Endocrinology and metabolism clinics of North America
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Lactic acidosis is the most common metabolic acidosis. At clinical presentation, several causes usually can be identified. ⋯ To date, no therapy specifically designed to lower arterial blood lactate levels has reduced mortality significantly. Prompt recognition and treatment of the underlying causes of lactic acidosis remain the cornerstone of treatment.
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AKA is an acute metabolic disorder that occurs in ethanol abusers who have usually had a recent binge and who, because of gastritis or another intercurrent illness, stop eating and drinking and often vomit repeatedly. This causes dehydration and ketoacidosis which, unlike in diabetics, is usually associated with little or no hyperglycemia or glucosuria. Despite the ketoacidosis, blood pH findings are variable, depending on the severity of coexisting metabolic alkalosis (owing to vomiting) and respiratory alkalosis (owing to pain or delirium tremens). ⋯ Insulin is usually not necessary, except in patients known or suspected to have diabetes. Because some patients have serious coexisting acute illnesses (which may even have precipitated the acute metabolic disorder), assiduous search for those and the appropriate treatment are essential. The prognosis for the acute metabolic disorder per se is excellent, that for coexisting illness depends on the illness, and that for the ethanol abuse is still often problematic.
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DKA-hyperosmolar coma is a readily diagnosed and easily treated, potentially catastrophic emergency that regularly occurs in both Type I and Type II diabetics. This review emphasized that diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperosmolar coma can, and very frequently do, occur concurrently, but it is the hyperosmolar state rather than the DKA that is the primary cause of coma and death in this condition. One must therefore vigorously treat the hyperosmolarity and resulting dehydration, especially when total calculated osmolarity exceeds 230 to 240 mOsm/L. ⋯ The diagnosis of this dangerous condition is relatively simple. The therapy, in most regards, is equally apparent. There are good data demonstrating that the prompt recognition of DKA-hyperosmolar coma and the simple institution of rapid rehydration have continued to reduce the mortality and complications of this potentially disastrous complication of diabetes mellitus.