Congenital hyperinsulinism comprises a group of diseases characterized by a persistent hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia, due to mutation in the genes involved in the regulation of insulin secretion. The severity and the duration of hypoglycemic episodes, primarily in the neonatal period, can lead to neurological impairment. Detecting blood sugar is relatively simple but, unfortunately, symptoms associated with hypoglycemia may be non-specific. Research in this field has led to novel insight in diagnosis, monitoring and treatment, leading to a better neurological outcome. Given the increased availability of continuous glucose monitoring systems that allow glucose level recognition in a minimally invasive way, monitoring the glycemic trend becomes easier and there are more possibilities of a better follow-up of patients. We aim to provide an overview of new available technologies and new discoveries and their potential impact on clinical practice, convinced that only with a better awareness of the disease and available tools we can have a better impact on CHI diagnosis, prevention and clinical sequelae.
Parenteral artesunate (AS) is the WHO first-line treatment recommended in adults and children for severe malaria. Post-artesunate delayed haemolysis (PADH) is an uncommon adverse reaction to AS with a mechanism that is not fully understood, occurring in adults and children. Neutropenia is another possible finding after AS treatment, albeit rare. We present the case of a child who experienced both effects after treatment with AS for imported severe Falciparum malaria with very high parasitaemia. In addition, thirty-five paediatric cases of PADH, five cases of delayed anaemia without known haemolysis, and fourteen cases of neutropenia after artesunate treatment were identified from the literature review. PADH seems to be a dose-independent reaction and is not strongly related to hyperparasitaemia, although it is more frequent in this case. To date, the benefits of AS outweigh its potential side effects. However, haematological follow-up is mandatory to avoid possible complications from anaemia and neutropenia, especially in children treated with other contemporary drugs.