Journal des troubles de stress traumatique et de leur traitement

Determinants of Long Hospital Stay among Diabetic Patients Admitted with Diabetic Ketoacidosis at Jimma University Specialized Hospital

Tigestu Alemu Desse and TesfahunChanie Eshetie

Background: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a common life-threatening acute complication of diabetes. The objective of this study is to assess determinants of long hospital stay among diabetic patients admitted with DKA at Jimma University Specialized Hospital.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of DKA patients from January 01/2011 to December 31/2013. Data extracted included sociodemographic characteristics, laboratory investigations, length of hospital stay and in-hospital mortality. We performed chi-square tests and logistic regression analysis on SPSS. Variables with p<0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results: A total of 350 patients were admitted with DKA out of which 151 patients medical records contained complete information and were studied. Mean age of the patients was 35 ± 15.3 years ranging from 15-84 years. The majority of patients were males; 91(60.3%). More than one third (68.9%) of patients had type 1 diabetes. Nearly half, 71(47%), of the patients had long hospital stay. There were 15 deaths. Hypoglycemic episodes after resolution of DKA and previous history of diabetes are determinants of long hospital stay.

Conclusions: Long duration of hospital stay of patients admitted with DKA is a common problem in our hospital. Therefore, we recommend better DKA management and care at the hospital.