Hypokalaemic complications in diabetic ketoacidosis: Clinical and conceptual approaches for improved diagnosis and management

This thesis establishes role of adjustment of measured potassium level with blood pH in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) – a condition in which body is unable to use glucose as energy. It records pH-adjusted potassium anticipating how soon and severely potassium loss (hypokalaemia) may occur, and its predictive ability to determine the odds of hypokalaemia-driven heart distress. It recommends utilizing pH-adjusted potassium to initiate potassium replenishment in DKA which can help to avoid severe hypokalaemia and resultantly, reduce length of hospital stay.