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Diabetic ketoacidosis

Prevalence
Causes
Clinical features
Investigations
Therapy
Prevention
Prognosis
Prognosis

Few patients die - death is mainly from associated diseases. b  

Why?

  • 3% to 5% with DKA die during admission. 15% of patients with hyperosmolar coma die. b
  • The commonest causes of death are pneumonia, myocardial infarction, and bowel or limb ischaemia. b

Expiry date: May 2004
Levels of Evidence used in grading these guides

Author   C   Ball
Reviewer   N   Chi
CAT Writers   CM   Ball , C   Wotton