Alcoholic ketoacidosis with multiple complications: a case report

Emerg Med J. 2007 Nov;24(11):776-7. doi: 10.1136/emj.2006.041822.

Abstract

Alcoholic ketoacidosis is a poorly diagnosed medical emergency usually identified in chronic alcohol misusers following an abrupt cessation or reduction of alcohol consumption. A high index of suspicion should be maintained by acute physicians as response to treatment is rapid with complete resolution of metabolic derangements. Complications are usually the result of not instituting the correct treatment or not addressing associated conditions. We describe a case of alcoholic ketoacidosis with multiple complications at presentation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acidosis / diagnosis
  • Acidosis / etiology*
  • Acute Kidney Injury / diagnosis
  • Acute Kidney Injury / etiology
  • Alcoholism / complications*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Electrocardiography
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypoglycemia / diagnosis
  • Hypoglycemia / etiology
  • Hypothermia / diagnosis
  • Hypothermia / etiology
  • Ketosis / diagnosis
  • Ketosis / etiology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Pancreatitis / diagnosis
  • Pancreatitis / etiology