Document Type : Special Articles

Authors

• Samia Younes ¹
• Yousra Cherif ¹
• Mouna Aissi ²
• Wafa Alaya ¹
• Olfa Berriche ¹
• Amel Boughammoura ²
• Mahbouba Frih-Ayed ²
• Baha Zantour ¹
• Mohamed Habib Sfar ¹

¹ Department of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Monastir, Al Munastîr, Tunisia.

² Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Monastir, Al Munastîr, Tunisia.

Abstract

Background: Non-ketotic hyperglycemia (NKHG) may increase the probability of seizures and movement disorders. Methods: We describe  a series of 14 elders admitted for seizures and movement disorders linked to NKHG.Results: Twelve  patients  developed motor  seizures  and two others movement disorders. Glucose levels varied 9.28 to 32 mmol/l, while osmolarity values varied from 302.28 to 328  mosmol/l. All patients  responded  well  to  insulin therapy and four of them needed anti-epileptic drugs.Conclusion:  Seizures or  movement disorders  in elderly with   NKHG could be  misdiagnosed as neurological diseases. Blood  glucose must  be audited  whenever patients with seizures   or   movement disorders  are encountered, as the condition  may quickly resolve when NKHG is controlled.Introduction: Seizures and movement disorders related to non- ketotic hyperglycemia (NKHG) have been reported with increasing frequency since the first case documented in 1965.1,2 The clinical spectr m of this syndrome is various with a severe course in elderly. It develops more  quickly   than other disorders of diabetes  mellitus  with  hyperglycemia,  but  usually without  evidence  of  ketosis.2,3 Since  the  syndrome often ensues during the course of any illness and yet has  not  been  reported  in  diverse  medical  fields, doctors must become familiar with this preventable condition, especially in elders. Thus, only the prompt institution of appropriate  insulin  therapy  will improve prognosis and hasten recovery.2,3