Arterial vs Venous Blood Gas Analysis in Diabetic Ketoacidosis

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) is an endocrinal emergency responsible for significant amount of admissions in Medical Emergency Ward (EW) for which Arterial blood gas analysis (ABGA) is a cornerstone in diagnosis and management. The objective was to study, compare and determine degree of agreement between values of ABGA and Venous blood gas analysis (VBGA) (pH, HCO3–, pCO2) in DKA patients before commencement of treatment and whether VBGA can replace ABGA in evaluation of these patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in which a total of 40 patients, above the age of 18 years, both males and females, presenting with DKA were enrolled. Patients’ samples for ABGA and VBGA were taken and the strength of association between arterial and venous pH, HCO3–, pCO2 values was assessed with Pearson Correlation Coefficient (r). Results: Strong linear correlation was found between Arterial and Venous pH, HCO3– and pCO2 values. The p value (< 0.0001) for all the three was statistically significant with >95% degree of agreement. Conclusion: Based on the strong correlation, VBGA can be used as an alternative to ABGA in DKA patients in Emergency Ward to evaluate as well as monitor blood pH, HCO3– and pCO2 levels [Pathak J Natl J Integr Res Med, 2019; 10(4):52-58]