Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a common, serious acute complication in children with diabetes mellitus (DM). DKA can accompany new-onset type 1 insulin-dependent DM, or it can occur with established type 1 DM, during the increased demands of an acute illness or with decreased insulin delivery due to omitted doses or insulin pump failure. In addition, DKA episodes in children with type 2 DM are being reported with greater frequency. Although the diagnosis is usually straightforward in a known diabetes patient with expected findings, a sizable proportion of patients with new-onset DM present with DKA. The purpose of this comprehensive review is to acquaint clinicians with details regarding the pathophysiology, treatment caveats, and potential complications of DKA.
Keywords: cerebral edema; diabetes; hyperglycemia; insulin; ketoacidosis.