Immunological profile during diabetic ketoacidosis with follow - up study

ABSTRACT

Eighteen patients with classical diabetic ketoacidosis were included in the present study. Serum immunoglobulins IgG, IgA, IgM and complement C[3] were estimated during diabetic ketosis [D.K.] and after correction of D.K. Ten healthy persons were taken as controls. There was significant elevation of the serum IgG, IgA and hypercompelementemia during D.K. that decreased after correction of the ketosis but was still higher than normal. The serum IgM was significantly increased in those ketotics in whom severe infections predominated as a precipitating factor of D.K. A causal and effective relationship for such enhanced humoral immune parameters during DK is present. Several mechanisms are suggested to operate haemoconcentration during DK, acute stressfull situations insulin resistance and antinsulin antibodies and decreased clearance of complement and antibodies due to defective host defence mechanism during D.K.