Clinical profile and outcome of hyperglycaemic emergencies at a rural hospital in southern Nigeria

ABSTRACT

We have documented the clinical pattern of hyperglycaemic emergencies (HGEs) and predictors of outcome at a tertiary hospital in a rural setting in Nigeria. In a 2-year retrospective review, we identified 88 patients with HGEs. Fifty-four (61%) were females, and mean age was 55 years. Forty-seven (53%) had hyperglycaemic hyperosmolar states (HHS), 34 (39%) had diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), and 7 (8%) had a mixed type of HGE. The commonest precipitating factor was infection and was seen in 39 (44.3%) patients; 28 (32%) were newly diagnosed with diabetes. The mortality rate overall was 34% and the case fatality rate of DKA, HHS, and mixed-type HGE was 23%, 38%, and 57% respectively. Elevated urea was a predictor of poor outcome; while age, gender, and the presence of chronic diabetes complications were not predictors of outcome. We conclude that the mortality rate in HGEs is high, and that elevated urea is a predictor of poor outcome.Effective diabetes education, prompt recognition of symptoms, and treatment of metabolic derangements in HGEs may reduce morbidity and mortality