Clinical laboratory contribution to the diagnosis and monitoring of pediatric diabetic ketoacidosis

Mdarhri, Hiba Alaoui and Zizi, Lilia and Bakkouri, J. El (2025) Clinical laboratory contribution to the diagnosis and monitoring of pediatric diabetic ketoacidosis. World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 22 (3). 011-015. ISSN 2582-5542

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious complication of childhood diabetes, which is all the more concerning when it reveals the disease. It constitutes a real public health issue, particularly because it can be prevented through early diagnosis. This study is retrospective, descriptive, and single-center, including 39 children hospitalized at the Cheikh Khalifa International University Hospital in Casablanca, Morocco, over a four-year period between 2018 and 2022. This study highlights a male predominance (56.4%) with a median age of 9 years. The most frequent clinical signs at admission were polyuropolydipsia syndrome (79.5%), weight loss (51%), polyphagia (30.8%), dyspnea (48%), digestive disorders (38%), vigilance disorders (25%) and secondary enuresis (10%). The mean blood glucose level at admission was 4.85 g/L ± 1.38, with glycosuria and ketonuria present in 77% of cases. Mild to moderate ketoacidosis was found in 35.9% of children. Biologically, hyperleukocytosis (79%), high CRP (21%), and high HbA1c were observed in 100% of cases (mean 11.3%, range 8.2-15.1%). DKA was mild to moderate in 35.9% of cases. The role of the laboratory is essential for diagnosis, monitoring, and identification of triggering factors, contributing to better management and prevention of recurrences.