Paediatric Diabetic Ketoacidosis Algorithm: Recognition, Investigations, Immediate Treatment and Discharge

A six-page BSPED algorithm sheet for diabetic ketoacidosis, with the recognition and assessment page cross-referenced to the flow diagram. It lists the symptoms from thirst and polyuria to Kussmaul breathing and the odour of ketones, the biochemical signs, the airway-breathing-circulation and cerebral oedema assessment, and the investigations from capillary glucose, full blood count, blood gas, HbA1c and osmolality to the infection screen and, in a newly diagnosed case, the thyroid and coeliac antibody screens. It ends on immediate treatment, insulin management, what to exclude when the acidosis is not improving, and the discharge prescription and outpatient follow-up, including the weight-based glucagon kit dose.