Poster Presentation ESA-SRB-APEG-NZSE 2022

Ketotic Hyperinsulinemic Hypoglycemia in a Patient with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia on 6-Mercaptopurine (#458)

Nurshadia Samingan 1 , Yung Seng Lee 2 , Krista Lea Francisco 2 , Thuan Chong Quah 2 , Cindy Ho 2
  1. PAEDIATRICS, University Malaya Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  2. PAEDIATRICS, Khoo Teck Puat- National University Children’s Medical Institute, National University Health System, SINGAPORE, Singapore

6-MP is the backbone of treatment of children diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Severe hypoglycemia induced by 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) is a very rare occurrence. Hyperinsulinism is observed in several case reports on literature review. A 10-year-old boy presented with severe symptomatic hypoglycemia that was eventually found to be associated with 6-mercaptopurine treatment. Fasting sample revealed elevated serum insulin, C-peptide, cortisol with ketosis. His liver transaminases were raised. He was able to fast longer, with marked reduction of serum insulin, C-peptide and liver transaminases after stopping 6-MP upon serial fasting tests.  No hypoglycemia symptoms reported following reduction of 6-MP and split dosing.  This case has verified the evidence of the mechanism by which 6-MP causes hypoglycemia in a small number of individuals through hyperinsulinaemia. This is reversible after stopping 6-MP and adjusting its dosing. 

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