Sestre Milosrdnice University hospital, Institute of Clinical Medical Research
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