Metabolism of Lipids 9 Sections27 LessonsLifetime
Ketoacidosis
Disorders associated with increased production of Ketone bodies
- The most important disorder associated with the increased production of ketone bodies is Ketoacidosis, also known as Ketosis.
Ketoacidosis (Ketosis)
- Ketoacidosis occurs in prolonged starvation or Uncontrolled Diabetes mellitus.
- It is uncommon in NIDDM (Type II) but mostly occurs in IDDM (Type I).
- Ketosis has 3 hallmarks:
- There are increased ketone bodies in the blood – Ketonemia.
- Increased Ketone bodies in the urine – Ketonuria.
- Acetone breath.
1. Ketonemia
- Ketone bodies are acids.
- When they are increased in the blood they lower the pH of the blood and cause acidosis.
2. Ketonuria
- Ketone bodies are osmotic.
- The increase level draws out water and cause Dehydration.
3. Acetone breath
- Acetone cannot be used as a fuel in our body.
- As it enters the blood it goes to the lungs.
- Acetone is volatile so it is exhaled through the lungs.
- Its can be easily smelt in the breath of the patient as it has a characteristic fruity odour.
- It is DIAGNOSTIC.
Clinical Presentation of Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)
- The clinical features of DKA include, but are not restricted to:
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain,
- Acetone breath,
- Kussmaul breathing pattern, and
- Generalized fatigue.
- Despite underlying infection, some patients maintain normal body temperature or even hypothermia in DKA.