Original scientific paper

https://doi.org/10.20471/acc.2023.62.01.08

Precipitating Factors and Symptoms in Patients with Diabetic Ketoacidosis

Željka Dragila ; Osijek Faculty of Medicine, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
Klara Ćosić ; Osijek Faculty of Medicine, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
Ivana Grubešić ; Osijek Faculty of Medicine, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
Srđan Čalošević ; Emergency Medical Center of the Osijek-Baranja County, Osijek, Croatia
Krešimir Šolić ; Osijek Faculty of Medicine, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia; Osijek Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Computer Science and Information Technology, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
Tatjana Bačun ; Osijek Faculty of Medicine, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia; Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Osijek University Hospital Center, Osijek, Croatia

Abstract

The aim of the study was to determine the most common precipitating factors and
symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis and the possible difference according to age, gender and severity of
diabetic ketoacidosis. Medical records from January 1, 2017 until December 31, 2019 were reviewed
and patients diagnosed with diabetic ketoacidosis were selected. The study included 52 patients, median
age 34 (interquartile range 21-56) years. There was no statistically significant difference between
male and female gender. The severity of diabetic ketoacidosis was moderate in the majority of cases
(65.4%; p=0.005). The most common precipitating factor was infection (61.7%). In patients with
moderate diabetic ketoacidosis, respiratory infections were more common, while gastrointestinal infections
were more common in severe diabetic ketoacidosis (33% and 25%, respectively; p=0.03). Nausea
(median age 32 years; p=0.004) and vomiting (median age 31 years; p=0.01) were more common in
younger age groups, while altered mental status was more common in the older age group (median age
61 years; p=0.001). Infection was the most common precipitating factor. The most common symptoms
in younger age groups were nausea and vomiting, and altered mental status in the older age group.

Keywords

Diabetes mellitus; Diabetic ketoacidosis; Infection; Nausea; Vomiting

Hrčak ID:

307164

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/307164

Publication date:

1.4.2023.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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