Abstract

AIMS: The aim of this study was to describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in Hospital for past 6 years. METHODS: We reviewed the retrospective medical records of all patients admitted with a diagnosis of DKA from 2000 to 2005 in Uijeongbu St. Mary's Hospital. Clinical characteristics including precipitating factors and hospital mortality were analyzed. RESULTS: Seventy-eight patients (78 episodes) fulfilled criteria for inclusion in this study. Their mean age was 41.89 years. 66 episodes had a prior history of diabetes but DKA was the initial presentation in 12 episodes. 24.4% were on no treatment, 14.1% were using oral hypoglycemic agents and 53.8% were on insulin. Poor glycemic control were the most common precipitating factor (56.4%). There were 3 deaths. CONCLUSION: Our report is similar with past reports of DKA in Korea. but it is different that poor glycemic control is most common precipitating factor and mortality rate are lower than past reports. This observation suggests that many cases of DKA can be prevented by better access to medical care, proper education, and effective communication with a health care provider.

• Keywords: Clinical characteristics;Diabetic ketoacidosis;