Monitoring carbon dioxide levels to assess diabetic ketoacidosis in children

EtCO2 for Monitoring and Predicting Severity of DKA in Pediatric Emergency, Doha, Qatar.

Observational Hamad Medical Corporation · NCT04121572

This study is testing if measuring carbon dioxide levels in the breath can help doctors understand how severe diabetic ketoacidosis is in children.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment150 (estimated)
AgesN/A to 14 Years
SexAll
SponsorHamad Medical Corporation Industry-sponsored
Locations1 site (Doha)
Trial IDNCT04121572 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to evaluate the correlation between continuous monitoring of end-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO2) and the severity of metabolic acidosis in children diagnosed with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Conducted at the pediatric emergency center of Hamad General Hospital in Doha, Qatar, the study will include a convenience sample of children presenting with DKA symptoms. The research will assess the ability of EtCO2 measurements to classify the severity of DKA and potentially aid in its diagnosis. Trained medical staff will utilize nasal cannula capnography to gather data on CO2 levels in exhaled air.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are children under 14 years of age with known or newly diagnosed diabetes presenting with symptoms of DKA.

Not a fit: Patients over 14 years of age or those with specific medical conditions such as airway obstruction or severe pain may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a non-invasive method for monitoring and predicting the severity of DKA in pediatric patients.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of EtCO2 monitoring in DKA is a novel approach, similar studies in other contexts have shown promise in utilizing capnography for monitoring metabolic conditions.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

All children with already known or newly diagnosed diabetics, regardless weather has been enrolled in previous encounter or not.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Older than 14 years of age
2. Airway obstruction
3. Chest infection
4. Complex congenital heart disease
5. Congestive heart failure
6. Central or peripheral neurological disorders
7. Hyper/hypothermia
8. Severe pain

Where this trial is running

Doha

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Diabetes MellitusDiabetic ketoacidosisEnd tidal carbon dioxideCapnography
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.