Genetics of diabetic ketoacidosis-associated cerebral edema (DKA-CE)

Published by Alicia Ferguson on

Genetics of Diabetic Ketoacidosis-associated Cerebral Edema (DKA-CE)
What is Diabetic ketoacidosis-associated cerebral edema (DKA-CE)?

DKA-CE is a health problem that can happen when someone with DKA, diabetic ketoacidosis,  gets really sick. This is mostly seen in children. It happens because the body can not use sugar for energy and uses fat instead. This can lead to cerebral edema(CE), also known as brain swelling. This could lead to problems with brain function and overall health. DKA-CE is a serious condition that can lead to coma or death. 

Symptoms of DKA-CE can include:  

  • Confusion
  • Severe Headaches 
  • Frequent vomiting

Doctors don’t know why some people with DKA also get CE. They think it might be because of changes in the way salt and fluids move around in the body. Medications for brain swelling and blood flow are used for managing this condition. This project wants to find out if specific genes play a role in brain fluid movement. These genes may be related to those with DKA developing DKA-CE. 

How is the research done? 

The team is using BioVU resources to find those with DKA and at risk of DKA-CE. The team wants to confirm how this condition works in the body and learn more about the genetics behind it. They are testing if specific genes are associated with risk of developing DKA-CE. The team is also studying if there is a connection between drugs commonly used for managing diabetes and the development of this condition. The study believes that these specific drugs reduce the risk of DKA-CE. To test this they will look at medicines given before a DKA episode to find factors that may increase or decrease the risk. They will also look into if the drugs can be used for preventing this disease. If we learn more about how genes play a role in DKA-CE, we can look for new ways to use medicines we already have. 

What is the importance of this study? 

If we can learn more about what causes DKA-CE, we can identify people who might be at risk and find better ways to take care of them. This study is important because it’s trying to find new information about this condition and new treatments that can help people with it.

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