Diabetic ketoacidosis in children.

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a life-threatening complication of diabetes mellitus (DM). The frequency of DKA at the onset of DM correlates inversely with the incidence of type 1 DM and is more common in young children, children without a first degree relative with type 1 DM and individuals whose families are from a lower socioeconomic status. The mortality rate for DKA in children is 0.15%-0.3%. A high index of suspicion with timely administration of appropriate intravenous fluids, rational use of sodium bicarbonate, continuous rather than bolus insulin infusion and monitoring in an intensive care unit are associated with a better outcome.