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A better taxonomy for neonatal hypoglycemia is needed

Journal of Perinatology volume 41, pages 1205–1206 (2021)Cite this article

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We thank Drs Thornton and De Leon for their letter and interest in our article entitled “Prolonged transitional neonatal hypoglycaemia: characterisation of a clinical syndrome” [1], and welcome further debate on nomenclature in neonatal hypoglycemia.

While “perinatal stress-induced hyperinsulinism” (PSIH) has been used sporadically throughout the literature, it has not been formally defined and is not in widespread use in many jurisdictions. Indeed, in the case series by Hoe et al. cited by Thornton and De Leon, infants were described as having “non-genetic prolonged hyperinsulinism” and the term PSIH was not used [2]. Similarly, in a recent randomised trial, eligible infants were deemed to have “persistent hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia” without reference to PSIH [3]. Early descriptions of PSIH were of infants with asphyxia [4], but in the modern era of therapeutic hypothermia, the dysglycemia experienced by such infants is different, with hyperglycemia being equally problematic and predictive of adverse outcomes [5].

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References

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand

    C. J. D. McKinlay, W. S. Cutfield & J. E. Harding

  2. Kidz First Neonatal Care, Counties Manukau Health, Auckland, New Zealand

    C. J. D. McKinlay, M. J. Bailey & A. Rout

  3. Department of Paediatrics: Child and Youth Health, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand

    J. M. Alsweiler

  4. Neonatal Care, Starship Children’s Health, Auckland, New Zealand

    J. M. Alsweiler & M. J. Bailey

  5. Paediatric Endocrinology, Starship Children’s Health, Auckland, New Zealand

    W. S. Cutfield

  6. A Better Start Science Challenge, Auckland, New Zealand

    W. S. Cutfield

Authors
  1. C. J. D. McKinlay
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  2. J. M. Alsweiler
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  3. M. J. Bailey
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  4. W. S. Cutfield
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  5. A. Rout
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  6. J. E. Harding
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Correspondence to C. J. D. McKinlay.

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McKinlay, C.J.D., Alsweiler, J.M., Bailey, M.J. et al. A better taxonomy for neonatal hypoglycemia is needed. J Perinatol 41, 1205–1206 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41372-021-01058-x

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