The evaluation and management of children with diabetic ketoacidosis in the emergency department

Children with DKA present frequently to the pediatric emergency department. Most children recover uneventfully when treated with insulin, intravenous fluids, and electrolyte replacement, however, infrequent complications, such as cerebral edema, may have devastating consequences. Greater efforts are necessary to prevent DKA in children with established diabetes and to recognize and treat DKA promptly in children with new-onset diabetes. International recommendations for DKA treatment in children have recently been published and may be useful in standardizing the treatment of this condition.