 being the most positive).


RESULTS
SAP has been used for at least 6 months by 85% of patients, with an overall good satisfaction (92%). The greatest perceived benefit was the reduced fear of hypoglycemia (score of 3, 81%). HbA1c significantly improved only in patients with baseline HbA1c >7.5% (P = 0.026).


CONCLUSIONS
SAP therapy is effective and feasible in preschool children with T1D. In patients with high HbA1c at baseline it provide a 0.9% decrease, sustained for at least 6 months.
Department of Pediatrics, Endocrine Unit, Scientific Institute Hospital San Raffaele, Vita-Salute University, Milan, Italy. frontino.giulio@hsr.it
Giulio
G
Frontino
Riccardo
R
Bonfanti
Andrea
A
Scaramuzza
Ivana
I
Rabbone
Franco
F
Meschi
Andrea
A
Rigamonti
Roseila
R
Battaglino
Valeria
V
Favalli
Clara
C
Bonura
Sabrina
S
Sicignano
Elisa
E
Gioia
Gian Vincenzo
GV
Zuccotti
Franco
F
Cerutti
Giuseppe
G
Chiumello
D015374:Biosensing Techniques; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000097:blood* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D007332:Insulin Infusion Systems; D007558:Italy; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D001786:Blood Glucose; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; C517652:hemoglobin A1c protein, human