Non Ketotic Hyperosmolar Coma

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Non Ketotic Hyperosmolar Coma


  • severe hyperglycaemia without significant ketosis
  • characteristically occurs in NIDDM / type II diabetes

Presentation

  • middle to later life
  • precipitants
    • glucose-rich fluids (Lucozade)
    • concurrent medication
      • thiazide diuretics
      • steroids
    • intercurrent illness

Pathology

  • age-related
    • thirst experienced less readily
    • renal function impaired
  • degree of insulin deficiency
    • endogenous levels sufficient to prevent hepatic ketogenesis
    • glucose production unrestrained

Clinical Features

  • dehydration
  • stupor / coma
  • evidence of underlying illness
    • pneumonia
    • pyelonephritis
  • complications
    • stroke
    • myocardial infarction
    • arterial insufficiency of lower limb

Investigations

Treatment

  • fluids
  • insulin infusion (not too fast)

Prognosis

  • up to 20-30%
 

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