Limited data are available on the effects of enteral sulfonylurea (SU) monotherapy in extremely low birth weight infants (ELBWIs) with hyperglycemia. Therefore, we report our experience with enteral SU monotherapy for hyperglycemic ELBWIs. We retrospectively evaluated 11 hyperglycemic ELBWIs (seven male infants, median gestational age = 24.9 wk) who received SU between January 2016 and December 2019. Blood glucose (BG) levels were monitored before and after SU initiation and evaluated for the occurrence of adverse effects.We administered SU at a median of 15 d (interquartile range [IQR]: 12-20 d) after birth, with the median maximum dose of 0.2 mg/kg/d (IQR: 0.125-0.3 mg/kg/d). Hyperglycemia improved in all patients, and the target BG levels were achieved without severe side effects at a median of 6 d (IQR: 4-8.5 d) after initiation of treatment. The incidence of hypoglycemia during SU treatment was observed in 18 events per 1000 patient hours; however, the patients were asymptomatic. Based on these results, enteral SU monotherapy may be considered as an option for hyperglycemic ELBWIs.
Highlights• This is the first case series of SU treatment in hyperglycemic ELBWIs• SU can be helpful in decreasing blood glucose levels in hyperglycemic ELBWIs• Further studies are required to evaluate efficacy and safety of SU in ELBWIs