An unusual case of diabetic ketoacidosis following salbutamol ingestion in a nondiabetic 13-year-old child

Salbutamol, a commonly used bronchodilator for managing asthma and other respiratory conditions, can increase blood glucose levels by stimulating glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis, exacerbating hyperglycemia and raising the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). We present a case of a 13-year-old boy...

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Main Authors: Mai Mustafa, Salma A. Ali
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2024-12-01
Series:Saudi Journal for Health Sciences
Subjects:
Online Access:https://journals.lww.com/10.4103/sjhs.sjhs_114_24
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author Mai Mustafa
Salma A. Ali
author_facet Mai Mustafa
Salma A. Ali
author_sort Mai Mustafa
collection DOAJ
description Salbutamol, a commonly used bronchodilator for managing asthma and other respiratory conditions, can increase blood glucose levels by stimulating glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis, exacerbating hyperglycemia and raising the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). We present a case of a 13-year-old boy with mild asthma who developed DKA after ingesting a salbutamol solution. He presented classic symptoms of DKA, including tachycardia, tachypnea, hypotension, and laboratory findings consistent with metabolic acidosis, hyperglycemia, and electrolyte imbalances. He received supportive care, including fluids, insulin, and close monitoring and showed gradual improvement. He was discharged in good condition with appropriate follow-up instructions. This case stresses the need to recognize salbutamol toxicity as a potential cause of DKA. Healthcare providers should be cautious and avoid unnecessary bronchodilator therapy for patients with metabolic acidosis and breathing difficulties. Patients and caregivers should also be educated about the risks of using salbutamol and the importance of following prescribed dosages.
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spelling doaj-art-c3ad25e3c08b414ba85df0f88cf3226b2025-02-06T07:26:05ZengWolters Kluwer Medknow PublicationsSaudi Journal for Health Sciences2278-19002278-05212024-12-0113325826010.4103/sjhs.sjhs_114_24An unusual case of diabetic ketoacidosis following salbutamol ingestion in a nondiabetic 13-year-old childMai MustafaSalma A. AliSalbutamol, a commonly used bronchodilator for managing asthma and other respiratory conditions, can increase blood glucose levels by stimulating glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis, exacerbating hyperglycemia and raising the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). We present a case of a 13-year-old boy with mild asthma who developed DKA after ingesting a salbutamol solution. He presented classic symptoms of DKA, including tachycardia, tachypnea, hypotension, and laboratory findings consistent with metabolic acidosis, hyperglycemia, and electrolyte imbalances. He received supportive care, including fluids, insulin, and close monitoring and showed gradual improvement. He was discharged in good condition with appropriate follow-up instructions. This case stresses the need to recognize salbutamol toxicity as a potential cause of DKA. Healthcare providers should be cautious and avoid unnecessary bronchodilator therapy for patients with metabolic acidosis and breathing difficulties. Patients and caregivers should also be educated about the risks of using salbutamol and the importance of following prescribed dosages.https://journals.lww.com/10.4103/sjhs.sjhs_114_24acidosisbeta 2 agonistcase reportchild poisoningdiabetic ketoacidosissalbutamol toxicity
spellingShingle Mai Mustafa
Salma A. Ali
An unusual case of diabetic ketoacidosis following salbutamol ingestion in a nondiabetic 13-year-old child
Saudi Journal for Health Sciences
acidosis
beta 2 agonist
case report
child poisoning
diabetic ketoacidosis
salbutamol toxicity
title An unusual case of diabetic ketoacidosis following salbutamol ingestion in a nondiabetic 13-year-old child
title_full An unusual case of diabetic ketoacidosis following salbutamol ingestion in a nondiabetic 13-year-old child
title_fullStr An unusual case of diabetic ketoacidosis following salbutamol ingestion in a nondiabetic 13-year-old child
title_full_unstemmed An unusual case of diabetic ketoacidosis following salbutamol ingestion in a nondiabetic 13-year-old child
title_short An unusual case of diabetic ketoacidosis following salbutamol ingestion in a nondiabetic 13-year-old child
title_sort unusual case of diabetic ketoacidosis following salbutamol ingestion in a nondiabetic 13 year old child
topic acidosis
beta 2 agonist
case report
child poisoning
diabetic ketoacidosis
salbutamol toxicity
url https://journals.lww.com/10.4103/sjhs.sjhs_114_24
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AT maimustafa unusualcaseofdiabeticketoacidosisfollowingsalbutamolingestioninanondiabetic13yearoldchild
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