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What is the utility of blood beta-hydroxybutyrate measurements in emergency department in patients without diabetes: a systematic review

Subhasnigdha Hui, A. Chiew, B. Depczynski

Systematic Reviews, 2023

8 citations

Abstract

Background Ketones are synthesised as an alternative fuel source during times of energy restriction. In the absence of a hyperglycemic emergency, ketosis in patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) may indicate reduced carbohydrate intake. In the perioperative setting, excess fasting with ketosis is associated with worse outcomes; however, whether ketosis in patients without diabetes presenting to ED is also associated with worse outcomes is unclear. This systematic review aims to examine the evidence for ketosis in predicting the need for hospital admission in patients without diabetes, presenting to the ED. Methods A systematic review was performed using PRISMA guidelines. We searched electronic bases (OVID-Medline, OVID-EMBASE, Scopus and PubMed) up to December 2022. Eligible studies included children or adults without diabetes presenting to the ED where a point-of-care capillary beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) was measured and compared to outcomes including the need for admission. Outcome measures included need for admission and length of stay. Content analysis was performed systematically; bias and certainty assessed using standard tools. Results The literature search found 17,133 citations, 14,965 papers were subjected to title and abstract screening. The full text of 62 eligible studies were reviewed. Seven articles met the inclusion criteria. Six studies were conducted solely in the paediatric population, and of these, four were limited to children presenting…

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