Revised one-bag IV fluid protocol for pediatric DKA: a feasible approach and retrospective comparative study

This study compared the effectiveness of the traditional and revised one-bag protocols for pediatric diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) management.

This single-center retrospective cohort study included children diagnosed with DKA upon admission between 2012 and 2019. Our institution reevaluated and streamlined the traditional one-bag protocol (revised one-bag protocol). The revised one-bag protocol rehydrated all pediatric DKA patients with dextrose (5 g/100 ml) containing 0.45% NaCl at a rate of 3500 ml/m2 per 24 h after the first 1 h bolus of normal saline, regardless of age or degree of dehydration. This study examined acidosis recovery times and the frequency of healthcare provider interventions to maintain stable blood glucose levels.

The revised one-bag protocol demonstrated a significantly shorter time to acidosis recovery than the traditional protocol (12.67 and 18.20 h, respectively; p < 0.001). The revised protocol group required fewer interventions for blood glucose control, with an average of 0.25 dextrose concentration change orders per patient, compared to 1.42 in the traditional protocol group (p < 0.001). Insulin rate adjustments were fewer in the revised protocol group, averaging 0.52 changes per patient, vs. 2.32 changes in the traditional protocol group (p < 0.001).

The revised one-bag protocol for pediatric DKA is both practical and effective. This modified DKA management achieved acidosis recovery more quickly and reduced blood glucose fluctuations compared with the traditional one-bag protocol. Future studies, including randomized controlled trials, should assess the safety and effectiveness of the revised protocol in a broad range of pediatric patients with DKA.