Treatment of congenital hyperinsulinism with lanreotide acetate (Somatuline Autogel)
Congenital hyperinsulinism (CH) may be treated conservatively in many children with octreotide given by multiple sc injections or via an insulin pump. We describe two children treated with a once-monthly injection of a long-acting somatostatin analog. Both patients presented with hypoglycemia 30 min after birth and were subsequently diagnosed with CH. Patients were initially treated with diazoxide, hydrochlorothiazide, frequent feedings, and octreotide via an insulin pump. With this therapy, they were normoglycemic with a good growth rate, normal weight gain, and excellent neurodevelopment. Treatment with the long-acting somatostatin analog lanreotide acetate (Somatuline Autogel), administered by deep sc injection of 30 mg once a month, was started at the ages of 4½ and 4 yr, respectively. Octreotide infusion was gradually weaned over 1 month. Continuous glucose monitoring after discontinuation of pump therapy showed normoglycemia. The first patient has now been treated with the lanreotide acetate for over 5 yr, and the second for 3 yr. Treatment is well-tolerated, and both the patients and their parents are satisfied with the transition from pump therapy to once-a-month injection and prefer it to pump therapy. Lanreotide acetate may be a safe and effective alternative to octreotide pump therapy in patients with CH, offering an improved quality of life. Longer follow-up of a larger patient group is needed.