RESUMO
INTRODUCTION: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a common presentation for pediatric new-onset insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). Delayed diagnosis is the major risk factor for DKA at disease onset. METHOD: Two pediatric endocrinologists independently reviewed the admission records to assess the appropriateness of preadmission management in various health care settings. RESULTS: Eighteen percent (n = 45) of patients with new-onset IDDM had a delayed diagnosis. Twenty-eight were misdiagnosed (respiratory [n = 9], nonspecific [n = 7], genitourinary [n = 4], gastrointestinal [n = 8] issues) and 17 were mismanaged. One child died within 4 hr of hospitalization, presumably because of a hyperosmolar coma. Forty-six percent (n = 21) of patients with delayed diagnosis presented with DKA, comprising 18% of all DKA cases. DISCUSSION: A significant number of patients with new-onset IDDM were either misdiagnosed or mismanaged. All providers must be appropriately trained in diagnosing new-onset IDDM and follow the standard of clinical care practices.
