Alpha coma in an adolescent with diabetic ketoacidosis.
Ostojic S, Vukovic R, Milenkovic T, Mitrovic K, Djuric M, Nikolic L. Alpha coma in an adolescent with diabetic ketoacidosis. Turk J Pediatr 2017; 59: 318-321. This is the first report of alpha coma (AC) caused by brain edema in a patient with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). A previously healthy 15-year-old girl was admitted to the intensive care unit due to altered state of consciousness during the course of treatment for DKA. Patient was in a coma, intubated and had tachycardia with poor peripheral perfusion. Results of laboratory analyses indicated severe DKA and computed tomography scan indicated diffuse brain edema. The EEG pattern showed uniform alpha activity. Treatment with intravenous fluids, insulin and mannitol was started. Patient`s state of consciousness gradually improved and on the third day she was extubated. On the fifth day, her neurologic status and EEG findings were completely normal with no residual neurological deficits. In conclusion, although AC is associated with a high fatality rate, favorable outcome can be achieved with prompt recognition and treatment of cerebral edema in pediatric patients with DKA.
['Ostojic|Slavica|S|', 'Vukovic|Rade|R|', 'Milenkovic|Tatjana|T|', 'Mitrovic|Katarina|K|', 'Djuric|Milena|M|', 'Nikolic|Ljubica|L|']
D000293:Adolescent D001929:Brain Edema D003128:Coma D016883:Diabetic Ketoacidosis D004569:Electroencephalography D005260:Female D005440:Fluid Therapy D006801:Humans D007328:Insulin D007362:Intensive Care Units D008353:Mannitol D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
alpha coma diabetic ketoacidosis brain edema outcome type 1 diabetes mellitus