Postoperative euglycaemic diabetic ketoacidosis associated with sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (gliflozins): a report of two cases and review of the literature

Anaesth Intensive Care. 2018 Mar;46(2):215-219. doi: 10.1177/0310057X1804600212.

Abstract

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT2i)-associated euglycaemic diabetic ketoacidosis (euDKA) is a serious and increasingly recognised complication of treatment with this class of oral hypoglycaemic agents and can present a diagnostic challenge, resulting in delayed recognition, inappropriate treatment and potentially life-threatening acidosis. We present two cases of patients developing SGLT2i-associated euDKA in the early postoperative period. We support ceasing SGLT2i for 72 hours preoperatively and would suggest continuing to withhold the medication until oral intake is restored, and recommend a wider awareness of SGLT2i-associated diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) amongst patients and their healthcare providers with an emphasis on checking ketone levels irrespective of blood glucose levels in the postoperative setting.

Keywords: metabolic acidosis, euglycaemic diabetic ketoacidosis, SGLT2 inhibitors, postoperative.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Blood Glucose / analysis
  • Diabetic Ketoacidosis / chemically induced*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Ketones / blood
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Postoperative Period
  • Sodium-Glucose Transporter 2 Inhibitors*

Substances

  • Blood Glucose
  • Hypoglycemic Agents
  • Ketones
  • Sodium-Glucose Transporter 2 Inhibitors