Hyperglycemic hyperosmolar non-ketotic syndrome in hemodialysis patients.

Background: Hyperglycemic hyperosmolar non-ketotic syndrome (HHNK) is an emergency complication of diabetes mellitus. The conventional treatment modality often includes massive fluid supplementation. In maintenance hemodialysis patients, dehydration via the renal route may not occur, and fluid management is rather complicated. In this study, we investigated the precipitating factors, treatment modalities, clinical course and prognosis of HHNK patients who received maintenance hemodialysis.

Methods: From January 1988 through August 1998, 16 diabetic patients who had developed HHNK were enrolled. Eight of them were end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients on maintenance hemodialysis, and another group included 8 acute renal failure (ARF) diabetes mellitus patients who received their first hemodialysis during the HHNK episode. We retrospectively reviewed their medical charts and recorded each patient's age, treatment modalities, especially fluid supplementation, predisposing factors, and biochemical data during the HHNK episode. Complications and the final outcome were also recorded.

Results: There were no significant differences in biochemical data and patients' ages between the two groups (p > 0.05). The major predisposing factor for the ARF patients was infection, but irregular use of or discontinuing oral hypoglycemic agents (OHA) or insulin was the major predisposing factor for the ESRD patients. Less fluid supplementation was given in the ESRD group as compared to the ARF group and no deaths occurred in the ESRD group of patients. However, 6 patients expired in the ARF group of patients.

Conclusion: Regular medical care, early diagnosis and recognition, and easier management of fluid administration explain the rather smooth course and better prognosis in the ESRD group of patients.