PRECIPITATING FACTORS AND SYMPTOMS IN PATIENTS WITH DIABETIC KETOACIDOSIS.

The aim of the study was to determine the most common precipitating factors and symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis and the possible difference according to age, gender and severity of diabetic ketoacidosis. Medical records from January 1, 2017 until December 31, 2019 were reviewed and patients diagnosed with diabetic ketoacidosis were selected. The study included 52 patients, median age 34 (interquartile range 21-56) years. There was no statistically significant difference between male and female gender. The severity of diabetic ketoacidosis was moderate in the majority of cases (65.4%; p=0.005). The most common precipitating factor was infection (61.7%). In patients with moderate diabetic ketoacidosis, respiratory infections were more common, while gastrointestinal infections were more common in severe diabetic ketoacidosis (33% and 25%, respectively; p=0.03). Nausea (median age 32 years; p=0.004) and vomiting (median age 31 years; p=0.01) were more common in younger age groups, while altered mental status was more common in the older age group (median age 61 years; p=0.001). Infection was the most common precipitating factor. The most common symptoms in younger age groups were nausea and vomiting, and altered mental status in the older age group.

Serum glucose, sodium and potassium concentrations in patients with diabetic ketoacidosis.

Aim To investigate possible differences in serum glucose and sodium and potassium concentrations with respect to age, gender and severity of diabetic ketoacidosis. Methods Medical records from 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2019 were reviewed and patients with the diagnosis of diabetic ketoacidosis were selected. Results The study included 52 patients. Glucose concentration was significantly higher in the age group of 25-44 and >65 years compared to the group of 18-24 years (p=0.02). Sodium concentration was significantly higher in the age group 18-24 and >65 years compared to groups 25-44 and 45-65 years (p=0.002). Females had significantly higher sodium concentration than males (p=0.002). Potassium concentration was significantly higher in the age group 25-44 years compared to other groups (p=0.01). Males had significantly higher potassium concentration (p =0.01). Conclusion This study showed that significant differences exist in electrolyte concentration between specific age groups, male and female gender as well as DKA severity. Knowing these differences could help clinicians to promptly recognize and treat electrolyte derangements, leading to better outcome of patients with DKA.