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Characterization of Metabolic Status in Nonhuman Primates with the Intravenous Glucose Tolerance Test
Published on: November 13, 2016
An unusual cause for ketoacidosis
M R Davids1, A S Segal, H Brunengraber
1Nephrology Unit and Department of Internal Medicine, University of Stellenbosch, Cape Town, South Africa.
A young male presented with severe ketoacidosis, initially suspected to be diabetic. After treatment and ruling out common causes, the focus shifted to identifying the underlying reason for this metabolic disturbance.
Area of Science:
- Internal Medicine
- Biochemistry
- Clinical Diagnostics
Background:
- Metabolic acidosis, particularly ketoacidosis, presents a diagnostic challenge when common etiologies are excluded.
- Understanding the diverse causes of ketoacidosis is crucial for effective patient management.
Observation:
- A 22-year-old male exhibited severe metabolic acidosis with a high anion gap and positive acetone tests, indicative of ketoacidosis.
- Initial investigations ruled out diabetic, alcoholic, starvation, and hypoglycemic ketoacidosis, as well as salicylate toxicity.
Findings:
- Plasma beta-hydroxybutyrate levels confirmed significant ketoacidosis.
- The patient's condition resolved with fluid resuscitation (half-isotonic saline and dextrose in water) and cessation of high intake of sweetened beverages.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering less common causes of ketoacidosis.
- Further investigation is warranted to determine the specific trigger for ketoacidosis in this patient, emphasizing the need for comprehensive diagnostic approaches.
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