Ketoacidosis in a non-diabetic lactating woman: A case report and literature review

Eur J Clin Nutr. 2022 May;76(5):775-777. doi: 10.1038/s41430-021-01013-1. Epub 2021 Oct 21.

Abstract

We report the case of a 36-year-old woman who developed non-diabetic ketoacidosis following a low carbohydrate diet in order to lose weight while actively breast feeding her newborn. She was admitted in intensive care unit because of severe metabolic acidosis. She rapidly recovered after refeeding process. Lactation ketoacidosis, a special condition that occurs in non-diabetic breastfeeding women, is rare and life-threatening. This report highlights the importance of nutritional education of lactating women in the post-partum period.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acidosis* / complications
  • Adult
  • Breast Feeding
  • Diet, Carbohydrate-Restricted
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Ketosis* / diagnosis
  • Ketosis* / etiology
  • Lactation