Episode 31: The Pediatric DKA Podcast featuring Dr. Stephan Gan and Dr. Anand Swaminathan

Learning Points:

- DKA Diagnosis: Glucose > 200-300, Ketosis, Acidosis pH < 7.3, HCO3 < 15.

- Consider DKA in children who look unwell, especially with tiredness, urinary symptoms, or patients who have excessive thirst.

- HHS is very rare in pediatrics and involves massive volume loss.

-Consider Cerebral Edema in any pediatric DKA patient with worsening mental status, lethargy,  a worsening headache, or elevating blood pressure.

-Have a low threshold for starting hypertonic saline (3%) - dose is 3 mL/kg

- Perform CT imaging on patients who do not improve with Hypertonic Saline, focal neurologic deficits. Also get a CT Venogram to evaluate for thrombosis.

Supplemental information at: REBEL EM: Pediatric DKA: Do Fluids Really Matter