Can children get DKA?

Can children get DKA?

Young children are more likely to have DKA as the first presentation of type 1 diabetes than older children. DKA is the first presentation of diabetes in 30-40% of paediatric cases. Children with DKA may present with any or all of the following common features of the condition: Dehydration.

What does DKA look like in kids?

The clinical signs of DKA include dehydration (may be difficult to detect), tachycardia, tachypnoea (may be mistaken for pneumonia or asthma), deep sighing (Kussmaul) respiration with a typical smell of ketones in the breath (variously described as the odor of nail polish remover or rotten fruit), nausea, vomiting (may …

Can DKA present with fever?

Although frank coma is uncommon, it may occur when the condition is neglected or if dehydration or acidosis is severe. Among the symptoms of DKA associated with possible intercurrent infection are fever, dysuria, coughing, malaise, chills, chest pain, shortness of breath, and arthralgia.

Why do kids get DKA?

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a life-threatening condition caused by dangerously high blood sugar levels. Your child’s blood sugar levels become high because his or her body does not have enough insulin. Insulin helps move sugar out of the blood so it can be used for energy.

How do you prevent DKA in children?

DKA can often be prevented. The best way to do this is to give your child insulin as directed. Be sure to follow your child’s treatment plan as given to you by the healthcare provider. When your child’s blood sugar is high, treat him or her right away based on the provider’s guidelines.

How long does it take DKA to develop?

Diabetic ketoacidosis signs and symptoms often develop quickly, sometimes within 24 hours. For some, these signs and symptoms may be the first indication of having diabetes. You may notice: Excessive thirst.

What happens when you go into DKA?

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious condition that can lead to diabetic coma (passing out for a long time) or even death. When your cells don’t get the glucose they need for energy, your body begins to burn fat for energy, which produces ketones.

How can you tell if a child is diabetic?

The signs and symptoms of type 1 diabetes in children usually develop quickly, and may include:

1. Increased thirst.
2. Frequent urination, possibly bed-wetting in a toilet-trained child.
3. Extreme hunger.
4. Unintentional weight loss.
5. Fatigue.
6. Irritability or behavior changes.
7. Fruity-smelling breath.

How do you treat DKA?

The primary treatment of DKA is with intravenous fluids and insulin. Depending on the severity, insulin may be given intravenously or by injection under the skin. Usually potassium is also needed to prevent the development of low blood potassium.

What type of insulin is given for DKA?

Only short-acting insulin is used for correction of hyperglycemia. Subcutaneous absorption of insulin is reduced in DKA because of dehydration; therefore, using intravenous routes is preferable. SC use of the fast-acting insulin analog (lispro) has been tried in pediatric DKA (0.15 U/kg q2h).

What causes acidosis in DKA?

DKA happens when there is severe lack of insulin in the body. This means the body can’t use sugar for energy, and starts to use fat instead. When this happens, chemicals called ketones are released. If left unchecked, ketones can build up and make your blood become acidic – hence the name acidosis.

When is DKA diagnosed?

Ketone testing is usually done when DKA is suspected: Most often, urine testing is done first. If the urine is positive for ketones, most often beta-hydroxybutyrate is measured in the blood.