Evaluation of the Effect of Fluid and Electrolyte Therapy on Electrolytes and Acidosis Resolution Time in Diabetic Ketoacidosis

Abstract

Objective: Fluid replacement and insulin infusion are the cornerstones of treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis, but the optimal volume, rate of infusion, and electrolyte content of fluid replacement have been controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of treatment on pH, bicarbonate (HCO3), anion gap, chloride, and potassium levels as well as time to resolution of acidosis in children with diabetic ketoacidosis. Material and Methods: Ninety-six episodes with diabetic ketoacidosis between January 2015-December 2017 were evaluated. Results: The mean resolution time of acidosis was 13.4±7.1 hours. Anion gap was returned to normal in 68 (70.8%) episodes at the 4th hour of treatment with a mean of 11±4.2 mmol/L. Episodes with potassium phosphate (KPO4) replacement resulted in a faster increase in pH and a significantly shorter resolution time of acidosis (p<0.001). Acidosis persisted at the 16th hour of treatment in episodes with lower pH, lower serum bicarbonate (HCO3) and higher white blood cell (WBC) counts on admission (p<0.001, p=0.003 p=0.033, respectively). Hyperchloremia (Cl/Na ratio > 0.79) was observed in 97% of cases after 8 hours of treatment. Conclusion: Although the value of the anion gap in predicting acidosis is controversial, severe DKA episodes and high white blood cell count at admission; potassium replacement with high amounts of chloride and KCl containing fluids given during treatment have been associated with a longer recovery time of acidosis.