Cerebral Edema in Children With Diabetes

Cerebral edema is the most common cause of death among children with diabetes, occurring as a complication of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in about one percent of children with Type 1 diabetes. Among our young patients, who carries the greatest risk for cerebral edema? How can we prevent, recognize and treat this complication of DKA? Dr. Andrew Muir, professor of pediatrics and chief of pediatric endocrinology at Emory University School of Medicine, talks about the timing of cerebral edema onset relative to diabetes, and potential theories that could explain the pathophysiology of the condition. What signs and symptoms should lead physicians to suspect cerebral edema, and should imaging play any role in diagnosis? Dr. Jennifer Shu hosts.