We report a case of starvation-induced metabolic ketoacidosis in a non-diabetic, 38-year old woman. She was admitted to hospital for elective surgery. Prolonged and limited oral caloric intake as a part of unclear surgical instructions led to starvation ketoacidosis, characterised by ketonuria and a normal anion gap metabolic acidosis that required intensive care support. Despite significant metabolic derangement the patient appeared clinically well preoperative. An infusion of 10% glucose with an infusion rate of 250 mls/hr to control blood glucose for 24 hours. Her acidosis was reversed the following day. Electrolyte supplementation was given. She was discharged without sequelae.
Key words: Starvation, Ketoacidosis Metabolic, Acidosis
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