Hypoglycemia Due to Acquired Carnitine Deficiency in a Pediatric Patient Receiving Chemotherapy. Issue 2 (March 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Vasta, Lauren M.; Reynolds, Sarah M.; Sami, Seppideh; Schacht, John P.; Emerick, Jill E.; Parekh, Dina S.; Vogt, Karen S.
• Is Part Of: Journal of pediatric hematology/oncology. Volume 44:Issue 2(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-03
• Subjects: carnitine -- pediatrics -- cancer -- sarcoma -- hypoglycemia -- chemotherapy; Pediatric hematology -- Periodicals; Tumors in children -- Periodicals; 618.9215
• DOI: 10.1097/MPH.0000000000002128
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1077-4114

Abstract

Abstract : We describe a 21-month-old male with relapsed clear cell sarcoma of the kidney receiving enteral nutrition who experienced recurrent, ketotic hypoglycemia. During relapse therapy, he had recurrent hypoglycemia episodes, in the setting of hematochezia and diarrhea. Evaluation revealed low carnitine levels. He received supplementation with oral levocarnitine throughout the remainder of treatment, resulting in normalization of serum carnitine levels and no further hypoglycemia. We believe adverse effects of the chemotherapy on his single kidney and gastrointestinal insult resulted in hypoglycemia and carnitine deficiency. Our case highlights that carnitine deficiency should be considered when acute onset hypoglycemia without obvious cause occurs.