Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor-associated euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis in COVID-19-infected patients: A systematic review of case reports

BACKGROUND Diabetic ketoacidosis(DKA)manifests as hyperglycemia,metabolic acidosis,and ketosis.However,euglycemic DKA(eu-DKA)conceals severe DKA with glucose levels below 200 mg/dL.Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2(SGLT2)inhibitors can induce eu-DKA in diabetic patients.Notably,coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)-infected individuals with diabetes using SGLT2 inhibitors face an augmented risk of eu-DKA due to the direct toxic impact of the virus on pancreatic islets.This study aims to comprehensively investigate the association between SGLT2 inhibitors and eu-DKA in COVID-19 patients through meticulous case report analysis.Additionally,we endeavor to examine the outcomes and treatment approaches for COVID-19-infected diabetics receiving SGLT2 inhibitors,providing indispensable insights for healthcare professionals managing this specific patient population.AIM To investigate the connection between SGLT2 inhibitors and euglycemic DKA in COVID-19 patients through a meticulous analysis of case reports.METHODS We conducted an exhaustive search across prominent electronic databases,including PubMed,SCOPUS,Web of Science,and Google Scholar.This search encompassed the period from December 2019 to May 2022,incorporating published studies and pre-prints.The search terms employed encompassed“SGLT2 inhibitors”,“euglycemic DKA”,“COVID-19”,and related variations.By incorporating these diverse sources,our objective was to ensure a thorough exploration of the existing literature on this subject,thereby augmenting the validity and robustness of our findings.RESULTS Our search yielded a total of seven case reports and one case series,collectively comprising a cohort of twelve patients.These reports detailed instances of eu-DKA in individuals with COVID-19.Crucially,all twelve patients were utilizing SGLT2 as their primary anti-diabetic medication.Upon admission,all oral medications were promptly discontinued,and the patients were initiated on intravenous insulin therapy to effectively manage the DKA.Encouragingly,eleven patients demonstrated a favorable outcome,while regrettably,one patient succumbed to the condition.Subsequently,SGLT2 were discontinued for all patients upon their discharge from the hospital.These findings provide valuable insights into the clinical management and outcomes of eu-DKA cases associated with COVID-19 and SGLT2,underscoring the critical importance of prompt intervention and vigilant medication adjustments.CONCLUSION Our study sheds light on the possibility of diabetic patients developing both drug-related and unrelated DKA,as well as encountering adverse outcomes in the context of COVID-19,despite maintaining satisfactory glycemic control.The relationship between glycemic control and clinical outcomes in COVID-19 remains ambiguous.Consequently,this systematic review proposes that COVID-19-infected diabetic patients using SGLT2 should contemplate alternative treatment protocols until their recovery from the disease.

Sodium-glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors induced euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis:A meta summary of case reports

BACKGROUND Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors(SGLT2i)are commonly prescribed to manage patients with diabetes mellitus.These agents may rarely lead to the development of euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis(EDKA),which may complicate the disease course of these patients.AIM To analyze the demographic profile,predisposing factors,symptomology,clinical interventions and outcomes of patients presenting with EDKA secondary to SGLT2i use by reviewing the published case reports and series.METHODS We performed a systematic search of PubMed,Science Direct,Google Scholar and Reference Citation Analysis databases using the terms“canagliflozin”OR“empagliflozin”OR“dapagliflozin”OR“SGLT2 inhibitors”OR“Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2”AND“euglycemia”OR“euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis”OR“metabolic acidosis”.The inclusion criteria were:(1)Case reports or case series with individual patient details;and(2)Reported EDKA secondary to SGLT2i.Furthermore,the data were filtered from the literature published in the English language and on adults(>18 years).We excluded:(1)Conference abstracts;and(2)Case reports or series which did not have individual biochemical data.All the case reports and case series were evaluated.The data extracted included patient demographics,clinical symptomatology,clinical interventions,intensive care unit course,need for organ support and outcomes.RESULTS Overall,108 case reports and 17 cases series with 169 unique patients that met all the inclusion criteria were included.The majority of patients were females(54.4%,n=92),and the commonly reported symptoms were gastrointestinal(nausea/vomiting 65.1%,abdominal pain 37.3%)and respiratory(breathlessness 30.8%).One hundred and forty-nine(88.2%)patients had underlying type II diabetes,and the most commonly involved SGLT-2 inhibitor reported was empagliflozin(46.8%).A triggering factor was reported in most patients(78.7%),the commonest being acute severe infection(37.9%),which included patients with sepsis,coronavirus disease 2019,other viral illnesses,and acute pancreatitis.61.5%were reported to require intensive unit care,but only a minority of patients required organ support in the form of invasive mechanical ventilation(13%),vasopressors(6.5%)or renal replacement therapy(5.9%).The overall mortality rate was only 2.4%.CONCLUSION Patients on SGLT2i may rarely develop EDKA,especially in the presence of certain predisposing factors,including severe acute infections and following major surgery.The signs and symptoms of EDKA may be similar to that of DKA but with normal blood sugar levels,which may make the diagnosis challenging.Outcomes of EDKA are good if recognized early and corrective actions are taken.Hence,physicians managing such patients must be aware of this potential complication and must educate their patients accordingly to ensure early diagnosis and management.

COVID-19 vaccination and diabetic ketoacidosis

An efficient coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)vaccine is urgently required to fight the pandemic due to its high transmission rate and quick dissemination.There have been numerous reports on the side effects of the COVID-19 immunization,with a focus on its negative effects.Clinical endocrinology is extremely interested in the endocrine issue that arises after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.As was already mentioned,after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine,many clinical problems could occur.Additionally,there are some compelling reports on diabetes.After receiving the COVID-19 vaccine,a patient experienced hyperosmolar hyperglycemia state,a case of newly-onset type 2 diabetes.There has also been information on a potential connection between the COVID-19 vaccine and diabetic ketoacidosis.Common symptoms include thirst,polydipsia,polyuria,palpitations,a lack of appetite,and weariness.In extremely rare clinical circumstances,a COVID-19 vaccine recipient may develop diabetes complications such as hyperglycemia and ketoacidosis.In these circumstances,routine clinical care has a successful track record.It is advised to give vaccine recipients who are vulnerable to problems,such as those with type 1 diabetes as an underlying illness,extra attention.

Clinical and biochemical predictors of intensive care unit admission among patients with diabetic ketoacidosis

BACKGROUND Diabetic ketoacidosis(DKA)contributes to 94%of diabetes-related hospital admissions,and its incidence is rising.Due to the complexity of its management and the need for rigorous monitoring,many DKA patients are managed in the intensive care unit(ICU).However,studies comparing DKA patients managed in ICU to non-ICU settings show an increase in healthcare costs without significantly affecting patient outcomes.It is,therefore,essential to identify suitable candidates for ICU care in DKA patients.AIM To evaluate factors that predict the requirement for ICU care in DKA patients.METHODS This retrospective study included consecutive patients with index DKA episodes who presented to the emergency department of four general hospitals of Hamad Medical Corporation,Doha,Qatar,between January 2015 and March 2021.All adult patients(>14 years)fulfilling the American Diabetes Association criteria for DKA diagnosis were included.RESULTS We included 922 patients with DKA in the final analysis,of which 229(25%)were managed in the ICU.Compared to non-ICU patients,patients admitted to ICU were older[mean(SD)age of 40.4±13.7 years vs 34.5±14.6 years;P<0.001],had a higher body mass index[median(IQR)of 24.6(21.5-28.4)kg/m2 vs 23.7(20.3-27.9)kg/m2;P<0.030],had T2DM(61.6%)and were predominantly males(69%vs 31%;P<0.020).ICU patients had a higher white blood cell count[median(IQR)of 15.1(10.2-21.2)×103/uL vs 11.2(7.9-15.7)×103/uL,P<0.001],urea[median(IQR)of 6.5(4.6-10.3)mmol/L vs 5.6(4.0-8.0)mmol/L;P<0.001],creatinine[median(IQR)of 99(75-144)mmol/L vs 82(63-144)mmol/L;P<0.001],C-reactive protein[median(IQR)of 27(9-83)mg/L vs 14(5-33)mg/L;P<0.001]and anion gap[median(IQR)of 24.0(19.2-29.0)mEq/L vs 22(17-27)mEq/L;P<0.001];while a lower venous pH[mean(SD)of 7.10±0.15 vs 7.20±0.13;P<0.001]and bicarbonate level[mean(SD)of 9.2±4.1 mmol/L vs 11.6±4.3 mmol/L;P<0.001]at admission than those not requiring ICU management of DKA(P<0.001).Patients in the ICU group had a longer LOS[median(IQR)of 4.2(2.7-7.1)d vs 2.0(1.0-3.9)d;P<0.001]and DKA duration[median(IQR)of 24(13-37)h vs 15(19-24)h,P<0.001]than those not requiring ICU admission.In the multivariate logistic regression analysis model,age,Asian ethnicity,concurrent coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)infection,DKA severity,DKA trigger,and NSTEMI were the main predicting factors for ICU admission.CONCLUSION In the largest tertiary center in Qatar,25%of all DKA patients required ICU admission.Older age,T2DM,newly onset DM,an infectious trigger of DKA,moderate-severe DKA,concurrent NSTEMI,and COVID-19 infection are some factors that predict ICU requirement in a DKA patient.

Adult Patient with Diabetic Ketoacidosis and Rhabdomyolysis

Rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney injury and diabetic ketoacidosis all are life-threatening conditions. Coincidence of them can be missed because the patient is usually asymptomatic or has mild symptoms related to rhabdomyolysis. The development of rhabdomyolysis as a complication of diabetic ketoacidosis is not well understood and only a few clinical studies address the phenomenon. We are reporting, along with a literature review, a 39-year-old male, who presented with diabetic ketoacidosis complicated with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney injury. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case reported in the United Arab Emirates. We highlight the syndrome because it is curable with early detection and proper treatment.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Diabetic Ketoacidosis Mellitus with Guillain-Barré Syndrome: A Case Report

This article reports the diagnosis and treatment of a case of Diabetic ketoacidosis with Guillain-Barré syndrome. Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is the most common acute diabetes mellitus, often diabetes and infection, insulin withdrawal or interruption of the history of triggers, with hyperglycemia, ketoacidosis, and acid poisoning as the main symptoms, rapid onset of ill-ness, and serious illness. Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is an autoimmune-mediated peripheral neuropathy with frequent respiratory or gastrointestinal tract infections and low clinical incidence before 1 - 3 weeks. This case was characterized by a headache with vomiting acute onset, a relatively clear diagnosis of diabetic ketoacidosis, a symmetrical decrease in muscle strength in the extremities, and recovery of consciousness after aggressive correction of environmental disturbance in electrolytes, but very poor muscle strength in the extremities, protein-cell segregation in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Considering Guillain-Barré syndrome, the patient’s muscle strength gradually recovered after treatment with proglobulin shock. At present, the pathogenesis of the two is not clear, but because of its rapid progress, clinicians should raise awareness of diabetic ketoacidosis combined with Guillain-Barré syndrome, early diagnosis, and active treatment. Inform consent has been obtained from the patient for this report.

Diabetes Ketoacidosis in Pregnancy: A Retrospective Study from the Teaching Hospital of Pikine

Introduction: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in pregnancy is rare but associated with maternal and foetal morbidity and mortality. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the epidemiological, diagnostic, and prognostic characteristics of DKA in pregnant women in Dakar hospitals and to study the predictive factors of its occurrence. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted from January 2013 to January 2021 in the Internal Medicine/ Endocrinology-Diabetology-Nutrition and Gynaecology-Obstetrics departments of the National University Hospital Centre in Pikine, Senegal. Medical files of all pregnant women hospitalised for DKA during this period were collected. Results: A total of 10 patients were included in the study. Average age was 30.9 years. Two patients with unplanned pregnancies had pre-gestational diabetes mellitus (pre-GDM) and did not have regular diabetic follow-up. Among the 8 patients with GDM, risk factors for GDM were found in 7 women, and three had a history of GDM. Blood glucose levels were >1.02 and >11 g/L for these two groups, respectively. None of the women had been systematically screened for GDM between 24 and 28 gestational weeks. Signs of ketosis were present: 6 patients had Kussmaul dyspnea and one patient had a Glasgow Coma Score of 10/15. The precipitating factor was infection in three patients. Two patients had pre-eclampsia. The evolution of DKA was favourable in all patients. For pregnancy outcomes: 4 cases of intrauterine foetal death were recorded, 2 women carried their pregnancy to term, a woman gives birth prematurely and 3 patients were lost to follow-up. Conclusion: DKA during pregnancy is rare in Dakar hospitals but health risk increases with the lack of screening for GDM in pregnant women, follow-up in a specialised environment, and pregnancy planning in diabetic patients. The obstetrical prognosis is poor for GDM patients, with a high rate of foetal death in utero.

Euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis:A missed diagnosis

Euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis(DKA)is an acute life-threatening metabolic emergency characterized by ketoacidosis and relatively lower blood glucose(less than 11 mmol/L).The absence of hyperglycemia is a conundrum for physicians in the emergency department and intensive care units;it may delay diagnosis and treatment causing worse outcomes.Euglycemic DKA is an uncommon diagnosis but can occur in patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus.With the addition of sodium/glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors in diabetes mellitus management,euglycemic DKA incidence has increased.The other causes of euglycemic DKA include pregnancy,fasting,bariatric surgery,gastroparesis,insulin pump failure,cocaine intoxication,chronic liver disease and glycogen storage disease.The pathophysiology of euglycemic DKA involves a relative or absolute carbohydrate deficit,milder degree of insulin deficiency or resistance and increased glucagon/insulin ratio.Euglycemic DKA is a diagnosis of exclusion and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a sick patient with a history of diabetes mellitus despite lower blood glucose or absent urine ketones.The diagnostic workup includes arterial blood gas for metabolic acidosis,serum ketones and exclusion of other causes of high anion gap metabolic acidosis.Euglycemic DKA treatment is on the same principles as for DKA with correction of dehydration,electrolytes deficit and insulin replacement.The dextrosecontaining fluids should accompany intravenous insulin to correct metabolic acidosis,ketonemia and to avoid hypoglycemia.

Rare complications of pediatric diabetic ketoacidosis

The incidence of type 1 diabetes(T1D) among youth is steadily increasing across the world. Up to a third of pediatric patients with T1 D present with diabetic ketoacidosis, a diagnosis that continues to be the leading cause of death in this population. Cerebral edema is the most common rare complication of diabetic ketoacidosis in children. Accordingly, treatment and outcome measures of cerebral edema are vastly researched and the pathophysiology is recently the subject of much debate. Nevertheless, cerebral edema is not the onlysequela of diabetic ketoacidosis that warrants close monitoring. The medical literature details various other complications in children with diabetic ketoacidosis, including hypercoagulability leading to stroke and deep vein thrombosis, rhabdomyolysis, pulmonary and gastrointestinal complications, and long-term memory dysfunction. We review the pathophysiology, reported cases, management, and outcomes of each of these rare complications in children. As the incidence of T1 D continues to rise, practitioners will care for an increasing number of pediatric patients with diabetic ketoacidosis and should be aware of the various systems that may be affected in both the acute and chronic setting.

Guidelines and controversies in the management of diabetic ketoacidosis – A mini-review

Diabetic ketoacidosis(DKA) is a complication seen in patients with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Due to its large, growing economic impact with associated morbidity, closer look at proper management is im-portant. Factors involved in appropriate management involves fluid resuscitation, insulin regimen, and elec-trolyte replacement including types of fluid and insulin treatment. The caveat with generalized protocol is application to special populations such as renal or heart failure patients the sequelae of complications due to pathophysiology of the disease processes. This leads to complications and longer length of stay in the hospital, therefore, possibly increased cost and resource utilization during the hospitalization. This review takes a closer look at current guidelines of DKA management and resource utilization, the drawbacks of current management protocols and the cost associated with it. Therefore, a need for amendment to existing protocol or initiation of a newer guideline that properly manages DKA should incorporate special populations and appropriate regimen of fluid resuscitation, insulin therapy and electrolyte management.

Effects of diabetic ketoacidosis in the respiratory system

Diabetes affects approximately 30 million persons in the United States. Diabetes ketoacidosis is one of the most serious and acute complications of diabetes. At the time of presentation and during treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis(DKA), several metabolic and electrolyte derangements can ultimately result in respiratory compromise. Most commonly, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia and hypophosphatemia can eventually lead to respiratory muscles failure.Furthermore, tachypnea, hyperpnea and more severely, Kussmaul breathing pattern can develop. Also, hydrostatic and non-hydrostatic pulmonary edema can occur secondary to volume shifts into the extracellular space and secondary to increased permeability of the pulmonary capillaries. The presence of respiratory failure in patients with DKA is associated with higher morbidity and mortality. Being familiar with the causes of respiratory compromise in DKA, and how to treat them, may represent better outcomes for patients with DKA.

Use of sodium bicarbonate and blood gas monitoring in diabetic ketoacidosis: A review

Diabetic ketoacidosis(DKA) is a severe and toocommon complication of uncontrolled diabetes mellitus. Acidosis is one of the fundamental disruptions stemming from the disease process, the complications of which are potentially lethal. Hydration and insulin administration have been the cornerstones of DKA therapy; however, adjunctive treatments such as the use of sodium bicarbonate and protocols that include serial monitoring with blood gas analysis have been much more controversial. There is substantial literature available regarding the use of exogenous sodium bicarbonate in mild to moderately severe acidosis; the bulk of the data argue against significant benefit in important clinical outcomes and suggest possible adverse effects with the use of bicarbonate. However, there is scant data to support or refute the role of bicarbonate therapy in very severe acidosis. Arterial blood gas(ABG) assessment is an element of some treatment protocols, including society guidelines, for DKA. We review the evidence supporting these recommendations. In addition, we review the data supporting some less cumbersome tests, including venous blood gas assessment and routine chemistries. It remains unclear that measurement of blood gas pH, via arterial or venous sampling, impacts management of the patient substantially enough to warrant the testing, especially if sodium bicarbonate administration is not being considered. There are special circumstances when serial ABG monitoring and/or sodium bicarbonate infusion are necessary, which we also review. Additional studies are needed to determine the utility of these interventions in patients with severe DKA and pH less than 7.0.

Respiratory failure in diabetic ketoacidosis

Respiratory failure complicating the course of diabetic ketoacidosis(DKA)is a source of increased morbidity and mortality.Detection of respiratory failure in DKA requires focused clinical monitoring,careful interpretation of arterial blood gases,and investigation for conditions that can affect adversely the respiration.Conditions that compromise respiratory function caused by DKA can be detected at presentation but are usually more prevalent during treatment.These conditions include deficits of potassium,magnesium and phosphate and hydrostatic or non-hydrostatic pulmonary edema.Conditions not caused by DKA that can worsen respiratory function under the added stress of DKA include infections of the respiratory system,pre-existing respiratory or neuromuscular disease and miscellaneous other conditions.Prompt recognition and management of the conditions that can lead to respiratory failure in DKA may prevent respiratory failure and improve mortality from DKA.

Black esophagus syndrome associated with diabetic ketoacidosis

Acute esophageal necrosis,also known as "black esophagus syndrome",is a rare acute esophageal disease that is often associated with vomiting and upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage.At present,little is known regarding the pathogenesis of this disease.We present the case of a 50-year-old white male patient with diabetic ketoacidosis suffering from acute esophageal necrosis with nausea and vomiting but without any clinical signs of upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

Bilateral cerebral infarction in diabetic ketoacidosis and bilateral internal carotid artery occlusion:A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Diabetic ketoacidosis(DKA)is a serious complication of type 1 diabetes mellitus(T1DM).Very rarely does DKA lead to cerebral edema,and it is even rarer for it to result in cerebral infarction.Bilateral internal carotid artery occlusion(BICAO)is also rare and can cause fatal stroke.Moreover,case reports about acute cerebral infarction throughout both internal carotid arteries with simultaneous BICAO are very scarce.In this study,we present a patient with BICAO,T1DM,hypertension,and hyperlipidemia,who had a catastrophic bilateral cerebral infarction after a DKA episode.We briefly introduce BICAO and the mechanisms by which DKA results in cerebral infarction.CASE SUMMARY A 41-year-old woman presented with ischemic stroke that took place 3 mo prior over the left corona radiata,bilateral frontal lobe,and parietal lobe with right hemiplegia and Broca’s aphasia.She had a history of hypertension for 5 years,hyperlipidemia for 4 years,hyperthyroidism for 3 years,and T1DM for 31 years.The first brain magnetic resonance imaging not only revealed the aforementioned ischemic lesions but also bilateral internal carotid artery occlusion.She was admitted to our ward for rehabilitation due to prior stroke sequalae.DKA took place on hospital day 2.On hospital day 6,she had a new massive infarction over the bilateral anterior cerebral artery and middle cerebral artery territory.After weeks of aggressive treatment,she remained in a coma and on mechanical ventilation due to respiratory failure.After discussion with her family,compassionate extubation was performed on hospital day 29 and she died.CONCLUSION DKA can lead to cerebral infarction due to several mechanisms.In people with existing BICAO and several stroke risk factors such as hypertension, T1DM,hyperlipidemia, DKA has the potential to cause more serious ischemic strokes.

Diabetic ketoacidosis: Treatment in the intensive care unit or general medical/surgical ward?

Diabetic ketoacidosis(DKA) is defined as an acute metabolic disorder, which is characterized by an increased presence of circulating ketones, and the development of ketoacidosis in the presence of hyperglycemia. This syndrome occurs as a result of insulin deficiency. Patients can be dramatically ill, however, with aggressive treatment, most patients recover rapidly. Despite being a low-risk condition, the development of acidosis, is one of the admission criteria to the intensive care unit(ICU) for these patients, in order to provide close monitoring, and recognize complications that could result from the use of aggressive therapy, such as continuous infusions if insulin. In some institutions, DKA is treated in the emergency department and general medical/surgical wards to avoid ICU overcrowding.

Interprofessional, multiple step simulation course improves pediatric resident and nursing staff management of pediatric patients with diabetic ketoacidosis

AIM To investigate the use of a multidisciplinary, longitudinal simulation to educate pediatric residents and nurses on management of pediatric diabetic ketoacidosis.METHODS A multidisciplinary, multiple step simulation course was developed by faculty and staff using a modified Delphi method from the Pediatric Simulation Center and pediatric endocrinology department. Effectiveness of the simulation for the residents was measured with a pre- and post-test and a reference group not exposed to simulation. A follow up post-test was completed 3-6 mo after the simulation. Nurses completed a survey regarding the education activity. RESULTS Pediatric and medicine-pediatric residents(n = 20) and pediatric nurses(n = 25) completed the simulation course. Graduating residents(n = 16) were used as reference group. Pretest results were similar in the control and intervention group(74% ± 10% vs 76% ± 15%, P = 0.658). After completing the intervention, participants improved in the immediate post-test in comparison to themselves and the control group(84% ± 12% post study; P < 0.05). The 3-6 mo follow up post-test results demonstrated knowledge decay when compared to their immediate post-test results(78% ± 14%, P = 0.761). Residents and nurses felt the interdisciplinary and longitudinal nature of the simulation helped with learning.CONCLUSION Results suggest a multidisciplinary, longitudinal simulation improves immediate post-intervention knowledge but important knowledge decay occurs, future studies are needed to determine ways to decrease this decay.

Mucormycosis in a diabetic ketoacidosis patient

Oral cavity is considered to be a kaleidoscope for body's general health.Many systemic conditions do present with diverse oral manifestations.Mucormycosis involving the oral cavity is one such entity that presents as necrosis of bone in immunocompromised patients.Mucormycosis is an opportunistic fungal infection that mainly affects the patients with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus.Hereby,we report a case of mucormycosis involving the palate in a patient with diabetic ketoacidosis.

Role of vitamin C in diabetic ketoacidosis:Is it ready for prime time?

Diabetic ketoacidosis(DKA) is life-threatening acute metabolic complication of diabetes mellitus(DM) that is characterized by acidosis, ketosis, and hyperglycemia, currently affecting mostly patients under 30 years of age with diabetes mellitus type 1. In both, DM and DKA, a pro-inflammatory state exists. This clinical entity occurs as a result of hyperglycemia-induced disturbances, resulting in an increased oxidative metabolism. For the latter reason, the use of vitamin C seems promising in DKA due to its antioxidant role in reducing the superoxide radicals that are consequence of the oxidative stress. This can decrease the proinflammatory state and avoids complications. Vitamin C, or also known as ascorbic acid, has been widely used in several illnesses, such as common cold, tissue healing, fertility, atherosclerosis, cancer prevention, immunity restoration, neuro-degenerative disease and also has been suggested to decrease the risk of DM, and this reason is giving place to believe that vitamin C can have an important role in treating diabetic complications such as DKA. In order to counteract these oxidative disturbances in DKA patients, we analyzed the current data regarding vitamin C and evaluate its role in any type treatment of this complication in the near future.

The successful use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation combined with continuous renal replacement therapy for a cardiac arrest patient with refractory hypokalemia and diabetic ketoacidosis

Dear editor,Diabetic ketoacidosis(DKA)is a common clinically severe disease,with an incidence of 24.9/1,000 among diabetes patients,and approximately 180,000 people in the United States suffer from DKA every year.[1]The reported mortality rate associated with DKA ranges from 0.65%to 3.30%,and is commonly caused by electrolyte imbalances,especially hypokalemia and hyperkalemia.[2]Reports indicated that hypokalemia was observed in 5.6%of patients with DKA before therapy,[3]and the overall prevalence of hypokalemia during treatment for DKA was 38%.[4]Several studies have shown that hypokalemia can lead to fatal dysrhythmia and even cardiac arrest,which are positively associated with increased mortality.