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Severe Diabetic Ketoacidosis in Children with Type 1 Diabetes: Ongoing Challenges in Care
Simone Foti Randazzese1, Mariarosaria La Rocca1, Bruno Bombaci1
1Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age "G. Barresi", University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy.
Insights
Diabetic ketoacidosis is a severe complication in children with type 1 diabetes. Prevention strategies are key to reducing its incidence and improving outcomes for pediatric patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Metabolic Disorders
- Diabetes Management
Background:
- Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a critical acute complication in pediatric type 1 diabetes (T1D).
- DKA significantly impacts morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs in children and adolescents.
- Understanding DKA's complexities is vital for effective pediatric diabetes care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively review severe diabetic ketoacidosis in pediatric populations.
- To explore epidemiology, pathogenesis, risk factors, and complications of DKA.
- To highlight advancements in DKA prevention strategies for children and adolescents.
Main Methods:
- This study is a review of existing literature on severe diabetic ketoacidosis in pediatric patients.
- It synthesizes information on DKA's incidence, underlying mechanisms, and associated risks.
- Focus is placed on current guidelines and emerging prevention approaches.
Main Results:
- DKA incidence varies globally, influenced by diverse factors.
- Pathogenesis involves insulin deficiency and hormonal imbalance, leading to metabolic derangement.
- Severe DKA, defined by specific pH/bicarbonate levels, carries life-threatening risks, notably cerebral edema.
Conclusions:
- Effective prevention of severe DKA in pediatric T1D requires multifaceted strategies.
- Key interventions include awareness, early diagnosis, consistent management, and patient education.
- Technological advancements and healthcare access are crucial for reducing DKA episodes.
Abstract:
Diabetic ketoacidosis is the most common acute complication in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes, and contributes significantly to morbidity, mortality, and healthcare burden. This review aims to explore the multifaceted aspects of severe diabetic ketoacidosis in pediatric age, including its epidemiology, pathogenesis, risk factors, complications and emphasizing advances in prevention strategies. Incidence rates vary due to influences from geographic, socioeconomic, cultural and demographic factors. Pathogenesis is linked to insulin deficiency and an excess of counter-regulatory hormones, which disrupt glucose, protein, and lipid metabolism, causing hyperglycemia, ketosis, acidosis, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances. According to the International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes guidelines, severe diabetic ketoacidosis is characterized by a pH < 7.1 or bicarbonate < 5 mmol/L. This condition can lead to a wide range of life-threatening complications, including cerebral edema that represents the leading cause of death. Several prevention strategies, including awareness campaigns, early diagnosis of diabetes, regular monitoring and management, effective insulin therapy, education, access to healthcare and technological assistance, may contribute to reduce the risk of severe diabetic ketoacidosis episodes in children and adolescents.
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