Precipitating risk factors for diabetic ketoacidosis in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus

ABSTRACTObjective: To determine the precipitating risk factors for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) from medical and social points of view as well as risk of prolonged hospital stay.Methods: Forty-eight patients were admitted to Basrah Maternity and Child Hospital for DKA. Over a 2 years period; September 2001 through to September 2003. Patient's age, sex and family socioeconomic status were identified. Duration of hospital stay was examined, prolonged duration of stay was defined as 7days.Results: Forty eight patients with DKA, their ages ranged between 1 and 15 years, with a male to a female ratio 1.3:1.More than half of the children (58.4%) were males and (60.5%) were from low social status. Poor compliance to continue the treatment and infections were the most common precipitating factors, being responsible for 54.2% and 25% of cases of DKA respectivelyChildren with prolonged hospital stay were significantly found to be of younger age and of low socioeconomic status.Conclusions: DKA is still a commonly seen complication; it can be the presenting feature ofdiabetes. Poor compliance and inadequate treatment are the leading precipitating factors in our patients.