A rare cause of metabolic acidosis: ketoacidosis in a non-diabetic lactating woman

Abstract

Ketoacidosis in the lactating woman is a rare cause of raised anion gap metabolic acidosis.Low carbohydrate intake, starvation, intercurrent illness or a combination of these factors could put breastfeeding women at risk of ketoacidosis.Ketoacidosis in the lactating woman has been shown to resolve rapidly with sufficient carbohydrate intake and intravenous dextrose.Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are essential because the condition is reported to be reversible with a low chance of recurrence with appropriate dietary advice.