Emergency Department Management of Diabetic Ketoacidosis and Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State in Adults: National Survey of Attitudes and Practice

OBJECTIVES

In 2013, the Canadian Diabetes Association, now Diabetes Canada, published national clinical practice guidelines for the effective management of diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic states in adults. We sought to determine emergency physician compliance rates and attitudes toward these guidelines and to identify potential barriers to their use in Canadian emergency departments.

METHODS

An online survey consisting of questions related to the awareness and use of the Canadian Diabetes Association 2013 Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Prevention and Management of Diabetes in Canada was distributed to 500 randomly selected members of the Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians. Also included in the survey were 3 clinical vignettes to assess adherence rates to the guidelines.

RESULTS

The survey response rate was 62.2% (311 of 500). The majority of physicians reported the guidelines to be useful (83.6%); 54.6% of respondents were familiar with the guidelines, and 54.7% claimed to use them in clinical practice. The most frequently reported barrier to guideline implementation was a lack of education (56.0%). The clinical vignettes demonstrated respondent variability in fluid administration and sodium bicarbonate administration, as well as some variability in insulin and potassium administration.

CONCLUSIONS

Although Canadian emergency physicians were generally supportive of the guidelines, many were unaware that these guidelines existed, and barriers to their implementation were reported. These results suggest the need to improve knowledge translation strategies across Canadian emergency departments to standardize management of diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic states and support the highest quality of patient care, as well as to ensure that future guidelines include management strategies applicable to the emergency department setting.

Incidence, recurrence and cost of hyperglycaemic crises requiring emergency treatment in Andalusia, Spain

AIMS

Hyperglycaemic crises (diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic state) are medical emergencies in people with diabetes. We aimed to determine their incidence, recurrence and economic impact.

METHODS

An observational study of hyperglycaemic crises cases using the database maintained by the out-of-hospital emergency service, the Healthcare Emergency Public Service (EPES) during 2012. The EPES provides emergency medical services to the total population of Andalusia, Spain (8.5 million inhabitants) and records data on the incidence, resource utilization and cost of out-of-hospital medical care. Direct costs were estimated using public prices for health services updated to 2012.

RESULTS

Among 1 137 738 emergency calls requesting medical assistance, 3157 were diagnosed with hyperglycaemic crises by an emergency coordinator, representing 2.9 cases per 1000 persons with diabetes [95% confidence intervals (CI) 2.8 to 3.0]. The incidence of diabetic ketoacidosis was 2.5 cases per 1000 persons with diabetes (95% CI 2.4 to 2.6) and the incidence of hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic state was 0.4 cases per 1000 persons with diabetes (95% CI 0.4 to 0.5). In total, 17.7% (n = 440) of people had one or more hyperglycaemic crisis. The estimated total direct cost was €4 662 151, with a mean direct cost per episode of €1476.8 ± 217.8.

CONCLUSIONS

Hyperglycaemic crises require high resource utilization of emergency medical services and have a significant economic impact on the health system.

Are the results from the 2014 UK national survey on the management of diabetic ketoacidosis applicable to individual centres?

BACKGROUND

In 2013 the Joint British Diabetes Societies published an update to their 2010 guideline on the management of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). In 2014 a national survey was conducted to assess the management of DKA across the UK using the JBDS or local guidelines. Hospitals were invited to submit data on 5 people presenting with DKA. These data were published in 2016. However, whether those national results were applicable to individual hospitals remains unknown.

AIM

To assess the management of people presenting with DKA at a single hospital and compare the results with the national dataset.

METHODS

Using the identical data collection tool as used in the national survey we collected information on 40 subjects (a total of 52 admissions) admitted with DKA between April 2014 and July 2015.

RESULTS

The data collected locally were very similar to those found in the national dataset. The management of DKA was best during the first few hours after admission, then biochemical and physical monitoring frequency decreased. The number of people who developed hypokalaemia and hypoglycaemia were very similar to the national data. Rates of biochemical improvement were slightly better locally.

CONCLUSIONS

The data from the national DKA survey, even though based on a maximum of 5 people per hospital from across the UK are applicable at a hospital level.

Treatment of Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)/Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar State (HHS): Novel Advances in the Management of Hyperglycemic Crises (UK Versus USA)

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state (HHS) are diabetic emergencies that cause high morbidity and mortality. Their treatment differs in the UK and USA. This review delineates the differences in diagnosis and treatment between the two countries.

RECENT FINDINGS

Large-scale studies to determine optimal management of DKA and HHS are lacking. The diagnosis of DKA is based on disease severity in the USA, which differs from the UK. The diagnosis of HHS in the USA is based on total rather than effective osmolality. Unlike the USA, the UK has separate guidelines for DKA and HHS. Treatment of DKA and HHS also differs with respect to timing of fluid and insulin initiation. There is considerable overlap but important differences between the UK and USA guidelines for the management of DKA and HHS. Further research needs to be done to delineate a unifying diagnostic and treatment protocol.

Management of Hyperglycemic Crises: Diabetic Ketoacidosis and Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar State

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state (HHS) are the most serious and life-threatening hyperglycemic emergencies in diabetes. DKA is more common in young people with type 1 diabetes and HHS in adult and elderly patients with type 2 diabetes. Features of the 2 disorders with ketoacidosis and hyperosmolality may coexist. Both are characterized by insulinopenia and severe hyperglycemia. Early diagnosis and management are paramount. Treatment is aggressive rehydration, insulin therapy, electrolyte replacement, and treatment of underlying precipitating events. This article reviews the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of hyperglycemic emergencies.

A case of idiopathic type 1 diabetes with subsequent recovery of endogenous insulin secretion despite initial diagnosis of fulminant type 1 diabetes

Fulminant type 1 diabetes is characterized by remarkably rapid and complete β-cell destruction. The established diagnostic criteria include the occurrence of diabetic ketosis soon after the onset of hyperglycemic symptoms, elevated plasma glucose with relatively low HbA1c at the first visit, and extremely low C-peptide. Serum C-peptide levels remain extremely low over a prolonged period. A 26-year-old-man with diabetic ketosis was admitted to our hospital. His relatively low HbA1c (7.6%), despite marked hyperglycemia (593 mg/dL) with marked ketosis, indicated abrupt onset. Islet-related autoantibodies were all negative. His data at onset, including extremely low serum C-peptide (0.11 ng/mL), fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for fulminant type 1 diabetes. However, his fasting serum C-peptide levels subsequently showed substantial recovery. While fasting C-peptide stayed below 0.30 ng/mL during the first two months post onset, the levels gradually increased and thereafter fluctuated between 0.60 ng/mL and 0.90 ng/mL until 24 months post onset. By means of multiple daily insulin injection therapy, his glycemic control has been well maintained (HbA1c approximately 6.0%), with relatively small glycemic fluctuations evaluated by continuous glucose monitoring. This clinical course suggests that, despite the abrupt diabetes onset with extremely low C-peptide levels, substantial numbers of β-cells had been spared destruction and their function later showed gradual recovery. Diabetes has come to be considered a much more heterogeneous disease than the present subdivisions suggest. This case does not fit into the existing concepts of either fulminant type 1 or ketosis-prone diabetes, thereby further highlighting the heterogeneity of idiopathic type 1 diabetes.

Ketosis-prone atypical diabetes in Cameroonian people with hyperglycaemic crisis: frequency, clinical and metabolic phenotypes

AIM

It is unclear whether ketosis-prone diabetes is a specific type or a subtype of Type 2 diabetes. We aimed to describe the clinical and metabolic features of ketosis-prone diabetes in a sub-Saharan population.

METHODS

We consecutively enrolled and characterized 173 people with non-autoimmune diabetes admitted for hyperglycaemic crisis at the Yaoundé Central Hospital, Cameroon. Blood samples were collected for fasting glucose, HbA_1c , lipid profile and C-peptide assays with insulin resistance and secretion estimation by homeostasis model assessment. People were classified as having Type 2 diabetes (n = 124) or ketosis-prone diabetes (n = 49). Ketosis-prone diabetes was sub-classified as new-onset ketotic phase (n = 34) or non-ketotic phase (n = 15).

RESULTS

Ketosis-prone diabetes was found in 28.3% of the hyperglycaemic crises. Age at diabetes diagnosis was comparable in Type 2 and ketosis-prone diabetes [48 ± 14 vs 47 ± 11 years; P = 0.13] with a similar sex distribution. Overall BMI was 27.7 ± 13.4 kg/m² and was ≥ 25 kg/m² in 55.8% of those taking part, however, 73.5% of those with ketosis-prone diabetes reported weight loss of > 5% at diagnosis. Blood pressure and lipid profile were comparable in both types. Ketosis-prone diabetes in the ketotic phase was characterized by lower insulin secretion and higher serum triglycerides compared with non-ketotic ketosis prone and Type 2 diabetes. Type 2 and ketosis prone diabetes in the non-ketotic phase were comparable in terms of lipid profile, blood pressure, waist-to-hip ratio, BMI and fat mass, insulin secretion and insulin resistance indices.

CONCLUSIONS

Ketosis-prone diabetes is likely to be a subtype of Type 2 diabetes with the potential to develop acute insulinopenic episodes.

Controversies in the management of hyperglycaemic emergencies in adults with diabetes

Hyperglycaemic emergencies are associated with significant morbi-mortality and healthcare costs. Management consists on fluid replacement, insulin therapy, and electrolyte correction. However, some areas of patient management remain debatable. In patients without respiratory failure or haemodynamic instability, arterial and venous pH and bicarbonate measurements are comparable. Fluid choice varies upon replenishment phase and patient's condition. If patient is severely hypovolaemic, normal saline solution should be the first option. However, if patient has mild/moderate dehydration, fluid choice must take in consideration sodium concentration. Insulin therapy should be guided by β-hydroxybutyrate normalization and not by blood glucose. Variations of conventional insulin infusion protocols emerged recently. Priming dose of insulin may not be required, and fixed rate insulin infusion represents the best option to suppress hepatic glucose production, ketogenesis, and lipolysis. Concomitant administration of basal insulin analogues with regular insulin infusion accelerates ketoacidosis resolution and prevents rebound hyperglycaemia. Simpler protocols using subcutaneous rapid-acting insulin analogues for mild/moderate diabetic ketoacidosis treatment have proven to be safe and effective, but further studies are required to confirm these results. Treatment with bicarbonate, phosphate, and low-molecular-weight heparin is still disputable, and randomized controlled trials are urgently needed to optimize patient management and decrease the morbi-mortality of hyperglycaemic emergencies.

Distinct clinical characteristics and therapeutic modalities for diabetic ketoacidosis in type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus

AIMS

Patients with type 1 diabetes often develop diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Reportedly, DKA in type 2 diabetes has higher mortality despite its limited occurrence. The exact clinical characteristics and therapeutic modalities yielding successful outcomes in DKA type 2 diabetes remain unknown.

METHODS

This retrospective study compared the clinical features and detailed treatment of consecutive type 1 and type 2 diabetes patients hospitalized with DKA between January 2001 and December 2014.

RESULTS

We report on 127 patients with type 1 and 74 patients with type 2 diabetes whose DKA was successfully treated. The most frequent precipitating cause for DKA was infectious disease for patients with type 1 diabetes and consumption of sugar-containing beverages for those with type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes patients showed higher mean plasma glucose levels than those with type 1 diabetes (48.4±21.6, vs. 37.1±16.4mmol/l, P<0.01) and higher serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and hemoglobin levels, which normalized after DKA resolution. Compared with type 1 diabetes patients, those with type 2 diabetes required distinctly higher daily total insulin dosage (35.9±37.0U, vs. 20.2±23.3U, P<0.01), larger replacement fluid volumes (4.17±2.69L, vs. 2.29±1.57L, P<0.01) and greater potassium supplementation (23.9±36.5mEq, vs. 11.2±17.9mEq, P<0.01) to resolve DKA and reduce plasma glucose level to ≤16.7mmol/l.

CONCLUSIONS

DKA patients with type 2 diabetes required management with a modified treatment protocol to resolve their profound hyperglycemia and dehydration compared with those with type 1 diabetes.

Diabetic ketosis during hyperglycemic crisis is associated with decreased all-cause mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus have impaired ketogenesis due to high serum insulin and low growth hormone levels. Evidence exists that ketone bodies might improve kidney and cardiac function. In theory, improved ketogenesis in diabetics may have positive effects. We aimed to assess the impact of diabetic ketosis on all-cause mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus presenting with hyperglycemic crisis. We analyzed 486 patients with diabetic ketosis and 486 age and sex-matched patients with non-ketotic hyperglycemia presenting to the emergency department. Cox proportional hazard models were used to analyze the link between patient characteristics and mortality. During an observation time of 33.4 months, death of any cause occurred in 40.9 % of the non-ketotic hyperglycemia group and 30.2 % of the DK group (hazard ratio in the diabetic ketosis group, 0.63; 95 % confidence interval 0.48-0.82; P = 0.0005). Patients with diabetic ketosis had a lower incidence of symptomatic heart failure and had improved renal function. They used less furosemide and antihypertensive drugs, more metformin and lower insulin doses, all of which was independently associated with decreased mortality. Plasma glucose and glycated hemoglobin levels were similar in both groups. Patients with hyperglycemic crisis and diabetic ketosis have decreased all-cause mortality when compared to those with non-ketotic hyperglycemia. diabetic ketosis might be a compensatory mechanism rather than a complication in patients with hyperglycemic crises, but further prospective studies are warranted.

Euglycemic Diabetic Ketoacidosis: A Review

INTRODUCTION

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is one of the most serious complications of diabetes. It is characterised by the triad of hyperglycemia (blood sugar >250 mg/dl), metabolic acidosis (arterial pH <7.3 and serum bicarbonate <18 mEq/L) and ketosis. Rarely these patients can present with blood glucose (BG) levels of less than 200 mg/dl, which is defined as euglycemic DKA. The possible etiology of euglycemic DKA includes the recent use of insulin, decreased caloric intake, heavy alcohol consumption, chronic liver disease and glycogen storage disorders. DKA in pregnancy has also been reported to present with euglycemia. The recent use of sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors has shed light on another possible mechanism of euglycemic DKA. Clinicians may also be misled by the presence of pseudonormoglycemia.

CONCLUSION

Euglycemic DKA thus poses a challenge to physicians, as patients presenting with normal BG levels in ketoacidosis may be overlooked, leading to a delay in appropriate management strategies. In this article, we review all the possible etiologies and the associated pathophysiology of patients presenting with euglycemic DKA. We also discuss the approach to diagnosis and management of such patients. Despite euglycemia, ketoacidosis in diabetic patients remains a medical emergency and must be treated in a quick and appropriate manner.

Incidence, prevalence, costs and quality of care of type 1 diabetes in Italy, age 0-29 years: The population-based CINECA-SID ARNO Observatory, 2002-2012

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

To assess temporal trend in incidence (2003-12) and prevalence (2002-12) of type 1 diabetes in children and young adults, direct costs and selected indicators of quality of care under the coverage of the universalistic Italian National Health System (NHS).

METHODS AND RESULTS

The ARNO Observatory, a healthcare monitoring system based on administrative data, identified a population-based multiregional cohort of subjects aged 0-29 years. Type 1 diabetes was defined by at least two prescriptions of insulin over 12 months and continuous insulin-treatment in the following year. Indicators of quality of care and directs costs were assessed in persons with diabetes and in people without diabetes, individually matched for age, gender and health unit (1:4 ratio). We identified 2357 incident cases of type 1 diabetes aged 0-29 years (completeness of ascertainment, 99%). Incidence rates were similar in ages 0-14 (15.8, 95% CI 14.9-16.8) and 15-29 years (16.3, 15.4-17.2), with no significant trend. Prevalence increased from 137 to 166.9/100,000, particularly in the age 15-29 years. Direct costs accounted for € 2117 in persons with diabetes and € 292 in control individuals. A statistically significant decreasing trend in hospitalization for acute complications was evident (p < 0.001), which was almost completely due to ketoacidosis. People with at least one HbA1c measurement over the year were 48.5%.

CONCLUSION

We showed high incidence and increasing prevalence of type 1 diabetes in young adults in Italy, which impact on direct costs under the universalistic coverage of the NHS.

[Life-threatening ketoacidosis in a 25-year-old woman treated with sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor]

We report a case of atypical ketoacidosis in a patient treated with a sodium-glucose cotransporter- (SGLT) 2 inhibitor. The 25-year-old woman, who one year earlier had been prescribed dapagliflozin for presumed Type 2 diabetes, came to the emergency department in a state of severe ketoacidosis, pH 6.85, and a plasma glucose level of 14.3 mmol/l. She received standard treatment and recovered. We discuss the increasing evidence for atypical ketoacidosis being a serious side effect of the SGLT2 inhibitors.

Serial optic nerve sheath diameter ultrasonography during pediatric diabetic ketoacidosis management: A pilot study

OBJECTIVE

Intracranial hypertension is an infrequent but serious acute complication of pediatric diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Subclinical elevations of intracranial pressures however, may be more common, and can be indirectly evaluated with ultrasonography of the optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD). In this pilot study, we report serial data on ONSD trajectories from five pediatric patients with DKA to generate hypotheses for future studies.

METHODS

Five pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes presented to our emergency department with DKA and enrolled in our study <3h after initiation of treatment. Ultrasonographic evaluation of the ONSD was conducted at presentation, every three hours until resolution of acidosis, and finally 24h post presentation. Following each interval evaluation, a clinical bedside neurologic tool developed for detecting cerebral edema in DKA was utilized.

RESULTS

Four of the five patients exhibited a similar "bell" shaped trajectory - an increase of ONSD after initiation of treatment followed by a return to admission baseline. Patients demonstrated peak ONSDs nine and twelve hours after DKA therapy was initiated, at resolution of acidosis, and at admission. No children exhibited clinical signs suggestive of cerebral edema.

CONCLUSIONS

Peak ONSDs cannot be reliability determined in children with DKA unless serial investigations are conducted. Practices to mitigate risks for intracranial hypertension may require constant surveillance during DKA management.

Diabetic ketoacidosis in an adolescent and young adult population in the UK in 2014: a national survey comparison of management in paediatric and adult settings

AIMS

To assess the management of diabetic ketoacidosis in young people, which differs in the UK between paediatric and adult services, and to evaluate outcomes and extent to which national guidelines are used.

METHODS

A standardized questionnaire was sent to all paediatric and adult diabetes services in England, requesting details of all diabetic ketoacidosis admissions in young people aged > 14 years in paediatric services ('paediatric' patients), and in young adults up to the age of 22 years in adult services ('adult' patients).

RESULTS

A total of 64 adult patients aged ≤ 22 years (mean age 19.2 years) were reported, of whom seven were aged between 10 and 16 years. A total of 71 paediatric patients were reported [mean (range) age 14.9 (11-18) years]. We found that 85% of paediatric and 69% of adult patients were treated according to national guidelines, 99% of paediatric and 89% of adult patients were treated with 0.9% saline and fixed-rate insulin infusions and 16% of adult patients received an insulin bolus. Insulin treatment was initiated later in paediatric patients than in adult patients (100 vs 39 min; P < 0.001). In 23% of adult patients and 8.8% of paediatric patients, potassium levels were < 3.5 mmol/l (P < 0.005). The lowest mean potassium levels were 3.8 mmol/l in paediatric and 3.5 mmol/l in adult patients (P < 0.005). Hypoglycaemia occurred in 42.3% of paediatric and 36% of adult patients. Time to resolution was similar in paediatric and adult patients (16.0 vs 18.2 h), as was duration of hospital stay (2.35 vs 2.53 days).

CONCLUSIONS

Young people were treated according to national guidelines, but the quality of monitoring was variable in both paediatric and adult settings. The incidence of hypoglycaemia and hypokalaemia was unacceptably high.

Inverse relationship between ambient temperature and admissions for diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state: A 14-year time-series analysis

This study aimed to investigate the association of admissions for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state (HHS) with ambient temperature and season, respectively in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), after excluding known co-morbidities that predispose onset of acute hyperglycemia events. This was a time series correlation analysis based on medical claims of 40,084 and 33,947 episodes of admission for DKA and HHS, respectively over a 14-year period in Taiwan. These episodes were not accompanied by co-morbidities known to trigger incidence of DKA and HHS. Monthly temperature averaged from 19 meteorological stations across Taiwan was correlated with monthly rate of admission for DKA or HHS, respectively, using the 'seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average' (seasonal ARIMA) regression method. There was an inverse relationship between ambient temperature and rates of admission for DKA (β=-0.035, p<0.001) and HHS (β=-0.016, p<0.001), despite a clear decline in rates of DKA/HHS admission in the second half of the study period. We also noted that winter was significantly associated with increased rates of both DKA (β=0.364, p<0.001) and HHS (β=0.129, p<0.05) admissions, as compared with summer. On the other hand, fall was associated with a significantly lower rate of HHS admission (β=-0.016, p<0.05). Further stratified analyses according to sex and age yield essentially similar results. It is suggested that meteorological data can be used to raise the awareness of acute hyperglycemic complication risk for both patients with diabetes and clinicians to further avoid the occurrence of DKA and HHS.

Type 1 diabetes mellitus presenting with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in a neonate

Neonatal diabetes mellitus (NDM) is a rare manifestation with an incidence of one affected individual among 400000 live births. NDM can be divided into Transient (TNDM) and Permanent (PNDM) types. A significant overlap occurs between both groups, to an extent that TNDM cannot be distinguished from PNDM based solely on clinical features. Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (TIDM). DKA at diagnosis is more common in young children near the age of five years. Neonatal DKA is a rare occurrence causing it to be missed in the differential diagnosis of neonatal illness and results delay in appropriate management and increase in morbidity and mortality rate.

Epidural pneumatosis associated with spontaneous pneumomediastinum: a rare complication of diabetic ketoacidosis

Pneumomediastinum and epidural pneumatosis are rare complications of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). These result from the emesis and hyperventilation associated with DKA which lead to alveolar rupture and air escape into the mediastinal and epidural spaces. These complications are often asymptomatic and resolve with the correction of the underlying metabolic abnormality. Oesophageal contrast studies are only required if oesophageal perforation is suspected in patients presenting with persistent vomiting and chest pain. We report the rare association of pneumomediastinum and epidural pneumatosis complicating DKA in a 19-year-old female patient.

Diabetic emergencies - ketoacidosis, hyperglycaemic hyperosmolar state and hypoglycaemia

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), hyperglycaemic hyperosmolar state (HHS) and hypoglycaemia are serious complications of diabetes mellitus that require prompt recognition, diagnosis and treatment. DKA and HHS are characterized by insulinopaenia and severe hyperglycaemia; clinically, these two conditions differ only by the degree of dehydration and the severity of metabolic acidosis. The overall mortality recorded among children and adults with DKA is <1%. Mortality among patients with HHS is ~10-fold higher than that associated with DKA. The prognosis and outcome of patients with DKA or HHS are determined by the severity of dehydration, the presence of comorbidities and age >60 years. The estimated annual cost of hospital treatment for patients experiencing hyperglycaemic crises in the USA exceeds US$2 billion. Hypoglycaemia is a frequent and serious adverse effect of antidiabetic therapy that is associated with both immediate and delayed adverse clinical outcomes, as well as increased economic costs. Inpatients who develop hypoglycaemia are likely to experience a long duration of hospital stay and increased mortality. This Review describes the clinical presentation, precipitating causes, diagnosis and acute management of these diabetic emergencies, including a discussion of practical strategies for their prevention.

The evolution of diabetic ketoacidosis: An update of its etiology, pathogenesis and management

The prognosis of diabetic ketoacidosis has undergone incredibly remarkable evolution since the discovery of insulin nearly a century ago. The incidence and economic burden of diabetic ketoacidosis have continued to rise but its mortality has decreased to less than 1% in good centers. Improved outcome is attributable to a better understanding of the pathophysiology of the disease and widespread application of treatment guidelines. In this review, we present the changes that have occurred over the years, highlighting the evidence behind the recommendations that have improved outcome. We begin with a discussion of the precipitants and pathogenesis of DKA as a prelude to understanding the rationale for the recommendations. A brief review of ketosis-prone type 2 diabetes, an update relating to the diagnosis of DKA and a future perspective are also provided.

Risk factors for recurrent admissions with diabetic ketoacidosis: a case-control observational study

AIM

To perform a detailed analysis of patients with recurrent diabetic ketoacidosis admissions in order to establish risk factors for readmission.

METHODS

The medical records of all adults and young people (> 15 years) with Type 1 diabetes admitted to Auckland City Hospital over a 15-year period from 1997 to 2011 with a primary diagnosis of ketoacidosis were analysed. Patients readmitted with ketoacidosis within 5 years of their index admission were identified and compared with patients without ketoacidosis readmission who were matched for age, gender, ethnicity and duration of diabetes.

RESULTS

A total of 268 patients accounted for a total of 412 admissions. In all, 58 patients had more than one admission for diabetic ketoacidosis during this period. Of these, 40 patients readmitted with diabetic ketoacidosis were compared with matched control subjects (n = 40) who had only one admission for diabetic ketoacidosis. The mean ± sd age of the cohort was 31 ± 12 years. The readmission group had more severe diabetic ketoacidosis and poorer glycaemic control. Alcohol abuse was commonly noted in both groups, with insulin dose omission being the main contributor to the development of ketoacidosis. Both groups had high rates of clinic non-attendance. There were no other differences noted between the groups.

CONCLUSION

When patients with recurrent diabetic ketoacidosis were matched for age, duration of diabetes, gender and ethnicity with patients who had only one admission for diabetic ketoacidosis, few differences were noted. This makes designing intervention strategies to reduce readmission with diabetic ketoacidosis difficult.

[The nutrition of acute phase in patients with metabolic syndrome]

In this session, we describe the acute phase in patients with metabolic syndrome from two sides; acute disease that occurs higher in patients with metabolic syndrome such as colonary heart disease and stroke, and acute aggravation of diabetes such as diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome. The electrolyte imbalance is frequently detected in critical ill patients. It is reported that the extreme abnormalities of ionized calcium concentrations are independent predictors of mortality. In addition, from clinical database MIMIC-Ⅱ,calcium supplementation improves clinical outcome in intensive care unit patients. Although metabolic syndrome; lifestyle-related disease, is a chronic disease, the possibility of falling into acute disease by having it becomes very high and improvement of electrolyte imbalance, especially hypocalcaemia is expected to effective on clinical outcome.

Clinical profile of diabetic ketoacidosis in tertiary hospitals in China: a multicentre, clinic-based study

AIMS

To evaluate the clinical profile of patients with diabetic ketoacidosis in tertiary hospitals in China.

METHODS

A retrospective study of patients hospitalized with diabetic ketoacidosis between 2010 and 2012 was carried out in 15 tertiary hospitals around China. Clinical and laboratory data were collected. Patients were classified based on clinical diagnosis and treatment history. Groups were compared for differences in vital statistics and biochemical profiles at presentation.

RESULTS

The study comprised 643 patients with diabetic ketoacidosis: 308 patients (47.9%) with Type 1 diabetes, 294 patients (45.7%) with Type 2 diabetes and 41 patients (6.4%) with atypical diabetes. Three hundred and eighty-eight diabetic ketoacidosis episodes (60.3%) were in patients with known diabetes. The most common precipitating factor was infection (40.1%), followed by unknown causes (36.9%) and non-compliance with anti-diabetes treatment (16.8%). At presentation, gastrointestinal symptoms and dehydration were more common in the Type 1 diabetes group. For new-onset diabetes, only 74.4% and 55.9% of patients were evaluated for β-cell function and autoantibodies for classification. Only 67% of patients with diabetic ketoacidosis received appropriate fluid therapy and 56% patients with severe acidosis received bicarbonate therapy. The length of hospital stay was 10.0 (7.0-14.0) days. The mortality rate was 1.7%, and was much higher in Type 2 diabetes than that in Type 1 diabetes (3.2% vs. 0.4%, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Type 2 and Type 1 diabetes contribute to a similar proportion of cases presenting with diabetic ketoacidosis in China. Admissions with diabetic ketoacidosis are still associated with significant mortality and prolonged hospitalization. The efficiency of diabetic ketoacidosis management needs to be improved by implementing the updated guidelines.

National survey of the management of Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) in the UK in 2014

AIM

To examine, in a national survey, the outcomes of adult patients presenting with DKA in 2014, mapped against accepted UK national guidance.

METHODS

Data were collected in a standardized form covering clinical and biochemical outcomes, risk and discharge planning. The form was sent to all UK diabetes specialist teams (n = 220). Anonymized data were collected on five consecutive patients admitted with DKA between 1 May 2014 and 30 November 2014.

RESULTS

A total of 283 forms were received (n = 281 patients) from 72 hospitals, of which 71.4% used the national guidelines. The results showed that 7.8% of cases occurred in existing inpatients, 6.1% of admissions were newly diagnosed diabetes and 33.7% of patients had had at least one episode of DKA in the preceding year. The median times to starting 0.9% sodium chloride and intravenous insulin were 41.5 and 60 min, respectively. The median time to resolution was 18.7 h and the median length of hospital stay was 2.6 days. Significant adverse biochemical outcomes occurred, with 27.6% of patients developing hypoglycaemia and 55% reported as having hypokalaemia. There were also significant issues with care processes. Initial nurse-led observations were carried out well, but subsequent patient monitoring remained suboptimal. Most patients were not seen by a member of the diabetes specialist team during the first 6 h, but 95% were seen before discharge. A significant minority of discharge letters to primary care did not contain necessary information.

CONCLUSION

Despite widespread adoption of national guidance, several areas of management of DKA are suboptimal, being associated with avoidable biochemical and clinical risk.

Improving acute care for adolescents and young adults on medical admission units: The interventions that matter

It had become a familiar routine. My seventh admission with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in a year. Each time I was admitted it was the same; a DKA protocol, a diabetes specialist nurse visit, and a few questions from the doctors checking if "everything is okay?" On each admission, I would be discharged home after a couple of days. We all knew I'd be back again within a month or two.

Effectiveness of a multidisciplinary team approach to the prevention of readmission for acute glycaemic events

AIMS

To describe the effect of a combined diabetes specialist/mental health team approach to prevent readmissions for acute glycaemic events among patients with diabetes.

METHODS

Consecutive patients with diabetes, readmitted to a single hospital for an acute glycaemic condition, were offered one or more diabetes (including assessment, education, medication, technology use and intensive support) and mental health (including assessment, training and therapies) interventions. The pilot service took place over 11 months, with the preceding 24 months and subsequent 8 months serving as control periods.

RESULTS

Of the 58 patients admitted, 50 had Type 1 diabetes and were from within the hospital catchment area, and were discharged home. Of these, 32 (64%) had a pre-existing mental health issue and 14 (28%) had a complex social situation. In all, 96% of patients were met as an inpatient by a team member, and 94% accepted at least one intervention. The mean ±sd number of admissions per patient/month dropped from 0.12 ± 0.10 to 0.05 ± 0.10 (P < 0.001) during the intervention, increasing, once the intervention ended, to 0.16 ± 0.36 (P = 0.002). The mean ± sd length of stay similarly decreased and increased (0.6 ± 0.9 to 0.2 ± 0.7 days; P < 0.001 to 0.006) to 0.6 ± 1.4 days (P = 0.003) per patient/month) across the three periods, as did the mean ±sd tariff paid per patient/month (₤258.0 ± 374.0 vs ₤92.1 ± 245.0 vs ₤287.3 ± 563.8; P < 0.001 and P = 0.018, respectively). The mean ± sd HbA1c level dropped from 99 ± 22 to 92 ± 24 mmol/mol (11.2 ± 4.2% vs 10.6 ± 4.3%; P = 0.014) but did not increase after the intervention [89 ± 26 mmol/mol (10.4 ± 4.5%)].

CONCLUSIONS

The cost and long-term risks of hospitalization among patients with Type 1 diabetes and recurrent admissions can be reduced by a combined specialist diabetes/mental health team approach.

Diabetes in older people

The management of diabetes in older people is often challenging and poorly researched. The prevalence of cognitive impairment, chronic kidney disease and other co-existing comorbidities increase with age and have a significant impact on glycaemic control targets and treatment options. This conference examined current clinical practice, highlighted differences in the management of diabetes in the older person and suggested potential areas of future research.

Euglycemic Diabetic Ketoacidosis Due to Gastroparesis, A Local Experience

Euglycemic Diabetic Ketoacidosis is an uncommon occurrence. It is caused by an interaction of existing and worsening acidosis due to nausea and vomiting by a precipitating illness. In this case, a Type I Diabetic patient initially presented with Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) that eventually evolved into Euglycemic Ketoacidosis brought about by continuous nausea and vomiting. The case presented the complexity involved with Type I Diabetes in regards to glucose and energy metabolism and highlights the need for vigilance in monitoring acid/base balance in all diabetic patients who are ill and present with normal blood glucose level.

Simulated diabetic ketoacidosis therapy in vitro elicits brain cell swelling via sodium-hydrogen exchange and anion transport

A common complication of type 1 diabetes mellitus is diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a state of severe insulin deficiency. A potentially harmful consequence of DKA therapy in children is cerebral edema (DKA-CE); however, the mechanisms of therapy-induced DKA-CE are unknown. Our aims were to identify the DKA treatment factors and membrane mechanisms that might contribute specifically to brain cell swelling. To this end, DKA was induced in juvenile mice with the administration of the pancreatic toxins streptozocin and alloxan. Brain slices were prepared and exposed to DKA-like conditions in vitro. Cell volume changes were imaged in response to simulated DKA therapy. Our experiments showed that cell swelling was elicited with isolated DKA treatment components, including alkalinization, insulin/alkalinization, and rapid reductions in osmolality. Methyl-isobutyl-amiloride, a nonselective inhibitor of sodium-hydrogen exchangers (NHEs), reduced cell swelling in brain slices elicited with simulated DKA therapy (in vitro) and decreased brain water content in juvenile DKA mice administered insulin and rehydration therapy (in vivo). Specific pharmacological inhibition of the NHE1 isoform with cariporide also inhibited cell swelling, but only in the presence of the anion transport (AT) inhibitor 4,4'-diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulphonic acid. DKA did not alter brain NHE1 isoform expression, suggesting that the cell swelling attributed to the NHE1 was activity dependent. In conclusion, our data raise the possibility that brain cell swelling can be elicited by DKA treatment factors and that it is mediated by NHEs and/or coactivation of NHE1 and AT.

Management of hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic state in adults with diabetes

Hyperglycaemic hyperosmolar state (HHS) is a medical emergency, which differs from diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and requires a different approach. The present article summarizes the recent guidance on HHS that has been produced by the Joint British Diabetes Societies for Inpatient Care, available in full at http://www.diabetologists-abcd.org.uk/JBDS/JBDS_IP_HHS_Adults.pdf. HHS has a higher mortality rate than DKA and may be complicated by myocardial infarction, stroke, seizures, cerebral oedema and central pontine myelinolysis and there is some evidence that rapid changes in osmolality during treatment may be the precipitant of central pontine myelinolysis. Whilst DKA presents within hours of onset, HHS comes on over many days, and the dehydration and metabolic disturbances are more extreme. The key points in these HHS guidelines include: (1) monitoring of the response to treatment: (i) measure or calculate the serum osmolality regularly to monitor the response to treatment and (ii) aim to reduce osmolality by 3-8 mOsm/kg/h; (2) fluid and insulin administration: (i) use i.v. 0.9% sodium chloride solution as the principal fluid to restore circulating volume and reverse dehydration, (ii) fluid replacement alone will cause a fall in blood glucose (BG) level, (iii) withhold insulin until the BG level is no longer falling with i.v. fluids alone (unless ketonaemic), (iv) an initial rise in sodium level is expected and is not itself an indication for hypotonic fluids and (v) early use of insulin (before fluids) may be detrimental; and (3) delivery of care: (i) The diabetes specialist team should be involved as soon as possible and (ii) patients should be nursed in areas where staff are experienced in the management of HHS.

Evaluation of Pre-Treatment and Post-Treatment S100B, Oxidant and Antioxidant Capacity in Children with Diabetic Ketoacidosis

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to evaluate the pre-treatment and post-treatment oxidant capacity, antioxidant capacity and S100B protein levels in cases of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).

METHODS

The study included 49 pediatric patients diagnosed with DKA and a control group comprising 49 healthy children. Blood samples were obtained after confirmation of the DKA diagnosis and also after treatment. S100B, total oxidant (TOL) and total antioxidant levels (TAL) were measured and the oxidative stress index (OSI) was calculated.

RESULTS

When the pre-treatment and post-treatment values of patients with DKA were compared with those of the healthy control group, the S100B level, TOL, TAL and OSI were found to be significantly higher in the diabetes group (p<0.001). Pre-treatment TOL and TAL were also significantly higher than post-treatment levels (p<0.001), while no statistically significant difference was found in the S100B levels or the OSI (p>0.05).

CONCLUSION

We believe that long-term exposure to high blood glucose concentrations leads to an increase in TOL in patients with DKA and that the neurotransmitter changes that develop in response to this exposure lead to an increase in S100B levels, which is an indicator of neuronal damage.

Neonatal Diabetic Ketoacidosis in a Nigerian Infant: A Case Report

Neonatal diabetic ketoacidosis is a rare condition that may occur in the first few weeks of life as a complication of neonatal diabetes mellitus. The prominent clinical features are hyperglycaemia and dehydration. It could also mimick an infection. The danger of inappropriate diagnosis is increased morbidity and mortality. To prevent this, we advocate routine testing of blood glucose levels in neonates and infants who present at the emergency rooms. We report a case of neonatal diabetic ketoacidosis in a female who presented at our facility.

Rhabdomyolysis Due to Severe Hypophosphatemia in Diabetic Ketoacidosis

Rhabdomyolysis is a syndrome characterized by injury to skeletal muscle fibers with disruption and release of toxic metabolites into circulation. It is characterized by triad of muscle weakness, myalgia and dark urine and is associated with increased creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase. A severely malnourished 10 year old girl with severe diabetic ketoacidosis as hemr initial presentation of type 1 diabetes mellitus developed rhabdomyolysis (CK- 12,000 U/L) with non-oliguric renal failure during her initial course of hospital stay. The possible cause of her RM was attributed to severe hypophosphatemia (minimum serum phosphate, 0.8 mg/dL). Management of diabetic ketoacidosis phosphate supplementation and urinary alkalinization with diuresis improved her clinical course. She was discharged on Day 9 with Insulin. We recommend frequent monitoring of serum phosphate during early period of DKA, particularly in malnourished children, and its normalization in case of severe hypophosphatemia.

The lethargic diabetic: cerebral edema in pediatric patients in diabetic ketoacidosis

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is the leading cause of hospitalizations for pediatric patients with diabetes mellitus. The most severe complication of DKA is cerebral edema that may lead to brain herniation. We present a case report that highlights the subclinical presentation of DKA-related cerebral edema in a pediatric patient and review the acute care management of suspected cerebral edema during transport.

Mobile technology support for clinical decision in diabetic keto-acidosis emergency

The main challenge of effectively managing emergencies in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is the fine tuning of the treatment in order to re-establish the normal metabolic homeostasis. We propose a mobile application for clinical decision support in DKA emergencies (mDKA), running under Android on smart phones and tablet PCs. mDKA provides decision support for treatment concerning the main components (i.e. choice and dose of re-hydration agent, insulin, potassium or bicarbonate) for up to 12 hours after the diagnosis. The application underwent a preliminary scanty evaluation aimed at assessing its perceived usability. The results sustained the informal hints that mDKA's accuracy in deciding the treatment path was acceptable in terms of general variability of medical decision in DKA and brought evidence of positive attitude towards the application itself.

[Inferior vena cava thrombosis reaching the right atrium after removal of the central venous catheter at femoral vein in a patient with diabetic ketoacidosis]

A 19-year-old male was admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis. A central venous catheter for fluid loading and insulin administration was inserted from the right femoral vein. The catheter was placed for 4days and was removal. Three days after removal thrombus was pointed out with echocardiography. Cardiac ultrasound revealed floating thrombi in the right atrium. Venography demonstrated a large thrombus from the right femoral vein to the end of the inferior vena cava. Emergency surgery was performed. A tubular thrombus was trapped from the inferior vena cava departure at the right atrium under cardiopulmonary bypass. The surgeon also implanted an inferior vena caval filter. The patient was weaned from ventilator assist next day and was discharged from the hospital 13 days later. This case suggests that deep vein thrombosis should be checked in diabetic ketoacidosis even after removal of a central venous catheter implanted at the femoral vein.

Medically facilitated discharge of adult diabetic ketoacidosis admissions: precipitants and average length of stay

AIMS

To assess the impact of medically facilitated discharge by a specialist registrar on diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) length of stay (LOS) and to collect data from these DKA admissions for a descriptive summary of their clinical and biochemical characteristics.

METHOD

DKA admissions were identified through the electronic patient management system, Monday to Friday over a 9 month period. The admitting team was then offered assistance with discharge planning ('study intervention'). The registrar also collected clinical information for all identified DKA admissions.

RESULTS

There were 71 DKA admissions; 92% had type 1 diabetes and 56% were overnight admissions. Following exclusion of four admissions with prolonged LOS secondary to major comorbidities, mean LOS fell from 3.7 (± 1.0) to 2.8 (± 0.3) days. Facilitated discharge had no major impact on LOS. The commonest precipitant for admission was insulin omission, accounting for 65% of admissions. Local practice was to discharge patients following resolution of acidosis, but prior to complete abolition of ketosis.

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of DKA admissions were of short duration. Achieving further reduction in LOS is therefore difficult. Insulin omission was the commonest DKA precipitant. Diabetes clinical resources may be best allocated on preventing DKA admissions, rather than facilitating early discharge.

Use of a standardised diabetic ketoacidosis management protocol improved clinical outcomes

We analysed the clinical outcomes of using a standardised protocol in the management of diabetic ketoacidosis. Of 71 admissions, the protocol group (n=35) had significantly shorter length of hospitalisation, shorter time to normalise bicarbonate, fewer incidence of hypokalaemia and hypoglycaemia compared with the control group (n=36).

Management of diabetic ketoacidosis in adults

Ketoacidosis is a serious complication of diabetes. It is commonly precipitated by poor adherence to medication, stress and concurrent illness; it can be life threatening if it is not addressed quickly and effectively. This article discusses the pathophysiology, diagnosis and management of the condition, and highlights the nurse's role in this.

Treatment of hyperglycaemia in diabetic ketoacidosis: natura non facit saltus

In the treatment of severe diabetic ketoacidosis the gradual correction of glucose, electrolyte and fluid derangements is of utmost importance. In this paper the authors provide practical recommendations for these corrections based on novel pathophysiological insights.