SUCCESSFUL TREATMENT OF HYPOGLYCEMIA USING GLUCAGON IN A PATIENT WITH AN EXTRAPANCREATIC TUMOR

A patient with severe hypoglycemia associated with retroperitoneal sarcoma and liver metastasis showed low serum growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) levels, but a very high level of IGF-II. Continuous intravenous growth hormone in a physiologic dose failed to prevent hypoglycemia despite the rise of serum growth hormone and IGF-I to a normal level. Continuous intravenous glucagon administration, however, successfully controlled the hypoglycemia despite the fall of growth hormone and IGF-I to subnormal levels.