[Diabetic ketoacidosis and coma. Insulin perfusion (author's transl)]

Ten cases of diabetic ketoacidosis treated by low-dose insulin continuous perfusion are reported. The severe period therapeutic guide is exposed in two stages showing the form of correction of the most important ketoacidosis. Insulin doses have been, initially, 0.1 U./Kg. in a bolus, followed by 0.1-0.01 U./Kg./h. till acidosis and dehydration are corrected. Evolution of every case was good, without any important complication. Advantages of this therapeutic modality are appointed: an easy treatment management, lesser glycaemia oscillations and lesser complications than using the conventional method of intermittent high doses. In order to overcome, the acidosis and hyperglicaemia resistance found in some of the severest cases, authors suggest to increase the dose of perfused insulin as well as hydration, Finally, the importance of control and patient care is stressed, recommending their admission to a Paediatric Intensive Care unit.