Characteristics and Treatment Outcome of Pediatric Diabetic Ketoacidosis in Mekong Delta, Vietnam: A 5-Year Retrospective Study.

Background Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a critical and potentially fatal complication resulting from a lack of insulin, presents with elevated blood sugar, acid-base imbalance, and increased ketone bodies. Objectives Our research was designed to assess the clinical manifestations, laboratory findings, and outcomes of treatment in children diagnosed with DKA over a span of five years in the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam. Methods This study retrospectively analyzed pediatric cases of diabetic ketoacidosis treated at a major pediatric center in the Mekong Delta between 2017 and 2021. Results Diabetic ketoacidosis was more common in older children aged 11 - 16 years (66.7%), and females (70%). The majority of cases had not been diagnosed with previous diabetes (60%) and no history of diabetic ketoacidosis (90%). In univariate analysis, female gender (OR, 13.0; 95% CI, 1.4 - 124.3; p=0.026), previous diabetes diagnosis (OR, 7.8; 95% CI, 1.5 - 41.2; p=0.016), precipitating factors (OR, 10.1; 95% CI, 1.1 - 97.0; p=0.045), tachypnea (OR, 5.5; 95% CI, 1.1 - 26.4; p=0.033), Kussmaul breathing (OR, 5.4; 95% CI, 1.1 - 26.0; p=0.036), serum potassium level (OR, 3.5; 95% CI, 1.2 - 10.4; p=0.027), and anion gap (OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.8 - 2.3; p=0.003) were associated factors with severe DKA. All cases in our study had a 100% survival rate. Anion gap was an independent factor associated with severe diabetic ketoacidosis after adjustment multivariate analysis. Conclusion: Female, younger age, precipitating factors, tachypnea, Kussmaul's breathing, and relevant laboratory findings, including increased anion gap, should be considered to ensure successful management in pediatric diabetic ketoacidosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]