Thirty-two cases of diabetic ketoacidosis, experienced in St. Mary´s Hospital, the Catholic Medical Center, over 7 years period from Jan. 1, 1971 to Dec. 31, 1977, were analyzed retrospectively.
The following results were obtained.
1. The incidence was 3.496" of the total diabetic admission during the period, higher than in 1960s.
2. The most frequant precipitating factor was infection, pneumonia being predominant.
3. The average fluid and electrolyte administred within the first 24 hours were 5, 400 ml of water, 482 mEq of Na, 495mEq of Cl, and 46 mEq of K. And the average dose of insulin administred within 24 hours was 110.3 units.
4. 7 cases were dead, mortality being 21.930: Factors contributing to death were hypoglycemia, hypovolemia, and hyperosmolarity. Respiratory acidosis in diabetic ketosis was very serious prognostic factor.
5. As compared with the result in 1960s, smaller dose of-insulin was given but hypoglycemia was still experienced. This suggests that further reduction in insulin dosage is required.
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