Myocardial injury in a pediatric patient with diabetic ketoacidosis: A case report

RATIONALE: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) can cause several complications. Among them, cardiac complications are the most fatal and difficult to detect. Cardiac markers are prognostic factors for morbidity and mortality in adult patients with DKA. But, there have been very few discussed cases in pediatrics. We report a case of severe DKA in child with elevated cardiac enzymes and prolonged QT interval. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 12-year-old girl admitted by nausea, vomiting, and lethargy for 1 day. DIAGNOSES: Her blood sugar level was initially undetectable by the capillary blood glucose meter, and blood gas analysis showed severe DKA with elevated cardiac enzymes and prolonged QT interval. INTERVENTIONS: The patient was admitted to hospital and intensive intravenous fluid and regular insulin infusion were administered. OUTCOMES: After 5 days of supportive care, the patient was fully recovered, discharged, and followed up in an outpatient clinic. LESSONS: Since the relationship between DKA and myocardial injury has not been clearly elucidated, pediatricians and emergency physicians should remain careful throughout the recovery time as it can lead to life-threatening conditions in various courses.