Postprandial hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia in a child as a late complication of esophageal reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Postprandial hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia (PHH) is an increasingly recognized complication of gastric bypass surgery in obese adults, distinct from the "dumping syndrome".

CASE PRESENTATION: Upon birth, primary repair of esophageal atresia was performed, and at the age of 14 months definite esophageal reconstruction was performed. At the age of 3 years, recurrent brief episodes of symptomatic hypoglycemia started. At the age of 5.7 years the girl was admitted to our clinic and investigations indicated hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia. Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and continuous glucose monitoring results revealed frequent postprandial hypoglycemic events, which were always preceded by early postprandial hyperglycemia. It was concluded that the patient had PHH caused by a delayed and hyperinsulinemic response to carbohydrate intake as a result of esophagogastric surgery. Treatment with acarbose was titrated using flash glucose monitoring, which resulted in satisfactory glucose regulation.

CONCLUSIONS: This is the first described case of a child with PHH following esophageal reconstruction.