Hyperglycemic hyperosmolar non-ketotic syndrome in children with type 2 diabetes*

Risk of chronic kidney disease in patients with a hyperglycemic crisis as the initial presentation of type 2 diabetes

Limited data exist on long-term renal outcomes in patients with hyperglycemic crisis (HC) as initial type 2 diabetes presentation. We evaluated the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) development in those with concurrent HC at diagnosis. Utilizing Taiwan's insurance claims from adults newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes during 2006-2015, we created HC and matched non-HC cohorts. We assessed incident CKD/diabetic kidney disease (DKD) by 2018's end, calculating the hazard ratio (HR) with the Cox model. Each cohort comprised 13,242 patients. The combined CKD and DKD incidence was two-fold higher in the HC cohort than in the non-HC cohort (56.47 versus 28.49 per 1000 person-years) with an adjusted HR (aHR) of 2.00 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.91-2.10]). Risk increased from diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) (aHR:1.69 [95% CI 1.59-1.79]) to hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state (HHS) (aHR:2.47 [95% CI 2.33-2.63]) and further to combined DKA-HHS (aHR:2.60 [95% CI 2.29-2.95]). Subgroup analysis in individuals aged ≥ 40 years revealed a similar trend with slightly reduced incidences and HRs. Patients with HC as their initial type 2 diabetes presentation face a higher CKD risk than do those without HC. Enhanced medical attention and customized interventions are crucial to reduce this risk.

Approach to the Patient: Youth-Onset Type 2 Diabetes

Youth-onset type 2 diabetes is a growing epidemic with a rising incidence worldwide. Although the pathogenesis and diagnosis of youth-onset type 2 diabetes are similar to adult-onset type 2 diabetes, youth-onset type 2 diabetes is unique, with greater insulin resistance, insulin hypersecretion, and faster progression of pancreatic beta cell function decline. Individuals with youth-onset type 2 diabetes also develop complications at higher rates within short periods of time compared to adults with type 2 diabetes or youth with type 1 diabetes. The highest prevalence and incidence of youth-onset type 2 diabetes in the United States is among youth from minoritized racial and ethnic groups. Risk factors include obesity, family history of type 2 diabetes, comorbid conditions and use of medications associated with insulin resistance and rapid weight gain, socioeconomic and environmental stressors, and birth history of small-for-gestational-age or pregnancy associated with gestational or pregestational diabetes. Patients with youth-onset type 2 diabetes should be treated using a multidisciplinary model with frequent clinic visits and emphasis on addressing of social and psychological barriers to care and glycemic control, as well as close monitoring for comorbidities and complications. Intensive health behavior therapy is an important component of treatment, in addition to medical management, both of which should be initiated at the diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. There are limited but growing pharmacologic treatment options, including metformin, insulin, glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists, and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors. Although long-term outcomes are not fully known, metabolic/bariatric surgery in youth with type 2 diabetes has led to improved cardiometabolic outcomes.

Risk Factors for Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State in Pediatric Type 2 Diabetes

Background

There is a paucity of data on the risk factors for the hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS) compared with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in pediatric type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Methods

We used the national Kids' Inpatient Database to identify pediatric admissions for DKA and HHS among those with T2D in the years 2006, 2009, 2012, and 2019. Admissions were identified using ICD codes. Those aged <9yo were excluded. We used descriptive statistics to summarize baseline characteristics and Chi-squared test and logistic regression to evaluate factors associated with admission for HHS compared with DKA in unadjusted and adjusted models.

Results

We found 8,961 admissions for hyperglycemic emergencies in youth with T2D, of which 6% were due to HHS and 94% were for DKA. These admissions occurred mostly in youth 17-20 years old (64%) who were non-White (Black 31%, Hispanic 20%), with public insurance (49%) and from the lowest income quartile (42%). In adjusted models, there were increased odds for HHS compared to DKA in males (OR 1.77, 95% CI 1.42-2.21) and those of Black race compared to those of White race (OR 1.81, 95% CI 1.34-2.44). Admissions for HHS had 11.3-fold higher odds for major or extreme severity of illness and 5.0-fold higher odds for mortality.

Conclusion

While DKA represents the most admissions for hyperglycemic emergencies among pediatric T2D, those admitted for HHS had higher severity of illness and mortality. Male gender and Black race were associated with HHS admission compared to DKA. Additional studies are needed to understand the drivers of these risk factors.

Increase in the Diagnosis and Severity of Presentation of Pediatric Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes during the COVID-19 Pandemic

INTRODUCTION

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the incidence of pediatric type 1 (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) and severity of presentation at diagnosis is unclear.

METHODS

A retrospective comparison of 737 youth diagnosed with T1D and T2D during the initial 12 months of the COVID-19 pandemic and in the preceding 2 years was conducted at a pediatric tertiary care center.

RESULTS

Incident cases of T1D rose from 152 to 158 in the 2 years before the pandemic (3.9% increase) to 182 cases during the pandemic (15.2% increase). The prevalence of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) at T1D diagnosis increased over 3 years (41.4%, 51.9%, and 57.7%, p = 0.003); severe DKA increased during the pandemic as compared to the 2 years before (16.8% vs. 28%, p = 0.004). Although there was no difference in the mean hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) between racial and ethnic groups at T1D diagnosis in the 2-years pre-pandemic (p = 0.31), during the pandemic HbA1c at T1D diagnosis was higher in non-Hispanic Black (NHB) youth (11.3 ± 1.4%, non-Hispanic White 10.5 ± 1.6%, Latinx 10.8 ± 1.5%, p = 0.01). Incident cases of T2D decreased from 54 to 50 cases (7.4% decrease) over the 2-years pre-pandemic and increased 182% during the pandemic (n = 141, 1.45 cases/month, p < 0.001). As compared to the 2-years pre-pandemic, cases increased most among NHB youth (56.7% vs. 76.6%, p = 0.001) and males (40.4% vs. 58.9%, p = 0.005). Cases of DKA (5.8% vs. 23.4%, p < 0.001) and hyperosmolar DKA (0 vs. 9.2%, p = 0.001) increased among youth with T2D during the pandemic.

CONCLUSIONS

During the pandemic, the incidence and severity of presentation of T1D increased modestly, while incident cases of T2D increased 182%, with a nearly 6-fold increase in DKA and nearly a 10% incidence of hyperosmolar DKA. NHB youth were disproportionately impacted, raising concern about worsening of pre-existing health disparities during and after the pandemic.

Hyperosmolar diabetic ketoacidosis-- review of literature and the shifting paradigm in evaluation and management

BACKGROUND

Hyperosmolar diabetic ketoacidosis (H-DKA), a distinct clinical entity, is the overlap of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS).

AIM

We describe the clinical presentation, metabolic aberrations, and associated morbidity/mortality of these cases with H-DKA. We highlight the problem areas of medical care which require particular attention when caring for pediatric diabetes patients presenting with H-DKA.

METHODS

In our study we reviewed the literature back to 1963 and retrieved twenty-four cases meeting the criteria of H-DKA: glucose >600 mg/dL, pH < 7.3, bicarbonate <15 mEq/L, and serum osmolality >320 mOsm/kg, while adding three cases from our institution.

RESULTS

Average age of presentation of H-DKA was 10.2 years ± 4.5 years in females and 13.3 years ± 4 years in males, HbA1c was 13%. Biochemical parameters were consistent with severe dehydration: serum osmolality = 394.8±55 mOsm/kg, BUN = 48±22 mg/dL, creatinine = 2.81±1.03 mg/dL. Acute kidney injury, present in 12 cases, was the most frequent end-organ complication.

CONCLUSION

Multi-organ involvement with AKI, rhabdomyolysis, pancreatitis, neurological and cardiac issues such as arrhythmias, are common in H-DKA. Aggressive fluid management, insulin therapy and supportive care can prevent acute and long term adverse outcomes in children and adolescents.

Pediatric Type 2 Diabetes: Not a Mini Version of Adult Type 2 Diabetes

Pediatric type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is increasing in incidence, with risk factors including obesity, puberty, family history of T2DM in a first-degree or second-degree relative, history of small-for-gestational-age at birth, child of a gestational diabetes pregnancy, minority racial group, and lower socioeconomic status. The pathophysiology of T2DM consists of insulin resistance and progression to pancreatic beta-cell failure, which is more rapid in pediatric T2DM compared with adult T2DM. Treatment options are limited. Treatment failure and nonadherence rates are high in pediatric T2DM; therefore, early diagnosis and treatment and new pharmacologic options and/or effective behavioral interventions are needed.

The Corrected Serum Sodium Concentration in Hyperglycemic Crises: Computation and Clinical Applications

In hyperglycemia, hypertonicity results from solute (glucose) gain and loss of water in excess of sodium plus potassium through osmotic diuresis. Patients with stage 5 chronic kidney disease (CKD) and hyperglycemia have minimal or no osmotic diuresis; patients with preserved renal function and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS) have often large osmotic diuresis. Hypertonicity from glucose gain is reversed with normalization of serum glucose ([Glu]); hypertonicity due to osmotic diuresis requires infusion of hypotonic solutions. Prediction of the serum sodium after [Glu] normalization (the corrected [Na]) estimates the part of hypertonicity caused by osmotic diuresis. Theoretical methods calculating the corrected [Na] and clinical reports allowing its calculation were reviewed. Corrected [Na] was computed separately in reports of DKA, HHS and hyperglycemia in CKD stage 5. The theoretical prediction of [Na] increase by 1.6 mmol/L per 5.6 mmol/L decrease in [Glu] in most clinical settings, except in extreme hyperglycemia or profound hypervolemia, was supported by studies of hyperglycemia in CKD stage 5 treated only with insulin. Mean corrected [Na] was 139.0 mmol/L in 772 hyperglycemic episodes in CKD stage 5 patients. In patients with preserved renal function, mean corrected [Na] was within the eunatremic range (141.1 mmol/L) in 7,812 DKA cases, and in the range of severe hypernatremia (160.8 mmol/L) in 755 cases of HHS. However, in DKA corrected [Na] was in the hypernatremic range in several reports and rose during treatment with adverse neurological consequences in other reports. The corrected [Na], computed as [Na] increase by 1.6 mmol/L per 5.6 mmol/L decrease in [Glu], provides a reasonable estimate of the degree of hypertonicity due to losses of hypotonic fluids through osmotic diuresis at presentation of DKH or HHS and should guide the tonicity of replacement solutions. However, the corrected [Na] may change during treatment because of ongoing fluid losses and should be monitored during treatment.

Concurrent diabetic ketoacidosis with hyperosmolality and/or severe hyperglycemia in youth with type 2 diabetes

INTRODUCTION

Prevalence of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) complicated by severe hyperglycaemia and hyperosmolality and its outcomes in youth with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) are not well-described. Our aim is to determine the frequency and clinical outcomes of isolated DKA, DKA with severe hyperglycaemia (DKA + SHG) and DKA with hyperglycaemia and hyperosmolality (DKA + HH) in youth with T2DM admitted for acute hyperglycaemic crisis.

METHODS

Through retrospective medical record review, patients with T2DM were identified and categorized into isolated DKA, DKA + SHG (DKA + glucose ≥33.3 mmol/L) and DKA + HH (DKA + glucose ≥33.3 mmol/L + osmolality ≥320 mmol/kg).

RESULTS

Forty-eight admissions in 43 patients ages 9-18 were included: 28 (58%) had isolated DKA, six (13%) had DKA + SHG and 14 (29%) had DKA + HH. Subgroups' demographics and medical history were similar. Seventeen patients (35%) had acute kidney injury (AKI). Odds of AKI were higher in DKA + SHG and DKA + HH relative to isolated DKA (P = .015 and .002 respectively). Frequency of altered mental status (AMS) was similar among groups. Three patients (6%) had concurrent soft-tissue infections at presentation with no differences among subgroup. Three patients (6%) had other medical complications. These occurred only in patients with AKI and DKA + SHG or AKI and DKA + HH.

CONCLUSIONS

In youth with T2DM, severe hyperglycaemia ± hyperosmolality frequently complicates DKA. Youth with DKA and features of hyperglycaemic hyperosmolar syndrome, including isolated severe hyperglycaemia, have increased odds of AKI.

Care of Children and Adolescents with Diabetes Mellitus and Hyperglycemia in the Inpatient Setting

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Children and adolescents with acute hyperglycemia and diabetes mellitus frequently have acute, potentially life-threatening presentations which require high-acuity care in an inpatient and often intensive care setting. This review discusses the evaluation and care of hyperglycemia and diabetes mellitus in hospitalized children in both critical and non-critical care settings, highlighting important differences in their care relative to adults.

RECENT FINDINGS

Diabetic ketoacidosis remains highly prevalent at diagnosis among children with type 1 diabetes, and hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state is increasingly prevalent among children with type 2 diabetes. Recent clinical trials have investigated the potential benefits of various types of intravenous fluids and their rates of administration as well as the risks and benefits of intensive glucose control in critically ill children. The Endocrine Society has developed guidelines focused on managing hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state, outlining important aspects of care shown to decrease morbidity and mortality. In the non-critical illness setting, intensive therapy on newly diagnosed diabetes is increasingly recommended at the outset. With the increasing incidence of diabetes mellitus in children and adolescents, recent studies addressing acute diabetes emergencies help inform best practices for care of hospitalized children with hyperglycemia and diabetes.

Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome in a young boy

We describe a 6-year-old boy who presented to the emergency department with the complaint of nausea and vomiting with diarrhea. Workup revealed a glucose level of 1904 mg/dL, and hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome was diagnosed. Hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome is very rare in the pediatric population, but recent published reports suggest that the incidence of this disorder may be increasing.

A Randomized Controlled Study Comparing a DPP4 Inhibitor (Linagliptin) and Basal Insulin (Glargine) in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes in Long-term Care and Skilled Nursing Facilities: Linagliptin-LTC Trial

OBJECTIVES

Safe and easily implemented treatment regimens are needed for the management of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in long-term care (LTC) and skilled nursing facilities.

DESIGN

This 6-month open-label randomized controlled trial compared the efficacy and safety of a DPP4 inhibitor (linagliptin) and basal insulin (glargine) in LTC residents with T2DM.

SETTINGS

Three LTC institutions affiliated with a community safety-net hospital, US Department of Veterans Affairs and Emory Healthcare System in Atlanta, Georgia.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 140 residents with T2DM treated with oral antidiabetic agents or low-dose insulin (≤0.1 U/kg/d), with fasting or premeal blood glucose (BG) > 180 mg/dL and/or HbA1c >7.5%.

INTERVENTION

Baseline antidiabetic therapy, except metformin, was discontinued on trial entry. Residents were treated with linagliptin 5 mg/d (n = 67) or glargine at a starting dose of 0.1 U/kg/d (n = 73). Both groups received supplemental rapid-acting insulin before meals for BG > 200 mg/dL.

MEASUREMENTS

Primary outcome was mean difference in daily BG between groups. Main secondary endpoints included differences in frequency of hypoglycemia, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), complications, emergency department visits, and hospital transfers.

RESULTS

Treatment with linagliptin resulted in no significant differences in mean daily BG (146 ± 34 mg/dL vs. 157 ± 36 mg/dL, P = .07) compared to glargine. Linagliptin treatment resulted in fewer mild hypoglycemic events <70 mg/dL (3% vs. 37%, P < .001), but there were no differences in BG < 54 mg/dL (P = .06) or <40 mg/dL (P = .05) compared to glargine. There were no significant between-group differences in HbA1c, length of stay, complications, emergency department visits, or hospitalizations.

CONCLUSION

Treatment with linagliptin resulted in noninferior glycemic control and in significantly lower risk of hypoglycemia compared to insulin glargine in long-term care and skilled nursing facility residents with type 2 diabetes.

Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar State During Induction Chemotherapy for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

We present the case of a 16-year-old boy who presented with fatigue, polyuria, and polydipsia while on chemotherapy for his relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Blood gas examination confirmed the diagnosis of hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state. The etiology for his hyperglycemia was most likely a result of oral glucocorticoid therapy combined with asparaginase therapy-both are a cornerstone of induction chemotherapy for ALL. The patient was aggressively rehydrated with saline, and medications were administered to correct his hyperkalemia. He was then slowly brought to euglycemia with a continuous infusion of insulin. Although hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state is rare during the treatment of ALL, frontline providers should be aware of this diagnosis because of the significant risk of hypovolemic shock and death if correction of hyperglycemia occurs prior to complete fluid resuscitation.

Hyperglycaemic hyperosmolar syndrome in children: Patient characteristics, diagnostic delays and associated complications

AIMS

The aim of this study was to describe the demographical and clinical characteristics, diagnostic difficulties, and morbidity and mortality in children with hyperglycaemic hyperosmolar syndrome (HHS).

METHODS

Retrospective cross-section descriptive study of children (<18 years of age) at an urban, tertiary, academic Children's Hospital diagnosed with HHS from January 2002 to December 2011.

RESULTS

Six patients met inclusion criteria for the diagnosis of HHS. Age ranged from 6 to 16 years with 4 (67%) patients younger than 13 years. Four (67%) patients were women and 5 (83%) were African-American. Body mass index (BMI)-for-age percentile was >97% in four (67%) patients. Three (60%) of five patients seen as outpatients were misdiagnosed, two cases were seen twice before an accurate diagnosis of HHS was made. There was one (17%) death. Complications included three patients with acute renal failure, one patient with seizures, and one patient with rhabdomyolysis and compartment syndrome leading to below the knee amputation. Malignant hyperthermia and ventricular arrhythmias occurred in the patient who expired. Three of the five patients who had autoantibody tests had positive results and were diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

CONCLUSIONS

Characteristics of children with HSS are variable for age, gender and BMI-for-age percentile and not predominately limited to obese male adolescent African-American. Delay in diagnosis is common and morbidity and mortality in paediatric HHS are significant. The subsequent diagnosis of patients presenting with HHS includes type 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus.

Type 2 diabetes in children: Clinical aspects and risk factors

A strong link between obesity, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome has been reported with development of a new paradigm to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), with some evidence suggesting that beta-cell dysfunction is present before the onset of impaired glucose tolerance. Differentiating type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) from T2DM is actually not very easy and there exists a number of overlapping characteristics. The autoantibody frequencies of seven antigens in T1DM patients may turn out to be actually having T2DM patients (pre-T2DM). T2DM patients generally have increased C-peptide levels (may be normal at time of diagnosis), usually no auto-antibodies, strong family history of diabetes, obese and show signs of insulin resistance (hypertension, acanthosis, PCOS). The American Academy of Paediatrics recommends lifestyle modifications ± metformin when blood glucose is 126-200 mg/dL and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) <8.5. Insulin is recommended when blood glucose is >200 mg/dL and HbA1c >8.5, with or without ketosis. Metformin is not recommended if the patient is ketotic, because this increases the risk of lactic acidosis. Metformin is currently the only oral hypoglycemic that has been approved for use in children. Knowing these subtle differences in mechanism, and knowing how to test patients for which mechanism (s) are causing their diabetes mellitus, may help us eventually tailor treatment programs on an individual basis.

Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state: a historic review of the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment

The hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS) is the most serious acute hyperglycemic emergency in patients with type 2 diabetes. von Frerichs and Dreschfeld described the first cases of HHS in the 1880s in patients with an "unusual diabetic coma" characterized by severe hyperglycemia and glycosuria in the absence of Kussmaul breathing, with a fruity breath odor or positive acetone test in the urine. Current diagnostic HHS criteria include a plasma glucose level >600 mg/dL and increased effective plasma osmolality >320 mOsm/kg in the absence of ketoacidosis. The incidence of HHS is estimated to be <1% of hospital admissions of patients with diabetes. The reported mortality is between 10 and 20%, which is about 10 times higher than the mortality rate in patients with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Despite the severity of this condition, no prospective, randomized studies have determined best treatment strategies in patients with HHS, and its management has largely been extrapolated from studies of patients with DKA. There are many unresolved questions that need to be addressed in prospective clinical trials regarding the pathogenesis and treatment of pediatric and adult patients with HHS.

Epidemiology of hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome in children hospitalized in USA

BACKGROUND

Previous studies of hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome (HHS) in children are limited to case series or single-institution reviews, which describe HHS primarily in children with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the incidence and describe the epidemiologic characteristics of HHS among children in USA.

SUBJECTS

All discharges in the Kids' Inpatient Database - a triennial, nationwide, stratified probability sample of hospital discharges for years 1997-2009 - with age 0-18 yr and a diagnosis of HHS.

METHODS

Using sample weights, we calculated the incidence and population rate of hospitalization with a diagnosis of HHS.

RESULTS

Our sample included 1074 HHS hospitalizations; of these, 42.9% were 16-18 yr, 70.6% had type 1 diabetes (T1D), and 53.0% had major or extreme severity of illness. The median length of stay was 2.6 d, 2.7% of hospitalizations ended in death, and median hospital charge was $10 882. When comparing HHS hospitalizations by diabetes type, the proportion with T1D fell steadily with age, from 89.1% among children 0-9 yr, to 65.1% in 16-18 yr olds. Patients with T1D had a shorter length of stay by 0.9 d, and had a lower median charge by $5311. There was no difference in mortality by diabetes type. Population rates for HHS hospitalization rose 52.4% from 2.1 to 3.2 per 1 000 000 children from 1997 to 2009.

CONCLUSION

Hospitalizations for a diagnosis of HHS have high morbidity and are increasing in incidence since 1997. In contrast to prior reports, we found a substantial percentage of HHS hospitalizations occurred among children with T1D.

Hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome in the pediatric patient: a case report and review of the literature

Hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome (HHS) is a potentially deadly complication of diabetes mellitus that can often be the presenting symptom of the condition in the pediatric population. There is a danger that HHS may not be included in the differential of critical patients because it is still a somewhat rare entity in the pediatric population. However, recent data regarding population trends indicate that HHS will continue to appear more and more commonly in the pediatric population with diabetes. The following case describes an adolescent with many of the typical features of the pediatric patient with HHS as the presenting symptom of diabetes mellitus. The literature regarding HHS in children is still sparse, and much must be extrapolated from adult studies given its relatively recent increased incidence. Included is a brief review of the most recent data regarding epidemiology, treatment, and complications that would be pertinent to the pediatric emergency physician.

Metabolic encephalopathies

Kinnier Wilson coined the term metabolic encephalopathy to describe a clinical state of global cerebral dysfunction induced by systemic stress that can vary in clinical presentation from mild executive dysfunction to deep coma with decerebrate posturing; the causes are numerous. Some mechanisms by which cerebral dysfunction occurs in metabolic encephalopathies include focal or global cerebral edema, alterations in transmitter function, the accumulation of uncleared toxic metabolites, postcapillary venule vasogenic edema, and energy failure. This article focuses on common causes of metabolic encephalopathy, and reviews common causes, clinical presentations and, where relevant, management.

Metabolic effects of obesity causing disease in childhood

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Childhood obesity is rising to epidemic proportions throughout the world, and much emphasis has been placed on the long-term consequences that can result later, in adulthood. This article reviews the metabolic consequences of obesity that can manifest as disease during the childhood years.

RECENT FINDINGS

Obese children suffer from many disease processes once thought to affect only adults. They can have type 2 diabetes mellitus, and potentially early β cell failure with rapid progression to an insulin requirement. There is a high prevalence of fatty liver disease in obese children, and complications such as steatohepatitis and even cirrhosis can develop during childhood. Visceral fat has been shown to have many different properties than subcutaneous fat, and children with central adiposity can develop the metabolic syndrome with insulin resistance, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. Hyperandrogenism, sleep disturbances, and many types of orthopedic complications can also develop in young children.

SUMMARY

Physicians should not only warn obese children and their families about the long-term consequences of obesity for which they are at risk in adulthood, they should also screen for the many diseases that may already be present.

Aggressive fluid resuscitation in severe pediatric hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome: a case report

Objective. This report describes a severe case of hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome complicated by rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney injury, hyperthermia, and hypovolemic shock, with management centred upon fluid administration. Design. Case report. Setting. Pediatric intensive care unit in university teaching hospital. Patients. 12 years old adolescent female presenting with hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome with a new diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Intervention. Aggressive fluid resuscitation and insulin. Main results. The patient had a good outcome, discharged home on hospital day 6. Conclusions. Hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome is associated with a number of complications. Management strategies are undefined, given the rarity of its presentation, and further studies are warranted.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus in children and adolescents: where do we stand with drug treatment and behavioral management?

Type 2 diabetes, once considered a disease of adults, is a growing problem in the pediatric population. The emergence of type 2 diabetes in this age group has paralleled the epidemic of childhood obesity. Lifestyle modifications represent first-line therapy for children and adolescents with type 2 diabetes. However, many children and adolescents go on to require treatment with oral medications or insulin for optimal control. A paucity of data exist regarding the optimal treatment regimen for children and adolescents with type 2 diabetes. Further research regarding the treatment of type 2 diabetes in youth is required.

[Hyperglycemic acute crisis in type 1 diabetes mellitus in youth]

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is the main hyperglycemic complication in type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (DM1). The basic principles in treatment have to be followed carefully. The patient with DKA has a very deep volume depletion. To restore the circulatory capacity is the first step. From this point on, the restoration of the lost fluids is slow, around 1% per hour, aiming at the correction of the metabolic disturbance already on and avoiding great fluctuations in osmolality, which increases the risk of having complications. Attention to the development of cerebral edema, which, once suspected, deserves an urgent treatment plan, trying to avoid neurologic sequelae or even death. Subcutaneous ultra-rapid insulin has been demonstrated to be efficient and easier to use. As the perfusion gets improved and the levels of insulin increase, the lipolysis is blocked, as well as the generation of ketones and so the acidemia tends to be solved. DKA is still a high-mortality condition. And to be in a hurry frequently leads to neurologic sequelae and even to a fatal outcome.

Clinical presentation and treatment of type 2 diabetes in children

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has dramatically increased throughout the world in many ethnic groups and among people with diverse social and economic backgrounds. This increase has also affected the young such that over the past decade, the increase in the number of children and youth with T2DM has been labeled an 'epidemic'. Before the 1990s, it was rare for most pediatric centers to have significant numbers of patients with T2DM. However, by 1994, T2DM patients represented up to 16% of new cases of diabetes in children in urban areas and by 1999, depending on geographic location, the range of percentage of new cases because of T2DM was 8-45% and disproportionately represented among minority populations. Although the diagnosis was initially regarded with skepticism, T2DM is now a serious diagnostic consideration in all young people who present with signs and symptoms of diabetes in the USA.

Decompensated hyperglycemic hyperosmolarity without significant ketoacidosis in the adolescent and young adult population

AIM

To identify patients aged 10-30 years with probable hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome (HHS), to describe demographic and clinical profiles, and to attempt to assess risk factors for poor outcomes.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study (medical records review).

SETTING

A 944-bed tertiary care teaching and research hospital and a 425-bed affiliated facility.

PATIENTS

10-30 year-old patients with a primary or secondary discharge diagnosis of HHS or diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Patients with a serum glucose >600 mg/dl in the absence of significant ketoacidosis (possible HHS) were profiled. Further stratification based on measured or calculated serum osmolarity >320 mOsm/kg (probable HHS) was undertaken.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients received treatment for hyperglycemic crises, consisting primarily of fluids, electrolyte replacement and insulin.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Of the 629 admissions, 10 with a diagnosis of HHS and 33 with a diagnosis of DKA met the initial study criteria for HHS. 60% were African Americans and 89% were new-onset diabetics. From this group, 20 admissions had serum osmolarity > or =320 mOsm/kg. Fisher's exact test and Pearson coefficients were used to examine associations between risk factor and poor outcomes and correlations between admission data and length of hospital stay, respectively. Serious complications occurred in four patients (including two deaths, 10% mortality) and were limited to those with unreversed shock over the first 24 hours of admission and who received <40 ml/kg of intravenous fluids over the first 6 hours of treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

HHS was underdiagnosed in this population and occurred disproportionately in African Americans. Serious complications occurred exclusively in those with unreversed shock and inadequate fluid resuscitation.

Acute and chronic complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus in children and adolescents

With the increase in prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus in adolescents, a rise in incidence of secondary comorbidities--including hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, nephropathy, and retinopathy--is anticipated. Furthermore, findings of studies in young adults have suggested that the development and progression of clinical complications might be especially rapid when the onset of type 2 diabetes is early, raising the possibility of a serious public-health challenge in the next few decades. To date, reports of the epidemiology and natural history of secondary complications specifically in adolescents with type 2 diabetes have been scarce. Yet, we must begin to understand the extent of the coming challenge. To this end, we have reviewed reports on acute and long-term comorbidities associated with type 2 diabetes in young people and have looked at mounting evidence that this group could be at increased risk for development of early complications.

Prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes in youth

Parallel to the increase in obesity worldwide, there has been a rise in the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in children and adolescents. The etiology of T2DM in youth, similar to adults, is multifactorial including genetic and environmental factors, among them obesity, sedentary lifestyle, family history of the disease, high-risk ethnicity and insulin resistance phenotype playing major roles. Treatment of T2DM should not have a glucocentric approach; it should rather target improving glycemia, dyslipidemia, hypertension, weight management and the prevention of short- and long-term complications. Prevention strategies, especially in high-risk groups, should focus on environmental change involving participation of families, schools, the food and entertainment industries and governmental agencies. Presently, limited pharmacotherapeutic options need to be expanded both for childhood T2DM and obesity. The coming decades will prove very challenging for healthcare providers battling socioeconomic waves conducive to obesity and T2DM. Evidence-based research and clinical experience in pediatrics, possibly modeled after adult trials, need to be developed if this public health threat is to be contained.

What type of diabetes do young people have?

Although type 1 diabetes remains the most common type of diabetes in the pediatric population, there has been a dramatic rise in type 2 diabetes in youth. Clinical distinctions between these two major types have become blurred. As genetic and biochemical measures become more affordable and available, practical applications of these measures to better understand diabetes type in youth and the implications of diabetes type on the evolution of the disease are needed.

Pediatric diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state

Diabetic ketoacidosis is an important complication of diabetes in children and is the most frequent diabetes-related cause of death in childhood. The pathophysiology of this condition can be viewed as an exaggeration of the normal physiologic mechanisms responsible for maintaining an adequate fuel supply to the brain and other tissues during periods of fasting and physiologic stress. The optimal therapy has been a subject of controversy, particularly because the most frequent serious complication of diabetic ketoacidosis-cerebral edema-and the relationship of this complication to treatment are incompletely understood. In this article, the author reviews the pathophysiology of diabetic ketoacidosis and its complications and presents an evidence-based approach to the management of this condition.