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Biliary sludge and recurrent ketoacidosis: a case report

Sanjay Kalra1, Bharti Kalra, Anuj Thakur

  • 1Department of Endocrinology, Bharti Hospital, Karnal, India. brideknl@gmail.com

Diabetology & Metabolic Syndrome
|December 24, 2009
PubMed

Insights

A young boy experienced recurrent diabetic ketoacidosis episodes. Biliary sludge was diagnosed and successfully treated with insulin therapy, resolving the ketoacidosis.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Endocrinology
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious complication of diabetes.
  • Recurrent DKA in children warrants thorough investigation for underlying causes.
  • Biliary sludge is a condition involving the gallbladder.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report a unique case of recurrent diabetic ketoacidosis in a child.
  • To investigate the association between biliary sludge and DKA.
  • To highlight the effectiveness of insulin treatment in resolving both conditions.

Main Methods:

  • Case report of a 5-year-old boy presenting with DKA.
  • Diagnostic workup including investigations for biliary sludge.
  • Monitoring of clinical status and ketoacidosis episodes during insulin treatment.

Main Results:

  • The patient presented with recurrent episodes of diabetic ketoacidosis despite initial recovery.
  • Biliary sludge was identified as a co-existing condition.
  • Insulin treatment led to the resolution of biliary sludge and cessation of DKA episodes.

Conclusions:

  • Biliary sludge may be associated with recurrent diabetic ketoacidosis in pediatric patients.
  • Insulin therapy can be effective in managing both DKA and associated biliary sludge.
  • This case underscores the importance of considering non-diabetic etiologies in recurrent DKA.

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