The Care of Pediatric Patients Presenting to Hospital with Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) in Alberta
Dr. Jennifer Walton, Dr. Elizabeth Rosolowsky
June 22, 2021
Endocrinology & Diabetes, Pediatrics & Youth Health
One of the most common endocrine disorders and chronic conditions in the pediatric population is Type I diabetes. Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a complication of diabetes, is the greatest contributor to morbidity and mortality of Type 1 diabetes in pediatric patients. Approximately 40% of children with new- onset Type 1 Diabetes present in DKA. In 2018, Diabetes Canada released new clinical practice guidelines that outline optimal care for patients presenting with DKA, and address monitoring, careful management of fluids and electrolytes, and insulin administration. These guidelines have been shown to improve patient outcomes, including reduced duration of stays in intensive care units, reduced overall length of stay, and reduced incidence of cerebral edema, a severe adverse outcome of DKA. However, a Figure Time to correction of DKA based on severity of DKA at presentation study from British Columbia Children's Hospital after the release of the guidelines found that variation in practice still exists.
PLP partnered with Dr. Jennifer Walton, Dr. Elizabeth Rosolowsky, and Dr. Jessica Foulds of the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Alberta on a project that assessed adherence to these guidelines, including the administration of electrolytes, fluids, and insulin, and laboratory monitoring, and focused on emergency departments. In June 2021, Dr. Jennifer Walton and Dr. Elizabeth Rosolowsky hosted a virtual webinar "The Care of Pediatric Patients Presenting to Hospital with Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) in Alberta: A Physician Learning Program Collaboration". 98 physicians and team members attended the webinar, which included a review of the pathophysiology and clinical features of diabetic ketoacidosis in the pediatric population and the current guidelines for managing DKA in this population. The project data and findings were presented, and with discussion on how participants could use the project results to improve patient care.