Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state

Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state
Other namesHyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketotic coma (HHNC), hyperosmolar non-ketotic coma (HONK), nonketotic hyperosmolar coma, hyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketotic syndrome (HHNS)[1]
SpecialtyEndocrinology
SymptomsSigns of dehydration, altered level of consciousness[2]
ComplicationsDisseminated intravascular coagulopathy, mesenteric artery occlusion, rhabdomyolysis[2]
Usual onsetDays to weeks[3]
DurationFew days[3]
Risk factorsInfections, stroke, trauma, certain medications, heart attacks[4]
Diagnostic methodBlood tests[2]
Differential diagnosisDiabetic ketoacidosis[2]
TreatmentIntravenous fluids, insulin, low molecular weight heparin, antibiotics[3]
Prognosis~15% risk of death[4]
FrequencyRelatively common[2]

Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS), also known as hyperosmolar non-ketotic state (HONK), is a complication of diabetes mellitus in which high blood sugar results in high osmolarity without significant ketoacidosis.[4][5] Symptoms include signs of dehydration, weakness, leg cramps, vision problems, and an altered level of consciousness.[2] Onset is typically over days to weeks.[3] Complications may include seizures, disseminated intravascular coagulopathy, mesenteric artery occlusion, or rhabdomyolysis.[2]

The main risk factor is a history of diabetes mellitus type 2.[4] Occasionally it may occur in those without a prior history of diabetes or those with diabetes mellitus type 1.[3][4] Triggers include infections, stroke, trauma, certain medications, and heart attacks.[4] Diagnosis is based on blood tests finding a blood sugar greater than 30 mmol/L (600 mg/dL), osmolarity greater than 320 mOsm/kg, and a pH above 7.3.[2][3]

Initial treatment generally consists of intravenous fluids to manage dehydration, intravenous insulin in those with significant ketones, low molecular weight heparin to decrease the risk of blood clotting, and antibiotics among those in whom there are concerns of infection.[3] The goal is a slow decline in blood sugar levels.[3] Potassium replacement is often required as the metabolic problems are corrected.[3] Efforts to prevent diabetic foot ulcers are also important.[3] It typically takes a few days for the person to return to baseline.[3]

While the exact frequency of the condition is unknown, it is relatively common.[2][4] Older people are most commonly affected.[4] The risk of death among those affected is about 15%.[4] It was first described in the 1880s.[4]

  1. ^ "Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Nonketotic Syndrome (HHNS)". American Diabetes Association. Archived from the original on 2 July 2012. Retrieved 6 July 2012.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i Stoner, GD (1 May 2005). "Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state". American Family Physician. 71 (9): 1723–30. PMID 15887451.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Frank, LA; Solomon, A (2 September 2016). "Hyperglycaemic hyperosmolar state". British Journal of Hospital Medicine. 77 (9): C130-3. doi:10.12968/hmed.2016.77.9.C130. PMID 27640667.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Pasquel, FJ; Umpierrez, GE (November 2014). "Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state: a historic review of the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment". Diabetes Care. 37 (11): 3124–31. doi:10.2337/dc14-0984. PMC 4207202. PMID 25342831.
  5. ^ Page, Piers; Skinner, Greg (17 January 2008). Emergencies in Clinical Medicine. OUP Oxford. pp. 224–225. ISBN 978-0-19-920252-2.