Severe hypernatremia in hyperglycemic conditions; managing it effectively: A case report

As sodium level in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state (HHS) is usually low, normal, or slightly elevated, severe hypernatremia with DKA and/or HHS is rare.Case 1 was a 14-year-old boy, presenting with typical laboratory test values and symptoms consistent with DKA and HHS.His corrected sodium level, 172 mEq/L, might have occurred as a result of consuming 6 L/day of highly carbonated, carbohydrate-and sodium-rich drinks during the week preceding the diagnosis.This patient developed right lung artery thrombosis, which did not require treatment.Case 2 was a 10-year-old girl, presenting with typical laboratory test values and symptoms of DKA and HHS.Her corrected sodium level, 175 mEq/L, might have occurred as a result of large electrolyte-free water loss associated with osmotic diuresis.These two cases of patients presenting with DKA-HHS and severe hypernatremia are the first to be reported in Japan.