Alternative Names
Hyperglycemic hyperosmolar coma; Nonketotic hyperglycemic hyperosmolar coma (NKHHC); Hyperosmolar nonketotic coma (HONK)
Definition of Diabetic hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome
Diabetic hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome (HHS) is a complication of that involves extremely high blood sugar (glucose) levels without the presence of ketones. Ketones are byproducts of fat breakdown.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Diabetic hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome is a condition of:
Signs and tests
Signs may include:
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to correct the dehydration. This will improve the blood pressure, urine output, and circulation.
Expectations (prognosis)
Patients who develop this syndrome are often already ill. The death rate with this condition is as high as 40%.
Review
Ari S. Eckman, MD, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. – 5/10/2010
