Determinants of Long Hospital Stay among Diabetic Patients Admitted with Diabetic Ketoacidosis at Jimma University Specialized Hospital

Background: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a common life-threatening acute complication of diabetes. The objective of this study is to assess determinants of long hospital stay among diabetic patients admitted with DKA at Jimma University Specialized Hospital.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of DKA patients from January 01/2011 to December 31/2013. Data extracted included sociodemographic characteristics, laboratory investigations, length of hospital stay and in-hospital mortality. We performed chi-square tests and logistic regression analysis on SPSS. Variables with p<0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results: A total of 350 patients were admitted with DKA out of which 151 patients medical records contained complete information and were studied. Mean age of the patients was 35 ± 15.3 years ranging from 15-84 years. The majority of patients were males; 91(60.3%). More than one third (68.9%) of patients had type 1 diabetes. Nearly half, 71(47%), of the patients had long hospital stay. There were 15 deaths. Hypoglycemic episodes after resolution of DKA and previous history of diabetes are determinants of long hospital stay.

Conclusions: Long duration of hospital stay of patients admitted with DKA is a common problem in our hospital. Therefore, we recommend better DKA management and care at the hospital.