DEVELOPMENT OF INDEXES FOR DETERMINING EXTRACELLULAR FLUID SODIUM ANDWATER STATUS IN ACUTE DIABETIC-KETOACIDOSIS - POSSIBLE TOOLS FOR CLINICAL AUDIT

The limitation of plasma sodium concentration as an indicator of extra cellular hydration status in cases of acute diabetes is well recognize d and could lead to individually inappropriate fluid therapy. However, in view of the small analytical and biological variations exhibited b y plasma concentrations of protein, water, and sodium in health, we ha ve developed simple laboratory indices that may better describe the ex tracellular environment. Preliminary data presented here for 20 patien ts with acute diabetic ketoacidosis admitted as emergencies to Crossho use Hospital suggest that the type of approach we describe has the pot ential to supply meaningful therapeutic data to the managing physician and, therefore, merits further study in a clinical setting.