Clinical and biochemical predictors of intensive care unit admission among patients with diabetic ketoacidosis.

backgroundDiabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) contributes to 94% of diabetes-related hospital admissions, and its incidence is rising. Due to the complexity of its management and the need for rigorous monitoring, many DKA patients are managed in the intensive care unit (ICU). However, studies comparing DKA patients managed in ICU to non-ICU settings show an increase in healthcare costs without significantly affecting patient outcomes. It is, therefore, essential to identify suitable candidates for ICU care in DKA patients.

aimTo evaluate factors that predict the requirement for ICU care in DKA patients.

methodsThis retrospective study included consecutive patients with index DKA episodes who presented to the emergency department of four general hospitals of Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar, between January 2015 and March 2021. All adult patients (> 14 years) fulfilling the American Diabetes Association criteria for DKA diagnosis were included.

resultsWe included 922 patients with DKA in the final analysis, of which 229 (25%) were managed in the ICU. Compared to non-ICU patients, patients admitted to ICU were older [mean (SD) age of 40.4 ± 13.7 years

conclusionIn the largest tertiary center in Qatar, 25% of all DKA patients required ICU admission. Older age, T2DM, newly onset DM, an infectious trigger of DKA, moderate-severe DKA, concurrent NSTEMI, and COVID-19 infection are some factors that predict ICU requirement in a DKA patient.