Diabetic Ketoacidosis in Children at the Mother and Child Academic Hospital, N’djamena Chad

Introduction: Diabetic ketoacidosis is the most common acute complication of diabetic children. Objective: To determine the frequency of diabetic ketoacidosis in children, describe the evolutionary profile, and identify factors associated with death. Patients and Method: A retrospective, descriptive, analytical study was conducted between January 2018 and November 2019. Children aged 5 to 15 years with a discharge diagnosis of diabetic ketoacidosis were included. Variables studied were age, sex, history of diabetes, clinical signs on admission, precipitating factors, blood glucose level, and outcome. The statistical test used was chi2. Results: a total of 35 patients were admitted for ketoacidosis or 0.14%. They were boys n = 20 (57.1%) and girls n = 15 (42.9%) with a median age of 10.9 years. Children aged 10 to 15 years n = 26 (74%) were the most represented. The main clinical manifestations were kussmaul breathing n = 33 (94.5%), dehydration n = 27 (77%), and digestive disorders n = 26 (74%). Malaria 25 (71.4%) and urinary tract infection n = 15 (42.8%) were the triggering factors. Death was noted in 14 (40%) patients. Malaria (p: 0.03), children aged 10 - 14 years (p: 0.01), inaugural nature (p: 0.04) were associated with death. Conclusion: Diabetic ketoacidosis in children is relatively frequent, and the relative mortality is high. Its reduction requires early diagnosis. Also, communication for behaviour change and improving socio-economic and cultural conditions are the axes of prevention.