Does combined DKA-HHS increase hospital mortality compared to isolated DKA or HHS in patients with hyperglycemic crises?
Combined DKA-HHS is associated with higher mortality compared with isolated DKA or HHS, highlighting the need for careful management to avoid severe hypokalemia and hypoglycemia.
OBJECTIVE: Many patients with hyperglycemic crises present with combined features of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS). The implications of concomitant acidosis and hyperosmolality are not well known. We investigated hospital outcomes in patients with isolated or combined hyperglycemic crises. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: ) the relationship of hospital complications associated with insulin therapy (hypoglycemia and hypokalemia) with mortality. RESULTS: = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Combined DKA-HHS is associated with higher mortality compared with isolated DKA or HHS. Severe hypokalemia and severe hypoglycemia are associated with higher hospital mortality in patients with hyperglycemic crises.
Pasquel et al. (Fri,) studied this question.