Evaluation of cases with diabetic ketoacidosis monitorized in intensive care units

Objective: In this study, we have investigated the demographic and clinical characteristics of pediatric cases with diabetic - ketoacidosis (DKA) followed-up in intensive care units. Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of all patients' files with respect to their demographic factors as gender, complaints, age and clinical features. Mann Whitney U and chi-square statistical tests were performed. Results: The study group consists 16 female and 9 male children with a mean age of 9.9 +/- 3.7 years. The most frequent complaints of the cases were dyspnea, polydipsia, weight loss and polyuria in decreasing order of frequency. They admitted to the hospital because of respiratory distress, tachypnea tachycardia and acidosis. They treated by DKA protocol in the intensive care unit. We normalized Glasgow Coma Scores (GKS) in 12 +/- 5, blood sugar levels in 14 +/- 7, and blood gas levels in 14 +/- 7 hours. Any complication had not developed and the patients under glycemic control were discharged from the hospital with recommendations for outpatient follow-up. Conclusion: DKA cases could be treated rapidly and successfully thanks to accurate and rapid diagnosis followed by strict monitorization protocol. In conclusion we wanted to emphasize that monitorization of patients with DKA should be performed in pediatric intensive care units.