What is the diagnosis for a patient with hyponatremia (sodium level of 135), hyperglycemia (glucose level of 200), hypochloremia (chloride level of 97), mildly elevated total bilirubin (1.8), leukocytosis (white blood cell (WBC) count of 11.5), normal hematocrit (46.7), elevated segmented neutrophil absolute (seg neut abso) count (1.1), glycosuria (urine glucose of 250), ketonuria (ketones in urine of 15), proteinuria (protein in urine of 100), pyuria (WBC in urine of 6-10), bacteriuria (few bacteria), and granular casts (0-2) in the urinalysis?

Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: April 14, 2025View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

Differential Diagnosis

The patient's laboratory results indicate several abnormalities, including hyperglycemia, ketonuria, and proteinuria, which can be used to guide the differential diagnosis. The following categories outline potential diagnoses:

  • Single Most Likely Diagnosis

    • Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA): The presence of hyperglycemia (glucose 200), ketonuria (ketones urine 15), and proteinuria (protein urine 100) strongly suggests DKA, a serious complication of diabetes. The elevated white blood cell count (WBC 11.5) and absolute neutrophil count (seg neut abso 1.1) may indicate an underlying infection, which can trigger DKA.
  • Other Likely Diagnoses

    • Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): The urinalysis shows few bacteria, 6-10 WBCs, and proteinuria, which may indicate a UTI. However, the presence of ketones and hyperglycemia suggests that DKA is a more likely primary diagnosis.
    • Dehydration: The patient's hematocrit (46.7) is slightly elevated, which may indicate dehydration. Dehydration can contribute to DKA and UTI.
  • Do Not Miss Diagnoses

    • Sepsis: Although the patient's WBC count is elevated, sepsis is a life-threatening condition that must be considered, especially if the patient shows signs of infection (e.g., fever, hypotension). The presence of few bacteria in the urine may indicate a urinary source of sepsis.
    • Acute Kidney Injury (AKI): The patient's proteinuria and hematuria (not explicitly stated but possible given the granular casts) may indicate AKI, which can be caused by DKA, UTI, or other conditions.
  • Rare Diagnoses

    • Type 1 Diabetes with Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State (HHS): Although less likely than DKA, HHS is a possible diagnosis, especially if the patient has a history of type 1 diabetes. However, the presence of ketones in the urine makes DKA more likely.
    • Other Endocrine Disorders: Rare endocrine disorders, such as adrenal insufficiency or pheochromocytoma, can cause hyperglycemia and other abnormalities. However, these conditions are less likely given the patient's presentation.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.