Emergency Medical Minute cover image

Emergency Medical Minute

Episode 921: Pediatric Hypoglycemia

Sep 22, 2024
Explore the fascinating world of pediatric hypoglycemia and discover how age influences its causes. From hormonal deficiencies in neonates to accidental ingestions in toddlers, the discussions are thorough. Learn about the diagnostic process and management strategies, including treatment protocols and unique cases like factitious hypoglycemia. The insights offered are invaluable for understanding and addressing this critical condition in children.
04:32

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Causes of pediatric hypoglycemia differ by age, ranging from hormonal deficiencies in neonates to medication ingestion in toddlers and conditions like Addison's disease in older children.
  • Diagnosis of hypoglycemia relies on specific glucose thresholds, with treatment varying from oral glucose for alert children to intravenous dextrose for those who are not.

Deep dives

Causes of Pediatric Hypoglycemia

The causes of pediatric hypoglycemia vary significantly based on age. In neonates, it is commonly linked to hormonal deficiencies like congenital adrenal hyperplasia or cortisol deficiency, and necessitates an infectious workup for unexplained cases. As children grow into toddlers, accidental ingestion of medications, particularly sulfonylureas, becomes a notable concern. In older children, conditions such as Addison's disease, inappropriate insulin usage, and overdoses can lead to hypoglycemia.

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts

Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
App store bannerPlay store banner