Prevalence of diabetic ketoacidosis in newly diagnosed children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Experience of a center for pediatric diabetology in Germany

Introduction. Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is still the most serious complication of the newly diagnosed child with diabetes mellitus type 1 because it is still the most common cause of death due to cerebral edema. Methods. All patient records of children with new diagnosed type 1 diabetes mellitus in the children's hospital of the University of Leipzig in 1995 to 1999 were analysed retrospectively. Results. 31 patients (29,8%) had DKA, 10 of which were unconscious or somnolent. In those children and adolescents with DKA blood glucose levels, glycosylated hemoglobin levels and initial insulin requirement were higher and the duration of hospital stay was longer. The rate of remission was lower in the DKA group (67 vs. 80.8%). A delayed or false diagnosis was reported in 14% of patients without but in 22,5% of the children and adolescents with DKA. Conclusion. To improve the rate of remission and reduce the hospital stay at the onset of diabetes mellitus the rate of DKA must be reduced due to better information about symptoms of diabetes mellitus in the general population and especially among general practitioners and pediatricians.