[The value of alkalizing treatments in severe diabetic keto-acidosis].

In 37 diabetic patients with severe acidosis (pH less than 7.0; [HCO3-] less than 5.0 mMol/l), administration of insulin was preceded by a rapid infusion of molar sodium bicarbonate in order to obtain partial correction of acidosis (pH approximately 7.20). 31 patients survived (83,8%); 6 patients died in cardio-circulatory failure associated in two cases with acute pulmonary edema. Initial administration of bicarbonate appears to be beneficial in preventing the deleterious effects of prolonged severe acidosis, such as cardiac arrhythmias, shock or acute pulmonary edema. Furthermore, partial correction of acidosis decreases the total dose of insulin necessary to compensate hyperglycemia and thereby reduces the danger of late hypoglycemia. This treatment calls for frequent checks on acid-base status and serum potassium. In most cases hypokalemia develops, but can be easily corrected by administration of potassium chloride. Normalization of arterial pH by bicarbonate infusion is not recommended in view of the development of late hypernatremia and metabolic alkalosis.