Background: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state (HHS) are potentially life-threatening complications of diabetes mellitus. Although DKA and HHS share similar features, they are distinct clinical entities requiring different treatment measures.
Objective: This case illustrates that the clinical distinction between these two entities can be difficult at times, especially in children who can present with an overlapping picture.
Case report: We report an interesting case of a 12-year-old whose initial presentation of diabetes was a mixed picture of hyperosmolar DKA and HHS coma complicated by myocardial strain and acute renal insufficiency. The myocardial strain resolved completely with resolution of the metabolic abnormalities.
Conclusions: Emergency physicians should be cognizant of varied presentations of hyperglycemic emergencies in children to initiate appropriate management for better outcomes.
Keywords: altered sensorium; children; hyperglycemia; troponin.
Published by Elsevier Inc.