Hyperglycaemia in children with cancer: two case reports.

Background: Hyperglycaemia induced by stress of disease or steroid therapy may indicate an early defect in glucose regulation. Hyperglycaemia is known to be a common adverse reaction of steroid therapy in 20% to 50% of nondiabetic patients. In cancer patients, corticosteroids are often prescribed as part of treatment or for symptom management. Aim: We present two cases with hyperglycaemia during chemotherapy: one with corticosteroid-induced hyperglycaemia and the other one with hyperglycaemia induced by stress of chemotherapy. Patients: Case 1, a 12-year-old girl with acute lymphatic leukaemia ; Case 2, a 2-year-old boy with yolk sac testicular tumour. Both children, without a history of diabetes, were treated with chemotherapy at Haematology-Oncology Department, Zagreb Children's Hospital. Corticosteroid therapy was introduced during chemotherapy (2nd cycle) only in Case 1. Results: Case 1: Before corticosteroid therapy, blood glucose was normal ( 7.8 mmol/L. This approach may prevent inflammation, immunosuppression, and symptoms of hyperglycaemia. Also, it may help recognize previously undiagnosed diabetes.