Acute Kidney Injury in Children Admitted with Diabetic Ketoacidosis

Background and Aims: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) poses a risk for acute kidney injury (AKI) in children, with incidence varying across different regions and populations. The aim of the study is to assess the proportion and predictors of AKI in children with DKA and to assess the impact of AKI on the duration of hospital stay and recovery from metabolic acidosis. Methods: Medical records of children under 14 years admitted with DKA between 2021 and 2023 were analysed retrospectively. Data on clinical characteristics and outcomes were collected and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Out of 31 patients, 7 (22.6%) developed AKI. Statistically significant differences were found between the AKI and non-AKI groups in terms of age, body mass index, corrected sodium and blood urea levels. Children with AKI had a longer median duration of hospital stay (10 vs. 6 days, P = .002) and a longer time to recover from metabolic acidosis (96 vs. 39 hours, P = .001) compared with those without AKI. Conclusion: A significant proportion of children with DKA are affected with AKI, leading to prolonged hospitalisation and delayed recovery from metabolic acidosis. Identifying predictors of AKI can help in the early recognition and management of this complication, improving patient outcomes.