DKA…some insights into it’s management
A VBG is adequate for the diagnosis and ongoing management of patients with DKA. ABGs offer no added benefit and are associated with increased pain and complications. Patients with DKA may present with a weak or absent nitroprusside assay reaction on urinalysis for ketones as this test only checks for acetoacetate (the minor ketone body […]
Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes—2021
Paediatric DKA Guideline 2020 – What’s new?
Paediatric DKA Calculator
Remember that glucose should be considered the sixth vital sign and any “sick” appearing child should have a point of care glucose done!
Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar Syndrome
HHS is defined by hyperglycemia and hyperosmolarity due to volume depletion with resultant altered mental status Profound hypokalemia is common as a result of osmotic diuresis. Replete aggressively Hypokalemia = hypomagnesemia. Replete both of these electrolytes simultaneously Fluid repletion is the key point in management but careful repletion is vital as patients may not tolerate […]
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Mistakes that Kill during Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Too Slow or Too Fast Chest Compressions Too Shallow or Too Deep Chest Compressions Too Many or Too Slow Breaths Leaning on the Chest Too Many Interruptions Giving Up Too Soon Too Slow Adaptation Oxygen Bubble Bottles or Bacteria Swimming Pools? Humidified oxygen is widely administered in hospitals […]
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Adult Hypoglycaemia
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Blood gas measurements in DKA
Guidelines recommend checking an ABG or VBG in all patients with DKA. This practice is not evidence-based and should be abandoned. ABG or VBG provides little information about whether or not the patient has DKA (beyond what is already known from the serum chemistries). Rather than pH, serum bicarbonate may be used to gauge the severity of […]