Pediatric diabetic ketoacidosis : About 30 cases

Abstract

Introduction : Diabetic ketoacidosis is the main acute complication that can occur in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Up to 50% young people already have DKA when they are diagnosed with diabetes in Tunisia. Methods : A retrospective search of children with diabetic ketoacidosis was performed in Mongi Slim hospital, between january 2016 and july 2019. Results : Our study included 30 children with a sex ratio of 1.1 and a mean age of 5.8 years old. The DKA was diagnosed at onset of type 1 diabetes mellitus in 24 cases. Conclusion : Diabetic ketoacidosis is the main cause of morbidity and mortality in children with T1DM. Prevention of diabetic ketoacidosis at diagnosis will require a combination of repeated direct physician outreach combined with more regular awareness campaign.