title: Hyperosmolar syndrome in a patient with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus.
abstract: Nonketotic hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome (HHS) is found mostly in type 2 diabetic patients with marked hyperglycemia. HHS is a metabolic emergency and is associated with a high mortality rate. It is characterized by extreme dehydration and neurologic symptoms, which are related directly to the degree of hyperosmolality. We describe a 65-year-old patient who was admitted because of impaired consciousness caused by HHS. The relevant clinical and laboratory findings are discussed, and a brief overview of the pathophysiology and therapeutic management is provided.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece.
authors.forename: H J
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Milionis
authors.forename: G L
authors.initials: GL
authors.lastname: Liamis
authors.forename: M S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Elisaf
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006944:Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar Nonketotic Coma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy