title: Therapeutic management of hyperglycaemic hyperosmolar syndrome.
abstract: Hyperglycaemic hyperosmolar syndrome is a major acute complication of decompensated diabetes mellitus. It represents the second most common aetiology of diabetic coma and is associated with excess mortality. It is characterised by severe hyperglycaemia, hyperosmolality and dehydration in the absence of significant ketosis, afflicting principally middle-aged-to-elderly patients. Early clinical diagnosis and prompt treatment, consisting of fluid replacement, insulin therapy, restoration of electrolyte disturbances and management of concurrent illnesses may improve the outcome. This review provides an outline of the diagnostic approach of patients with manifestations of hyperglycaemic hyperosmolar syndrome and discusses the contemporary therapeutic recommendations.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Ioannina, 451 10 Ioannina, Greece. hmilioni@cc.uoi.gr
authors.forename: Haralampos J
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Milionis
authors.forename: Moses S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Elisaf
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003681:Dehydration / Q000175:diagnosis; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D005440:Fluid Therapy; D006801:Humans; D006944:Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar Nonketotic Coma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy*; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007328:Insulin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011188:Potassium / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D013577:Syndrome; D014883:Water-Electrolyte Imbalance / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy
chemical_list: D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D007328:Insulin; D011188:Potassium