Diabetic ketoacidosis in children

Abstract

Diabetic ketoacidosis is a serious condition that warrants immediate and aggressive intervention. Even with appropriate intervention, DKA is associated with significant morbidity and possible mortality in diabetic patients in the pediatric age group. With appreciation of its severity, proper understanding of the pathophysiology, and careful attention to the details of management and close monitoring, most cases will have a satisfactory outcome. Because treatment is costly and because the risk for morbidity remains even under the best of circumstances, prevention of DKA must be a major goal in the treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus. Involvement and close follow-up by a multidisciplinary team of health care professionals with experience in dealing with diabetes in children and adolescents is the best way to avoid DKA.