Leukocytosis in Diabetic Ketoacidosis; Whether the Time Has Come to Start Antibiotics? A Short Literature Review

Abstract

Article type: Letter to editor One of the most common risk factors of DKA is infections which are more prevalent in the urinary and respiratory system respectively. Therefore, it is essential to examine the patients with DKA at the arrival in term of presence or absence of infection. Leukocytosis is commonly seen in infectious diseases . The presence of leukocytosis can trigger an antibiotic in these patients. It is while the misuse of antibiotics in addition to the financial costs to patients can increase risk of resistance to antibiotic which is a global concern. In several studies, increased leukocyte in patients with diabetes has been attributed to various factors such as: lack of insulin, inflammatory processes activity, secretion of adrenaline and cortisol and infection. Also, The results of studies showed a strong direct relationship between blood pH and level of WBC; i.e. the severity of blood acidity increases with the amount of leukocytesTherefore, the medical team should take a history, physical or clinical examinations to make decision on the appropriate treatment including, prescribe or not prescribe an antibiotic. Article History: Received: 12-Oct-2018 Accepted: 04-Feb-2019