Diabetic ketoacidosis at the onset of Type 1 diabetes in young children Is it time to launch a tailored campaign for DKA prevention in children <5 years?

Diabetic ketoacidosis at the onset of Type 1 diabetes in young children Is it time to launch a tailored campaign for DKA prevention in children

Authors

  • Brunella Iovane Regional Diabetes Center for children
  • Antonina Marta Cangelosi Regional Diabetes Center for children
  • Ilaria Bonaccini Regional Diabetes Center for children
  • Dora Di Mauro Regional Diabetes Center for children
  • Chiara Scarabello Regional Diabetes Center for children
  • Arianna Panigari Post-graduate School of Pediatrics
  • Alessandra Tiri Post-graduate School of Pediatrics
  • Carla Mastrorilli Research Doctorate in Medical Science
  • Valentina Fainardi Research Doctorate in Medical Science
  • Icilio Dodi Department of General Pediatrics and Emergency
  • Maurizio Vanelli Center on health systems organization, quality and sustainability. Children Hospital and University of Parma, Parma, Italy

Keywords:

Diabetic Ketoacidosis, Type 1 Diabetes, Young Children, DKA Prevention, Baby diapers, Pediatrics, Polyuria, Polydipsia

Abstract

Aim: To analyze clinical characteristics associated with the occurrence of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) at the onset of type 1 diabetes (T1D) in children aged <5 years in order to identify early signs or symptoms useful to prevent DKA appearance. Methods: Data of patients  with newly diagnosed TID aged <5 years (Group 1) and 6-10 years old  (Group 2) coming from the province of Parma were collected in the period 2012-2016. Results: Mild/moderate ketoacidosis at diabetes diagnosis occurred more frequently in Group 1 than in Group 2 patients (p<0.0015). Severe DKA incidence was higher in children below 5 (21.8%) than in those over 5 years of age (3.75%; p=0.021). Latent period before overt T1D diagnosis was longer in Group 1 than in Group 2 patients (p=0.0081). During this latent period similar indicators were recorded among parents of children <3 years old: frequent use of disposable baby diapers (87%), wet baby diapers because of a large amount of urine (86%), body weight loss (79%).  In children aged 3-4 years reported symptoms consisted of polyuria (89%), polydipsia (79%), fatigue (72%). In Group 2 patients predominant signs concern unusual episodes of  enuresis. Conclusions: We believe that it is time to launch a DKA prevention campaign tailored for children under 5 years old and focused just on the above-mentioned three warning signs. Information program must involves pediatricians, pediatric nurses, new moms and nursery school teachers. 

 

Author Biography

Maurizio Vanelli, Center on health systems organization, quality and sustainability. Children Hospital and University of Parma, Parma, Italy

Children Hospital and University of Parma, Parma, Italy

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Published

08-01-2018

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Section

ORIGINAL ARTICLES

How to Cite

1.
Diabetic ketoacidosis at the onset of Type 1 diabetes in young children Is it time to launch a tailored campaign for DKA prevention in children . Acta Biomed [Internet]. 2018 Jan. 8 [cited 2024 Mar. 29];89(1):67-71. Available from: https://www.mattioli1885journals.com/index.php/actabiomedica/article/view/6936