Case Series
Volume: 7 | Issue: 5 | Published: Aug 01, 2023 | Pages: 110 - 114 | DOI: 10.24911/ejmcr/173-1670397398
A case series of euglycemic starvation ketoacidosis in pregnant women with COVID-19 infection: atypical presentations
Authors: Nida' Ul-Huda Adznan , Carolina Shalini Singarayar , Foo Siew Hui
Article Info
Authors
Nida' Ul-Huda Adznan
Acute Internal Medicine Physician, Medical Department, Selayang Hospital, Ministry of Health, Batu Caves, Malaysia
Carolina Shalini Singarayar
Consultant Endocrinologist, Endocrine Unit, Medical Department, Selayang Hospital, Ministry of Health, Batu Caves, Malaysia
Foo Siew Hui
Consultant Endocrinologist, Endocrine Unit, Medical Department, Selayang Hospital, Ministry of Health, Batu Caves, Malaysia.
Publication History
Received: December 07, 2022
Revised: April 01, 2023
Accepted: April 01, 2023
Published: August 01, 2023
Abstract
Background: We present a case series of euglycemic starvation ketoacidosis in pregnant women with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. Our patients presented with fever and typical respiratory symptoms secondary to COVID-19 infection in the third trimester. It was complicated by severe metabolic ketoacidosis, likely contributed by the hypermetabolic state of pregnancy, maternal starvation, and increased metabolic demand due to COVID-19 infection. Case Presentation: Among most of the cases, there was a swift resolution of ketoacidosis, through timely fluid resuscitation, dextrose, and insulin. But despite those measures, most of the patients had to undergo emergency cesarean section due to maternal deterioration, preterm delivery, and fetal distress. All the mothers recovered well and were discharged home, but there was one case of neonatal death after preterm delivery. Conclusion: These cases illustrate the importance of early diagnosis of euglycemic ketoacidosis, prompt management, and close monitoring to obviate adverse materno-fetal outcomes in pregnant women with COVID-19 infection.
Keywords: Euglycemic ketoacidosis, starvation ketoacidosis, pregnant, COVID-19, metabolic acidosis, high anion gap, case report, green