Empagliflozin-induced ketoacidosis in a patient presenting with new-onset type 2 diabetes mellitus due to indolent pancreatic cancer

Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitor (SGLT2i) Associated Diabetic Ketoacidosis in Oncology Patients: A Case Series and Literature Review

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) use is associated with an increased risk of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). The clinical data regarding the use of SGLT2i and its potential side effects in oncology patients is limited. We are retrospectively reporting four oncology patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus using SGLT2i who were admitted with DKA. The mean age of the patients was 61.25 years, and male to female ratio was 1:1. The duration of type 2 diabetes ranged from 10 to 20 years (mean 15.75 years) and the types of SGLT2i used were empagliflozin 25 mg and dapagliflozin 10 mg. The types of malignancy in our case series included squamous cell carcinoma of the cheek, ovarian cancer, and two patients had laryngeal carcinoma (squamous cell carcinoma). Diabetic ketoacidosis was diagnosed in three patients following chemotherapy or concurrent chemo-radiotherapy. Poor oral intake and infections were the main risk factors in our patients. Mean blood glucose level, anion gap, and bicarbonate level were 11.7 mmol/l, 32.25, and 5 mmol/l, respectively. The majority had moderate DKA based on pH (mean 7.13). The hospital course was complicated by acute kidney injury (n=4), infections (n=4) (urinary tract infections, and pneumonia), and three patients required critical care. The mean length of hospitalization was 19.2 days and no mortality was reported among our patients. SGLT2i-related DKA is an emerging complication recognized in oncology patients. Some of the risk factors for this complication are starvation, poor oral intake, and infection which are quite prevalent in oncology patients. Temporary holding of SGLT2i medication during this period might have a potential preventive role.

Euglycemic Ketoacidosis in a Patient with Metastatic Non-Small-Cell Lung Adenocarcinoma and Concomitant Pulmonary Embolism

Euglycemic ketoacidosis is a recognised side effect secondary to sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor use in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus; however, there is scarce evidence to suggest whether preexisting comorbid conditions contribute to the development of this potentially life-threatening complication. We describe a case of euglycemic ketoacidosis in a patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus in the context of empagliflozin use after a recent diagnosis of metastatic lung adenocarcinoma. The diagnosis was complicated by a pulmonary embolism and hospital-acquired pneumonia, and was subsequently established after an anion-gap metabolic acidosis was identified on arterial blood gas and serum ketone measurement. The patient required admission to the intensive care unit for fluid resuscitation and regular intravenous insulin to ensure resolution of acidosis and maintenance of normoglycaemia. The patient was discharged to home for outpatient single-agent pembrolizumab for treatment of his lung adenocarcinoma. This article highlights the importance or awareness of oral hypoglycaemic medications and their side effects, along with providing further evidence for the potential contribution of malignancy to the development of euglycemic ketoacidosis in a patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus.