With the multi-faceted approach to head and neck cancer today, maintaining caloric intake by long-term enteral hyperalimentation is commonplace. Along with the tremendous advantages of this form of nutrition, the disadvantage of hyperosmolar nonketotic diabetic acidotic coma is present. Mortality rates are quoted from 40% to 70% according to the literature reviewed.
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Therefore, prevention is the best form of treatment. The cause, diagnosis, and treatment will be discussed.
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ParkBEMeachamWFNetskyMG: Nonketotic hyperglycemic hyperosmolar coma: Report of neurosurgical cases with a review of mechanisms and treatment. J Neurosurg1976; 44: 409–417.
