Hyperglycemic Coma after Suprasellar Surgery

Abstract

DISTURBANCES in water and electrolyte balance occur frequently after suprasellar surgery.¹ Within a period of eight months we encountered three patients in whom life-threatening, nonketotic hyperglycemic coma occurred, in addition to electrolyte imbalances, after such an operation. A fourth patient with known diabetes insipidus had mild hyperglycemia after tonsillectomy. This hyperglycemic complication may be frequent, may occur more often in a less severe degree, and is probably preventable.Case ReportsThree children, five to 12 years of age, presented with histories of six to 12 months of progressive neurologic abnormalities. On admission to the hospital, all three were alert. The . . .