Reference Cards
Endocrinology Guide
Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar Nonketotic Coma:
   A) Pathology: Occurs predominantly with Type II DM and relative insulin deficiency
   B) Clinical Findings:
       1) Precipitating Factors: Volume depletion, extrinsic osmotic load (TPN, enteral feeding without adequate free water), intercurrent illness (infection, MI CVA, GI bleed, pancreatitis), peritoneal dialysis, drugs (diuretics, cimetidine, corticosteroids, dilantin, beta-blockers). Approx. 50% of patients have no prior history of diabetes
       2) Manifestations: Similar to DKA but without Kussmaul's respirations and acetone halitosis
       3) Diagnosis: Hyperglycemia with glucose > 600 mg/dl and may be > 2000 mg/dl; mild anion gap acidosis with ketosis; high serum osmolality; hyponatremia with 1.6 mEq/l decrease for each 100 mg/dl glucose increase above normal. A normal serum Na+ with inc glucose indicates a severe water deficit.
   C) Management (Identify and treat precipitating event)
       1) Volume resuscitation for hypovolemia with NS. Hyperosmolality correction with hypotonic fluids (D5 1/2NS or D5W) only after correction of hypovolemic state
       2) Hyperglycemia treated with hydration alone will typically lower plasma glucose to less than 500 mg/dl. Insulin therapy should begin after volume replacement and begun with a low dose regimen (0.1 u/kg/hr or regular insulin)
       3) K+ replacement prn. Acidosis typically resolves with volume repletion.