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Alcoholic ketoacidosis
Ketoacidosis - alcoholic
Alcoholic ketoacidosis is the buildup of ketones in the blood. Ketones are a type of acid that form when the body breaks down fat for energy.
The condition is an acute form of metabolic acidosis .
Acute
Acute means sudden or severe. Acute symptoms appear, change, or worsen rapidly. It is the opposite of chronic.
Metabolic acidosis
Metabolic acidosis is a condition in which there is too much acid in the body fluids.
Causes
Alcoholic ketoacidosis is caused by very heavy alcohol use. It most often occurs in a malnourished person who drinks large amounts of alcohol every day.
Malnourished
Malnutrition is the condition that occurs when your body does not get enough nutrients.
Symptoms
Symptoms of alcoholic ketoacidosis include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain
-
Agitation
Agitation
Agitation is an unpleasant state of extreme arousal. An agitated person may feel stirred up, excited, tense, confused, or irritable.
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Changed level of alertness, which may lead to coma
-
Confusion
Confusion
Confusion is the inability to think as clearly or quickly as you normally do. You may feel disoriented and have difficulty paying attention, remembe...
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Fatigue
Fatigue
Fatigue is a feeling of weariness, tiredness, or lack of energy.
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Slow, sluggish movements
-
Deep, labored,
rapid breathing
Rapid breathing
Hyperventilation is rapid and deep breathing. It is also called overbreathing, and it may leave you feeling breathless.
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Loss of appetite
-
Symptoms of
dehydration
, such as dizziness, light-headedness, and thirst
Dehydration
Dehydration occurs when your body does not have as much water and fluids as it should. Dehydration can be mild, moderate, or severe, based on how muc...
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Exams and Tests
Tests may include:
- Arterial blood gases (measure the acid/base balance and oxygen level in blood)
- Blood alcohol level
- Blood chemistries, and liver function tests
- CBC (complete blood count, measures red and white blood cells, and platelets, which help blood to clot)
- Prothrombin time (PT, a different measure of blood clotting, often abnormal from liver disease)
- Toxicology (poison) screening
-
Urine ketones
Urine ketones
A ketone urine test measures the amount of ketones in the urine.
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Treatment
Treatment may involve fluids (salt and sugar solution) given through a vein. You may need to have frequent blood tests. You may get vitamin supplements to treat nutritional deficiencies caused by excess alcohol use.
People with this condition are usually admitted to the hospital, often to the intensive care unit (ICU). Additional medicines may be given to prevent alcohol withdrawal.
Outlook (Prognosis)
Prompt medical attention improves the overall outlook. How severe the alcoholism is, and the presence of liver disease or other problems, may also affect the outlook.
Possible Complications
This can be a life-threatening condition. Complications may include:
- Coma and seizures
-
Gastrointestinal bleeding
Gastrointestinal bleeding
Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding refers to any bleeding that starts in the gastrointestinal tract. Bleeding may come from any site along the GI tract, ...
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-
Pneumonia
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is a breathing (respiratory) condition in which there is an infection of the lung. This article covers community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). ...
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When to Contact a Medical Professional
If you or someone else has symptoms of alcoholic ketoacidosis, seek emergency medical help.
Prevention
Limiting the amount of alcohol you drink may help prevent this condition.
References
Carpenter CR. Alcoholic ketoacidosis, In: Adams JG, ed. Emergency Medicine: Clinical Essentials . 2nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2013:chap 161.
Seifter JL. Acid-Base disorders. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman's Cecil Medicine . 25th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2015:chap 118.
Review Date: 4/30/2015
Reviewed By: Laura J. Martin, MD, MPH, ABIM Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Hospice and Palliative Medicine, Atlanta, GA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
