Biochemical Parameters of Diabetes Ketoacidosis in Patients with End-stage Kidney Disease and Preserved Renal Function.

introductionDifferences in biochemical parameters of diabetic ketoacidosis in patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) has not been established. Accordingly, we assessed the relationship between degree of metabolic acidosis and ß-hydroxybutyrate in patients with ESKD (eGFR < 15 mL/min/1.73 m2), moderate renal failure (eGFR 15-60), or preserved renal function (eGFR > 60).

methodsThis observational study included adults (18-80 years) with diabetes ketoacidosis (DKA), admitted to Emory University Hospitals between January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2016. DKA and renal stages were confirmed on admission laboratory values.

resultsAdmission bicarbonate levels (13.9 ± 5 vs 13.4 ± 5.3 vs 13.8 ± 4.2 mmol/L, P = 0.7), and pH levels (7.2 ± 0.3 vs 7.2 ± 0.2 vs 7.2 ± 0.2, P = 0.8) were similar among groups. Patients with ESKD had lower mean ß-hydroxybutyrate level (4.3 ± 3.3 vs 5.6 ± 2.9 vs 5.9 ± 2.5 mmol/L, P = 0.01), but higher admission glucose (852 ± 340.4 vs 714.6 ± 253.3 mg/dL vs 518 ± 185.7 mg/dL, P < 0.01), anion gap (23.4 ± 7.6 vs 23 ± 6.9 vs 19.5 ± 4.7 mmol/L, P < 0.01), and osmolality (306 ± 20.6 vs 303.5 ± vs 293.1 ± 3.1mOsm/kg, P < 0.01) compared with patients with moderate renal failure and preserved renal function, respectively. The sensitivity of ß-hydroxybutyrate > 3 mmol/L for diagnosing DKA by bicarbonate level < 15 and <18 mmol/L was 86.9% and 72% in ESKD, 89.3% and 83.7% in moderate renal failure, and 96.2% and 88.3% in preserved renal function. In patients with ESKD, the corresponding ß-hydroxybutyrate with bicarbonate levels < 10, 10-15, <18 mmol/L were 5.5, 3.9, 3.0 mmol/L, respectively.

conclusionsSignificant metabolic differences were found among DKA patients with different levels of renal function. In patients with ESKD, a ß-hydroxybutyrate level > 3 mmol/L may assist with confirmation of DKA diagnosis.