Critical Care Obstetrics and Gynecology

A Starvation Ketoacidosis with Severe Hypoglycemia in Non-Diabetic Pregnant Woman

Pregnancy-related physiological changes attribute in increase the risk of ketoacidosis in pregnant women even with a relatively short period of starvation. Starvation ketoacidosis is a medical emergency associated with adverse maternal and fetal consequences. Early recognition and proper treatment can minimize adverse outcomes. However, delay in the diagnosis is common as patients look clinically well despite the presence of significant metabolic acidosis. Understanding the physiological changes in maternal metabolism form the foundation of management of starvation ketoacidosis. Our case represents the consequences of dual factors; persistent hyperemesis till 34 weeks, and acceleration of ketosis in the third trimester of pregnancy which attributes to poor maternal gain weight, fetal growth restriction, and severe metabolic acidosis.

Author(s):

H Buhusayyen and A Hassani

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