Johanson-blizzard syndrome: loss of glucagon secretion response to insulin-induced hypoglycemia.

Abstract

Johanson-Blizzard syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by aplasia of the alae nasi, aplasia cutis, dental anomalies, postnatal growth retardation and pancreatic exocrine aplasia. Some endocrinological dysfunctions--growth hormone (GH) deficiency, hypothyroidism, and diabetes mellitus--are known to complicate this syndrome. We report here a Japanese infant with Johanson-Blizzard syndrome presenting with failure to thrive. Endocrinological examination by insulin-induced hypoglycemia showed not only the presence of GH deficiency, but also the loss of the glucagon secretion response to hypoglycemia. This complication suggests abnormal input of autonomic nerves to the islets of pancreas in Johanson-Blizzard syndrome.

• Authors: Tsutomu Takahashi, Miwa Fujishima, Satoko Tsuchida, Masamichi Enoki, Goro Takada
• Journal: Journal of pediatric endocrinology & metabolism : JPEM (J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab) Vol. 17 Issue 8 Pg. 1141-4 (Aug 2004) ISSN: 0334-018X [Print] Germany
• PMID: 15379429 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Insulin
• Growth Hormone
• Glucagon

Topics

• Abnormalities, Multiple (blood, diagnosis)
• Consanguinity
• Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (blood, complications, diagnosis)
• Failure to Thrive (blood, etiology)
• Glucagon (blood)
• Growth Disorders (drug therapy, etiology)
• Growth Hormone (deficiency, therapeutic use)
• Humans
• Hypoglycemia (chemically induced, physiopathology)
• Infant
• Insulin
• Male
• Nose (abnormalities)
• Pancreas (abnormalities)
• Scalp (abnormalities)
• Stimulation, Chemical
• Syndrome