Reduced glomerular filtration and elevated urinary protein excretion in diabetic ketoacidosis

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was measured by two methods in 9 children with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), directly by true creatinine clearance and indirectly by means of serum beta-2-microglobulin levels. We found significantly reduced GFR in the first hours of DKA. The rapid improvement in GFR after fluid and electrolyte replacement indicates that volume depletion is the major cause of low filtration rate. In spite of the reduced GFR we observed pronounced albuminuria and low molecular weight (LMW) proteinuria. We conclude that the pathological albuminuria and microalbuminuria in DKA are caused not by glomerular hyperfiltration but by tubular dysfunction.