Treatment of recurrent hypoglycemia with plasmapheresis and steroid in nondiabetic patient

Transfus Apher Sci. 2013 Feb;48(1):11-3. doi: 10.1016/j.transci.2012.06.019. Epub 2012 Jul 31.

Abstract

We recently encountered a 35-year old man who suffered from frequent hypoglycemia. His blood test revealed the presence of high and suppressed level of insulin with supressed C-peptide levels, hypothalamic-pituitary axis was normal response in hypoglycemia and negative for anti-insulin antibody. Endocrinological and imaging data eliminated the possibility of insulinoma. His symptoms responded well to the therapy of prednisolone (60 mg/day) and plasmapheresis. We followed up the patient over the subsequent 6 months without remarkable lesions. He has had no further recurrences of hypoglycemia. We believe that the antiinsulin receptor antibody might have induced hypoglycemia in this patient.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Humans
  • Hypoglycemia / blood
  • Hypoglycemia / diagnosis
  • Hypoglycemia / drug therapy
  • Hypoglycemia / therapy*
  • Male
  • Plasmapheresis / methods*
  • Prednisolone / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Prednisolone