Acute Diabetic Ketoacidosis Research Articles

New-Onset Diabetic Ketoacidosis Precipitated by COVID-19 in Children :a case report

There is increasing evidence that the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is considered as a potential trigger virus for the development of diabetes mellitus in children. This can occur even in patients without factors predisposing to impaired glucose metabolism like obesity . Here, we report a rare case of diabetic ketoacidosis revealing new-onset diabetes and precipitated by COVID-19. The relationship between type 1 diabetes mellitus and COVID-19 is discussed. Results: A 13 years old girl developed symptoms suggestive of diabetic ketoacidosis preceded by polyuria, polydipsia, and lethergy. There is a documented COVID-19 infection in her parents . An asymptomatic infection was detected on the basis of a reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) . she responded well to treatment, including rehydration regimens and intravenous insulin. On the 4th day of her hospitalization, she was transferred to several injections of subcutaneous insulin with therapeutic and nutritional education from the parents. Conclusion. COVID-19 can induce acute onset diabetes and diabetic ketoacidosis in children. More research data are needed to improve our knowledge of this constellation and to guide the most appropriate therapies.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on critically ill patients with acute stroke and diabetic ketoacidosis

Introduction and aim. This study aimed to compare the hospitalization rate, mortality rate and morbidity status of patients hospitalized with stroke and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Material and methods. The data of 2522 patients who applied to the emergency department (ED) before and during the pandemic were evaluated. A Poisson regression analysis was used to examine the number of presentations between two different periods. Results. Stroke cases during the pandemic era were compared to those during the pre-pandemic period, and it was shown that the mortality rate for stroke patients during the pandemic period was much higher. Treatment-related ED presentations decreased significantly during the pandemic period, particularly among patients aged 75–84 years. Rates of ED presentation decreased by 84 percent (IRR: 0.14, 95 percent CI: 0.03-0.59) in those with DKA and by 37 percent (IRR: 0.67, 95 percent CI: 0.53- 0.75) in those with stroke during the pandemic period. Conclusion. Conclusion: Stroke and DKA admissions decreased during the pandemic, but the rate of stroke mortality increased statistically 3.375 times. Getting emergency medical care increases their chances of survival. Even in a COVID-19 outbreak, treatment is critical.

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: A protocol for meta-analysis.

Background:Nearly half of patients with heart failure (HF) have preserved ejection fraction (EF) and the mortality and morbidity of patients with HF with preserved EF (HFpEF) are high. Patients with HFpEF are often elderly and their primary chronic symptom is severe exercise intolerance that results in a reduced quality of life. Thus, improvement of exercise capacity presents another important clinical outcome in HFpEF patients. Recent randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses of RCTs reported that sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors improved cardiovascular outcomes in patients with HF with reduced EF. Although the effects of SGLT-2 inhibitors in HFpEF patients have been examined in multiple RCTs, the results are inconsistent due partly to limited power. The purpose of this meta-analysis is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of SGLT-2 inhibitors in HFpEF patients.Methods:This meta-analysis will include RCTs examining the effects of SGLT-2 inhibitors on HF severity and health-related quality of life in HFpEF patients. Information of studies will be collected from electronic databases. The primary outcome will be HF severity (plasma B-type natriuretic peptide levels and exercise capacity assessed as 6-minute walk distance). The secondary outcome will be health-related quality of life. The safety outcomes will be all-cause death, HF hospitalization, hypotension, acute renal failure, diabetic ketoacidosis, and urinary tract infection.Discussion:This meta-analysis will evaluate the efficacy and safety of SGLT-2 inhibitors in HFpEF patients, providing evidence to the clinical use of SGLT-2 inhibitors in these patients.Systematic review registration:INPLASY2021120033

Novel neutrophil phenotypic signature in pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes and diabetic ketoacidosis.

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a chronic inflammatory condition sometimes complicated by acute diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). A subset of patients with T1D develop DKA independent of known risk factors. This study tested the hypothesis that circulating polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) from children with T1D and DKA would exhibit a primed phenotype and that the signature would be unique in patients predisposed to have DKA. Using a prospective cohort study design, neutrophil phenotype was assessed in 30 patients with T1D seen in endocrinology clinic for routine care, 30 patients with acute DKA, and 36 healthy donors. Circulating PMN from patients with DKA display a primed phenotype with increased basal cell-surface CD11b, L-selectin shedding, and enhanced fMLF-elicited reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Moreover, PMN from T1D patients both with and without DKA lack the capacity to be further primed by incubation with TNF-α, a classic priming stimulus. Primed PMN phenotypic signatures demonstrated are independent of hemoglobin A1c, the premier biological marker for DKA risk, and are consistent with a hyperinflammatory state. A single nucleotide polymorphism in TLR-1 (1805G>T), known to be associated with a hyperinflammatory PMN phenotype, correlated with DKA. This study elucidated a novel phenotypic signature in circulating PMN from children with T1D with and without DKA, and suggests the possibility of a previously unrecognized PMN phenotype with potential clinical implications. Immunophenotype and genotype may be applicable as biomarkers for DKA risk stratification in patients with T1D.

A Case of Concomitant COVID-19 Infection-Induced Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome and Diabetic Ketoacidosis: Another Challenge in Fluid Management

Background: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been announced as a pandemic worldwide. The respiratory tract is a target organ-system which can result in serious complications like acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Management of this condition is more challenging in diabetes who developed diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Clinical Case: We report a case of a 59-year-old male who presented with 4 days of productive cough with blood-tinged sputum, shortness of breath, and chills. Patient had decreased oral intake and had not been compliant with his medication. He had underlying disease significant for type 2 diabetes, essential hypertension, obesity (BMI 32 kg/m2), history of pancreatitis and diabetic ketoacidosis. His diabetes medications included insulin degludec 126 units with insulin lispro sliding scale, dulaglutide, metformin, and sitagliptin. On examination, the patient was lethargic. Initial vital signs included a temperature of 36.8°C, respiratory rate 24/min, heart rate 65 bpm, BP 140/67 mmHg, and oxygen saturation 91% on room air. Lung auscultation revealed bilateral widespread crackles. Laboratory was significant for glucose 387 mg/dL (70–139), pH 7.25 (7.35-7.28), anion gap 15.8 mEq/L (6–14) and concurrent normal gap acidosis, urine ketones 15 mg/dL (negative), and LDH 325 U/L (140–171). An initial chest x-ray showed bilateral peripheral pulmonary infiltrates. Workup was negative for influenza, pneumococcus, and legionella. The patient was subsequently intubated on the first day for worsening hypoxia due to severe ARDS (PaO2/FiO2 ratio of 71). He was concomitantly treated for DKA and hypotension with intravenous insulin, initially started at 12 units/hour with subsequent titration down to average of 5 units/hour, fluid resuscitation (approximate 34 ml/kg actual body weight) and, potassium repletion on the first day. On the same day, his hypoxia worsened with an increase in pulmonary infiltrates, so we stopped intravenous fluids and initiated norepinephrine for 24 hours. His mechanical ventilation settings followed ARDS guidelines. Positive COVID-19 was detected from real-time RT-PCR. After maintaining a negative fluid balance, we were able to extubate in 72 hours. Intravenous insulin was continued for 46 hours then was switched to subcutaneous basal-bolus regimen. He was discharged with insulin degludec 100 units with insulin lispro sliding scale, metformin, and sitagliptin. Dulaglutide was held. Conclusion: Type 2 diabetes are rarely affected by DKA but can be found in up to 27% of the cases. There are reports of ARDS as a serious complication in severe DKA in adults and children, yet no data for concomitant DKA and ARDS has been published. We propose that the management of DKA in COVID-19 patients with ARDS may be similar to the paradigm utilized for other volume restriction in patients with congestive heart failure and end-stage renal failure.

Acute Myocardial Infarction and Diabetic Ketoacidosis: The Lethal Duo

Diabetes Ketoacidosis in association with acute myocardial infarction is quite frequent but is also associated with higher morbidity and mortality. These two can trigger each other, different hypothesis have been proposed to explain this phenomenon but still it is difficult to know which one appears first. We report a referred case to our centre with acute Myocardial Infarction and diabetic ketoacidosis promptly initiated treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis along with primary PCI. Keywords: Cardiogenic shock; diabetic ketoacidosis; metabolic acidosis; myocardial Infarction.

Rhinocerebral mucormycosis secondary to severe acute pancreatitis and diabetic ketoacidosis: a case report

IntroductionRhinocerebral mucormycosis is a rare and severe form of opportunistic fungal infection that can develop rapidly and cause significant mortality, particularly among diabetic patients suffering from ketoacidosis. Diagnosing rhinocerebral mucormycosis during the early stages of infection is challenging.Case presentationWe describe a case of rhinocerebral mucormycosis secondary to severe acute pancreatitis in a patient suffering from diabetic ketoacidosis. In this case, the condition was not diagnosed during the optimal treatment window. we therefore provide a thorough overview of related clinical findings and histopathological characteristics, and we discuss potential differential diagnoses.ConclusionsIn summary, we described a case of rhinocerebral mucormycosis secondary to severe acute pancreatitis in a patient suffering from diabetic ketoacidosis, with the optimal treatment window for this condition having been missed. This report suggests that a definitive mucormycosis diagnosis can be made based upon tissue biopsy that reveals the presence of characteristic hyphae. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential in order to improve patient prognosis.

A Multisystemic Pictorial Review of Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes mellitus is a leading cause of death with immense burden on the health care system. The number of patients suffering from diabetes is expected to rise dramatically in the coming years secondary to lifestyle changes. Diabetes is a multisystemic disease that exerts its effects through decreased insulin sensitivity leading to various degrees of metabolic dysregulation. The pathogenesis of complications associated with diabetes is largely dependent on the duration of the disease and common coexisting conditions such as hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and obesity. Acute hyperglycemic and hypoglycemic events can lead to life-threatening illness such as acute coronary syndrome, hyperosmolar state, and diabetic ketoacidosis. The deleterious effects of long-standing diabetes are usually mediated by microvascular disease leading to diabetic retinopathy, nephropathy, cardiomyopathy, and neuropathy.

A Case of Elevated Serum CEA in a Patient With Acute Interstitial Pneumonia and Diabetic Ketoacidosis

A Case of Elevated Serum CEA in a Patient With Acute Interstitial Pneumonia and Diabetic Ketoacidosis

1085: Early Long-Acting Insulin Analogue Administration During Acute Diabetic Ketoacidosis in Children

Singh, Kalpana1; Diaz, Alejandro2; Blyumin, Gabriella3; Totapally, Balagangadhar4; Martinez, Paul4 Author Information

Acute and chronic neuroinflammation is triggered by diabetic ketoacidosis in a rat model

IntroductionCognitive decline is common in patients with type 1 diabetes and has been attributed to the effects of chronic hyperglycemia and severe hypoglycemia. Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) has only recently been...

Short term follow-up of patients presenting with acute onset diabetes and diabetic ketoacidosis during an episode of COVID-19

Background and aimsAcute onset diabetes and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) can be precipitated by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in individuals with no history of diabetes. However, data regarding the follow-up of these individuals are scarce. MethodsThree patients (data of two patients already published) with acute onset diabetes and DKA, precipitated by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), were followed for 14 weeks to assess the behavior of the diabetes. Detailed history, anthropometry, laboratory investigations, imaging studies, clinical course and outcomes were documented. ResultsThree individuals developed symptoms suggestive of SARS CoV-2 infection. After a few days, they were detected to have COVID-19 pneumonia, based on reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay and chest imaging. In the meantime, they also developed acute onset diabetes and DKA, which were precipitated by COVID-19. They responded well to treatment, including intravenous fluids and insulin. After around one week, they were transitioned to multiple shots of subcutaneous insulin. After about 4–6 weeks, their insulin requirement diminished and oral antihyperglycemic drugs were initiated. At the last follow-up (14 months), they had controlled glycemia with oral antihyperglycemic medicines. ConclusionsCOVID-19 can induce acute onset diabetes and DKA in some individuals with no history of diabetes. These features resemble type 1 diabetes. However, after 4–6 weeks, their requirement for exogenous insulin diminishes and respond to oral antihyperglycemic medications. Long term follow up is required to further understand the type of diabetes induced by SARS CoV-2 infection in these individuals.

S0091 Admission Outcomes and Risk Factors for Patients Presenting With Acute Pancreatitis and Concomitant Diabetic Ketoacidosis

INTRODUCTION: Admissions for acute pancreatitis and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) often overlap. Presenting features such as abdominal pain, elevated lipase levels, and anion gap acidosis may make differentiation and management challenging. To date, studies on admission and follow up outcomes in patients presenting with concomitant DKA and acute pancreatitis has been incompletely characterized. METHODS: The clinical course of consecutive patients admitted to Los Angeles County + University of Southern California Hospital for acute pancreatitis between March 2015 and February 2020 was reviewed through April 2020. Patients with diabetes were identified and stratified by presence of DKA on admission. The outcomes of interest included the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus following index hospitalization in our hospital for acute pancreatitis, as well as general admission outcomes such as length of stay (LOS), intensive care unit admission (ICU), ICU LOS, organ failure, and pancreatitis severity as based on the Revised Atlanta Criterion. RESULTS: Among a total cohort of 1081 patients with acute pancreatitis, 252 had diabetes mellitus (DM), and 37 of the patients with DM presented in DKA. Those presenting in DKA were more likely to develop moderately severe pancreatitis by the Revised Atlanta Classification (40.5% vs. 13.5%, P < 0.0001) and new onset renal failure (21.6% vs. 7.9%, P = 0.01). Hypertriglyceridemia was more commonly identified as the etiology of acute pancreatitis in the DKA cohort (32.4% vs. 9.3%, P < 0.0001). Though rates of ICU admission were higher among DKA patients, this was largely due to the requirement for ICU monitoring for continuous insulin infusions at our center. Concomitant recurrent pancreatitis (37.8% vs. 14.4%, P = 0.001) and chronic pancreatitis (13.5% vs. 3.3%, P = 0.003) were significantly more common among patients presenting in DKA. CONCLUSION: Acute pancreatitis with concomitant DKA is associated with greater pancreatitis severity as scored by the Revised Atlanta Criterion. These patients are also much more likely to have recurrent acute and chronic pancreatitis.Table 1.: Comparison of admission outcomes for acute pancreatitis between diabetics and diabetics presenting in DKATable 2.: Recurrent pancreatitis and chronic pancreatitis among diabetics vs. diabetics presenting with DKATable 3.: Comparison of imaging features among diabetics vs. diabetics presenting in DKA

Mixed Purpuric and Maculopapular Lesions in a Patient with COVID-19: A Case Report.

IntroductionThe coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 is a global pandemic that expresses itself with a wide variety of presenting symptoms in patients. There is a paucity of literature describing the dermatologic manifestations of the virus, particularly in the United States.Case ReportHere we present a case of COVID-19 that manifested with a purpuric rash on the lower extremities and a maculopapular eruption on the abdomen in a patient in acute diabetic ketoacidosis and normal platelet count.DiscussionThe reported presenting symptoms of patients with COVID-19 vary greatly. This is the first documented case of COVID-19 presenting with mixed cutaneous manifestations of a purpuric as well as maculopapular rash.ConclusionThe cutaneous lesions associated with the COVID-19 infection may mimic or appear similar to other well-known conditions. We illustrate a case of COVID-19 infection presenting with purpuric rash on the lower extremities and a maculopapular rash on the abdomen.

COVID-19 Presenting as Acute Limb Ischaemia.

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic that developed in late 2019 and early 2020 has caused thousands of deaths and has had an enormous impact on our health systems and economies. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) complications include disseminated coagulation and thrombosis, but, to the best of our knowledge, the literature to date on these manifestations has been limited. Herein, we report an unusual presentation in a 43-year-old man with a medical history of diabetes and hypertension who presented with dyspnoea and acute pain in his right leg and was found to have acute limb ischaemia and diabetic ketoacidosis. Our case adds to the literature regarding arterial thrombosis in COVID-19.LEARNING POINTSArterial thrombosis in the form of acute limb ischaemia can occur in COVID-19.A high index of suspicion should be maintained for acute limb ischaemia, which is a vascular emergency.

SAT-570 Should Severe Hypertriglyceridemia Also Be Considered as a Contraindication for Use of Glucagon like Peptide 1 (GLP-1) Agonists?

Background: Reported cases of acute pancreatitis have been associated with the use of GLP-1 agonists for treatment of diabetes mellitus. Hypertriglyceridemia is a well-established but underestimated cause of acute and recurrent pancreatitis. At the present time, there is insufficient data to know if there is a casual relationship. Clinical Case: A 46 y.o. male with past medical history of coronary artery disease, hyperlipidemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and morbid obesity, was admitted to the hospital with severe abdominal pain radiating to the back associated with non-bilious vomiting, for 1 day. Patient endorsed that 4 years ago he was diagnosed with hypertriglyceridemia. Physical exam findings were notable for a distended abdomen with mild epigastric tenderness, heart rate at 120 bpm, and a body mass index of 37 kg/m2. Active medications include: atorvastatin 40 mg PO daily, fenofibrate 45 mg PO daily, metformin 1,000 mg PO twice a day, glipizide 5 mg PO daily, levemir 60 units SQ twice a day, and most recently he had been started on dulaglutide 0.75 mg SQ weekly. Initial tests were consistent with acute pancreatitis and diabetic ketoacidosis: lipase 944 U/L (n 8.0 - 78 U/L), anion gap 18 mEq/L (n 5 - 13 mEq/L), creatinine 1.6 mg/dL (n 0.72 - 1.25 mg/dL), glucose 479 (n 60–100 mg/dL), β-Hydroxybutyrate 5.3 mmol/L (n <0.3mmol/L), urine glucose >1,000 mg/dL (n Negative mg/dL), urine ketones 20 mg/dL (n Negative), Triglycerides (TG) 5,374 mg/dL (n <150 mg/dL) and Hgb A1C 11.9% (n <5.7%). CT abdomen and pelvis without contrast revealed moderate acute pancreatitis. Patient was admitted to the intensive care unit and was started on intravenous insulin, atorvastatin 80 mg PO daily and fenofibrate 145 mg PO daily. Despite optimization of lipid-lowering agents, TG remained above 2,000 mg/dL. Decision was made to start patient on plasmapheresis until TG was <500 mg/dL. Patient’s TG improved to 370 mg/dL after second treatment. Patient’s dulaglutide was discontinued and patient was advised to avoid GLP-1 agonist use, indefinitely. One-month post discharge patient’s TG level was 370 mg/dL. Conclusion: Pancreatitis should be considered in patients on GLP-1 agonists, that present with persistent severe abdominal pain (with or without nausea), and its use should be discontinued in such patients. Use of GLP-1 agonists should be avoided in subjects with severe hypertriglyceridemia. Further research should be made in order to determine if GLP-1 agonists should be contraindicated in patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia, as both increase risk for pancreatitis.

Acute kidney injury and diabetic ketoacidosis in pediatric patients: risk factors.

Acute kidney injury is a cause of morbidity in children with diabetes in developing countries, especially in patients with diabetic ketoacidosis. The objective of this study was to identify the risk factors for acute kidney injury in patients with diabetic ketoacidosis. This was a retrospective cohort study. A total of 50 patients with diabetic ketoacidosis were included; 54 % developed kidney injury. These had higher glucose and uric acid levels (541 mg/dL vs. 407 mg/dL, p = 0.014 and 8.13 mg/ dL vs. 5.72 mg/dL, p = 0.015, respectively). Uric acid levels above 6.5 mg/dL showed an odds ratio of 6.910 (p = 0.027) for kidney injury. To conclude, hyperuricemia was a risk factor for acute kidney injury in these patients. Prospective studies are required to determine the role of uric acid in the pathogenesis of acute kidney injury in patients with diabetes.

345. Acute Onset Diabetic Ketoacidosis/Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State in Patients Taking Integrase Strand Transfer Inhibitors

BackgroundA few case reports have noted uncontrolled hyperglycemia in patients switched to dolutegravir. Several cohort studies have found increased weight gain among patients treated with integrase inhibitors (INSTI). We present clinical observations among 3 patients admitted to hospital for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS) while receiving INSTIs for the management of HIV.MethodsCase 1: A 44-year-old man with HIV and dyslipidemia presented with altered mental status and lethargy. A fingerstick glucose was >600 mg/dL. Chemistries revealed glucose of 1,600 mg/dL and an elevated β-hydroxybutyrate. HbA1c was 12.4%. His antiretroviral regimen consisted of cEVG/TAF/FTC for the last 3 years. Previous HbA1c levels were 5.7% and 6.2% (Figure 1). Case 2: A 55-year-old woman with HIV, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and obesity presented with polyuria and polydipsia. The blood glucose level was >1,200 mg/dL with an anion gap >30 and HbA1c of 15%. Previous HbA1c levels ranged between 5.6 and 5.8% (Figure 2). She had been taking ABC/FTC/DTG for 2 years.Case 3: A 64 yo man with a history of HIV, hypertension, and obesity presented with polyuria and polydipsia. The blood glucose level was 1,152 mg/dL with no anion gap and HbA1c of 13.4%. Six months before, he had been switched from a c/DRV- based ART regimen to ABC/FTC/DTG. Previous HbA1c levels ranged between 5.8% and 6.2% (Figure 3).ResultsDiscussion: In the first 2 patients, the presentation with acute onset DKA occurred more than a year after being on an INSTI-based regimen; however, the latter patient presented with HHS within 6 months of being switched to an INSTI-containing regimen. The mechanism of action of INSTIs causing weight gain or an association with hyperglycemia is still under investigation.ConclusionAlthough the temporal onset of DKA and HHS while receiving INSTIs was not precise, the possible association of INSTIs and their direct effects on insulin resistance and diabetes warrant additional attention from post-market data. Meanwhile, providers should monitor INSTI-treated patients closely, especially those with features of metabolic syndrome. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

2857 Acute Esophageal Necrosis: A Systematic Review of the Literature

INTRODUCTION: Acute Esophageal Necrosis (AEN) is a condition characterized by necrosis of the esophageal with black-appearing mucosa, commonly terminating at the gastroesophageal junction. This study aimed to identify the clinical characteristics of AEN. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review of the literature to identify all published cases of AEN between 1980 and 2019. All available cases were analyzed for clinical characteristics and outcomes. RESULTS: 271 cases of AEN were identified. The majority of patients were male (72.3%) and of old age (62.9 years). The most common coexisting comorbidities were hypertension, diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, and alcohol abuse. AEN commonly presented alongside acute kidney injury, diabetic ketoacidosis, and sepsis. Reported etiologies of AEN included ischemia (32.5%), DKA (8.1%) alcohol use (5.9%), and medications (3.3%). Endoscopy revealed AEN most commonly occurs in the distal esophagus with circumferential involvement. Most patients were treated with medical management (60.9%). Mortality rate was 35.1%. Common complications included perforation, mediastinitis, and superinfection. CONCLUSION: AEN is a rare condition with severe morbidity and mortality. Acid suppressive therapy and supportive care is sufficient in the majority of patients. Perforation predicts a poor prognosis.

Precipitating Risk Factors, Clinical Presentation, and Outcome of Diabetic Ketoacidosis in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes.

IntroductionOver the past few years, there have been drastic advancements in the management of type 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). Prevention of complications is a prime concern of all physicians dealing with DM. However, whether or not these interventions have helped in reducing the incidence of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in patients with type 1 DM, is still an unanswered question. The aim of this study is to assess the clinical pattern of DKA, evaluate its outcomes, and study the predictors of outcome.MethodsThe study was conducted as a prospective, observational one in the department of medicine of a tertiary care hospital from July-December 2018. Patients of type 1 DM presenting in the emergency department with DKA were evaluated for their predisposing factors, clinical presentation, biochemical parameters, rate of mortality, and predictors of mortality. Data was processed through and analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, version 22.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY).ResultsThe common clinical presentations include severe vomiting (32.2%), abdominal pain (27.9%), and depressed mental state (DMS) (26.8%). Infections (36.5%) and inadequate insulin dose (22.5%) were frequently seen as the predisposing factors. In one-fourth of the patients, this episode of DKA was the first presentation of DM (26.8%). The rate of mortality was 23.6%. The predictors of mortality included DMS, markedly low pH and serum bicarbonate, and high serum potassium at the time of presentation, random blood sugar >300 mg/dL and urine positive for ketones even after 12 hours of medical intervention, >50 international units (IU) insulin requirement within the first 12 hours, >6L fluid replenished within the first 24 hours, and new onset of fever within the first 24 hours.ConclusionThe clinical presentation of DKA is not stark and vague signs such as generalized fatigue, nausea vomiting, abdominal pain, and DMS should raise suspicion. Underlying infections and inadequate insulin regimen predispose to acute DKA attack. Rate of mortality is high in these patients. Morality may be predicted by various clinical and biochemical parameters.