[Epidemiological profiles of diabetic ketoacidosis in the Emergency Department].

INTRODUCTION

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a severe metabolic complication of diabetes. Recent years have seen a marked increase in prevalence of diabetic ketoacidosis, but mortality is low. This study aimed to describe the epidemiological, clinical, therapeutic and prognostic features of patients with severe or moderate DKA admitted to the Emergency Department.

METHODS

He conducted a prospective, descriptive study including patients with moderate or severe DKA. Standardized care protocol. We studied the epidemiological, clinical, therapeutic and prognostic features of these patients.

RESULTS

The study involved 185 patients with moderate or severe DKA. The average age of patients was 38+/-18 years, with a sex ratio of 0.94. Known diabetes was reported in 159 patients (85%) of whom 116 had type 1 diabetes. The most common factors of decompensation were treatment discontinuation in 42% and infection in 32%. Average blood glucose was 32.7+/-12 mmol/L, pH =7.14+/-0.13, HCO3- =7.2+/-3.56 mmol/L. The mean duration of intravenous insulin was 17.3 +/- 16 hours. Hypoglycaemia was reported in 26 patients (14%), hypokalemia in 80 (43%) patients and hyperchloraemic mineral acidosis in 43 patients (23%). Intrahospital mortality was 2.1%.

CONCLUSION

Diabetic ketoacidosis occurs in young subjects treated with insulin therapy. Treatment is based on intravenous insulin associated with correction of fluid deficit. Complications mainly include hypokalemia and hypoglycemia and mortality is low.