Context

HHS is a common presentation to the emergency department.

  • Although the precise prevalence and incidence of hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic state (HHS) is difficult to determine because of the lack of population-based studies and the multiple comorbidities often found in these patients, the overall prevalence is estimated at less than 1% of all diabetes-related hospital admissions10.
    • The incidence of HHS has been estimated at a rate of 17.5 per 100,000 patient years11.
    • HHS have been reported to have a mortality of between 5% and 20%, which is 10 times higher than that reported for DKA12.
    • Mortality rises significantly in the patients aged more than 70 years13.
    • HHS is seen more commonly in older patients.

The presentation can mimic many other disease processes. The ED physician must be able to diagnose, appropriately investigate, initiate treatment, and manage complications.

1 Comment
Collapse Comments

Very useful and informative module.

Leave a Comment