Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion via an insulin pump in extremely premature neonates—a case series

Extremely preterm infants are prone to hyperglycemia which is associated with increased mortality and morbidity. Insulin sensitivity is variable in extreme prematurity, and its monitoring, prevention, and treatment are a significant challenge in the NICU. Frequent changes in fluid composition and volumes, as well as large growth and adaptational nutrient requirements are limited by difficult vascular access and blood sampling and risk of drug incompatibilities. Insulin treatment requires specific access and significantly increases fluid intake and sampling. Clinicians, therefore, often compromise by reducing glucose intake and accepting higher glycemia. We report a case series of 11 extremely low birth weight (ELBW) preterms, born between 23 5/7 and 27 6/7 weeks of gestation, treated for transient hyperglycemia during the first 2 weeks of life by continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII). Insulin concentration was 10 IU/ml, administered via 13 mm Accu-Chek® Tenderlink catheters and a commercial insulin pump (Accu-Chek® Combo, Roche Diabetes Care). Insulin treatment was initiated when glycemia was > 252 mg/dL (14 mmol/l) in two consecutive blood glucose determinations, except for one case when glycemia was 234 mg/dL (13 mmol/l), despite a previous decrease in glucose infusion rate. The starting dose for the CSII was between 0.01 and 0.08 IU/kg/h. The average duration of the CSII was 5 days (1–16 days). CSII in extreme preterm neonates with hyperglycemia was clinically feasible and practical by sparing IV lines and volume and appeared as more rapidly effective than continuous IV administration. No adverse events like hypoglycemia or skin infection were recorded.