[The treatment of ketoacidosis in children and adolescents with diabetes (simultaneous major ketosis and severe hypoglycemia)].

Ketoacidosis in pediatric diabetes mellitus remains an active problem. Although the authors have recorded no deaths among their own patients, fatal cases still occur in France and other countries, usually as a result of inappropriate therapy, sometimes based on mistaken immediate pathophysiologic interpretations of laboratory test results. A very simple protocol based on the author's extensive experience is proposed. Rehydration solutions (optimal sodium bicarbonate, isotonic saline for the first two hours, then 10% glucose solution with electrolytes infused at a fixed rate of 3 l/m2 body surface area) are given at the same time as insulin (22 units per liter in each infusion flask). This protocol is remarkably effective and gives rise to no complications. In extreme conditions, reagent strip assays of blood glucose levels and evaluation of acidosis by respiratory rate measurements would suffice to ensure appropriate monitoring. A simple method for treating hypoglycemia is also described.