(Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State)

Nonketotic hyperosmolar syndrome (NKHS) is a metabolic complication of diabetes mellitus (DM) characterized by hyperglycemia, extreme dehydration, hyperosmolar plasma, and altered consciousness. It most often occurs in type 2 DM, often in the setting of physiologic stress. NKHS is diagnosed by severe hyperglycemia and plasma hyperosmolality and absence of significant ketosis. Treatment is IV saline solution and insulin. Complications include coma, seizures, and death.

NKHS is a complication of type 2 DM and has a mortality rate of up to 40%. It usually develops after a period of symptomatic hyperglycemia in which fluid intake is inadequate to prevent extreme dehydration due to the hyperglycemia-induced osmotic diuresis.

Precipitating factors include

• Acute infections and other medical conditions
• Drugs that impair glucose tolerance (glucocorticoids) or increase fluid loss (diuretics)
• Nonadherence to diabetes treatment

Serum ketones are not present because the amounts of insulin present in most patients with type 2 DM are adequate to suppress ketogenesis. Because symptoms of acidosis are not present, most patients endure a significantly longer period of osmotic dehydration before presentation, and thus plasma glucose (> 600 mg/dL [> 33 mmol/L]) and osmolality (> 320 mOsm/L) are typically much higher than in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).

Symptoms and Signs

The primary symptom of NKHS is altered consciousness varying from confusion or disorientation to coma, usually as a result of extreme dehydration with or without prerenal azotemia, hyperglycemia, and hyperosmolality. In contrast to DKA, focal or generalized seizures and transient hemiplegia may occur.

Diagnosis

• Blood glucose level
• Serum osmolarity

Generally, NKHS is initially suspected when a markedly elevated glucose level is found in a fingerstick specimen obtained in the course of a workup of altered mental status. If measurements have not already been obtained, measurement of serum electrolytes, BUN and creatinine, glucose, ketones, and plasma osmolality should be done. Urine should be tested for ketones. Serum K levels are usually normal, but Na may be low or high depending on volume deficits. BUN and serum creatinine levels are markedly increased. Arterial pH is usually > 7.3, but occasionally mild metabolic acidosis develops due to lactate accumulation.

The average fluid deficit is 10 L, and acute circulatory collapse is a common cause of death. Widespread thrombosis is a frequent finding on autopsy, and in some cases bleeding may occur as a consequence of disseminated intravascular coagulation. Other complications include aspiration pneumonia, acute renal failure, and acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Treatment

• IV 0.9% saline
• Correction of any hypokalemia
• IV insulin (as long as serum K is ≥ 3.3 mEq/L)

Treatment is 0.9% saline solution 1 L IV over 30 min, then at 1 L/h to raise BP and improve circulation and urine output. It can be replaced by 0.45% saline when BP becomes normal and plasma glucose reaches 300 mg/dL. The rate of infusion of IV fluids should be adjusted depending on BP, cardiac status, and the balance between fluid input and output.

InsulinSome Trade Names
HUMULIN
NOVOLIN
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is given at 0.1 unit/kg IV bolus followed by a 0.1 unit/kg/h infusion after the first liter of saline has been infused. Hydration alone can sometimes precipitously decrease plasma glucose, so insulinSome Trade Names
HUMULIN
NOVOLIN
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dose may need to be reduced. A too-quick reduction in osmolality can lead to cerebral edema. Occasional patients with insulin-resistant type 2 DM with NKHS require larger insulinSome Trade Names
HUMULIN
NOVOLIN
Click for Drug Monograph
doses. Once plasma glucose reaches 300 mg/dL, insulinSome Trade Names
HUMULIN
NOVOLIN
Click for Drug Monograph
infusion should be reduced to basal levels (1 to 2 units/h) until rehydration is complete and the patient is able to eat. Target plasma glucose is between 250 and 300 mg/dL. Addition of 5% dextrose infusion may occasionally be needed to avoid hypoglycemia. After recovery from the acute episode, patients are usually switched to adjusted doses of sc insulinSome Trade Names
HUMULIN
NOVOLIN
Click for Drug Monograph
. Most patients can resume using oral antihyperglycemic drugs once their condition is stable.

K replacement is similar to DKA: 40 mEq/h for serum K < 3.3 mEq/L; 20 to 30 mEq/h for serum K between 3.3 and 4.9 mEq/L; and none for serum K ≥ 5 mEq/L.

Key Points

• Infections, nonadherence, and certain drugs can trigger marked glucose elevation, dehydration, and altered consciousness in patients with type 2 diabetes.
• Patients have adequate insulin present to prevent ketoacidosis.
• The average fluid deficit is 10 L; treatment is 0.9% saline solution IV plus insulinSome Trade Names
  HUMULIN
  NOVOLIN
  Click for Drug Monograph
  infusion beginning after the first liter is given.
• Target plasma glucose in acute treatment is between 250 and 300 mg/dL.
• Give K replacement depending on serum K levels.

Last full review/revision December 2012 by Preeti Kishore, MD

Content last modified January 2013