Diabetic ketoacidosis

DKA

Headline
Etiology any metabolic stressors: infection, trauma, surgery...
Epidemiology
Clinical presentation Diagnostic criteria:
1. hyperglycaemia (CBG >11 or known DM)
2. ketonaemia (blood ketones > 3)
3. acidosis (pH <7.3 or HCO3 <15) (HAGMA)

> Pitfalls: Fever, ↑CRP is not part of DKA!
Pathogenesis
Diagnostic investigations Diagnostic criteria
➥ ketones > 3.0mmol/L OR ≥2+ ketonuria; AND
➥ bicarb < 15.0 and/or VBG pH <7.3
➥ CBG >11.0 or known DM
See also Hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic state
Immediate: blood gas, ECG
Management see one-pager.
Aims (BNF treatment summary):
- restore circulatory volume
- correct electrolyte imbalance and hyperglycaemia
- clear ketones and suppress ketogenesis
- identify and treat any precipitating causes, and prevent complications.

Insulin rate: 0.1 units/kg/h (50 units actrapid in 50ml 0.9% NaCl = 1 unit/ml)

Specific treatment targets:
- ketones <0.6
- pH >7.3 or HCO3 >18
- replace K if 3.5-5.5
- replace glucose if glucose <14mmol/L

Resolution defined as pH >7.3 and/or ketones <0.3bru

fluid resuscitation

fluid deficit in children - BSPED

Basically moved away from an overly restrictive fluid resuscitation strategy (PECARN 2018)

Assume a 5% fluid deficit in children and young people in mild DKA

  • blood pH 7.2-7.29 &/or bicarbonate <15

Assume a 5% fluid deficit in children and young people in moderate DKA

  • blood pH of 7.1- 7.19 &/or bicarbonate <10

Assume a 10% fluid deficit in children and young people in severe DKA

  • blood pH <7.1 &/or bicarbonate <5

10ml/kg bolus - take away from calculated fluid deficit IF NOT SHOCKED
5% or 10% * weight = volume over 48h → use to derive rate in ml/h

Maintenance rates = Holliday-Seager formula

i.e. 100ml/kg/day for 1st 10 kg, 50ml/kg/day for next 10kg, 20ml/kg/day for subsequent
derive rate of fluids (ml/h)

final fluid = deficit + maintenance