Diabetic ketoacidosis is a complication of new or existing pediatric diabetes and may be complicated by cerebral injury. Due to this risk, is treated differently than adult DKA. Health care providers must follow a published pediatric-specific protocol when treating pediatric DKA. Early communication with the diabetes specialist at your pediatric referral site is a key element of the management of these patients.

These pediatric specific resources are divided into 2 phases:

  1. Initial emergency department management — see:
  2. Ongoing inpatient management guidelines, intended for use after the immediate ED treatment — see attached:

Please note that the TREKK guidelines are more prescriptive with respect to recommendations for fluids, insulin, etc. The inpatient management guidelines are intentionally more open, providing a range of acceptable options that will allow the clinician to adapt the care for a given patient and management preferences. We recommend communicating with your Pediatric Diabetes referral centre for advice and support as needed.

Coming soon: CPEG HHS Algorithm.