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Cerebrovascular complications of diabetic ketoacidosis in children

Luis Felipe Mendonça de Siqueira1

  • 1Hospital das Clínicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil. luismensiq@medicina.ufmg.br

Arquivos Brasileiros De Endocrinologia E Metabologia
|July 23, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in children can cause cerebral edema and stroke. This case highlights the risk of thrombosis in pediatric DKA, emphasizing the need to consider subtle brain injuries.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Endocrinology
  • Critical Care Medicine

Background:

  • Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious complication of type 1 diabetes in children.
  • Neurological deterioration is a known complication, often attributed to cerebral edema.
  • Children with DKA exhibit a prothrombotic state, increasing the risk of thrombotic events.

Observation:

  • A 2-month-old infant presented with symptoms of DKA.
  • The infant developed both cerebral edema and an ischemic stroke.
  • This dual complication highlights the complex neurological sequelae of DKA.

Findings:

  • DKA in infants can lead to severe neurological complications beyond cerebral edema.
  • Hyperglycemia and DKA significantly increase the risk of thrombosis in pediatric patients.
  • Cerebral edema and stroke can co-occur as DKA complications.

Implications:

  • Clinicians should consider thrombotic events, such as stroke, in children with DKA presenting with neurological changes.
  • Early recognition and management of prothrombotic tendencies are crucial in pediatric DKA.
  • This case underscores the importance of a comprehensive neurological assessment in pediatric DKA management.

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