Objectives: This study aims to determine the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the incidence, severity, and outcome of children diagnosed with diabetic ketoacidosis admitted in a tertiary pediatric hospital. Materials and Methods: Two groups were identified as the basis for classification: pre-pandemic (2017 to 2019) and COVID-19 pandemic (2020 to 2022). The Mann‐Whitney U test was utilized to test for the differences in continuous variables, while Pearson’s chi‐squared test was used to test for differences in categorical variables. Results: The study involved 136 participants, 63 of whom were recorded in the pre-pandemic period and 73 during the COVID-19 pandemic period. Data revealed no conclusive relationship between sex (p=0.578), age (p=0.225), or height (p=0.876) across the two time frames. However, data showed significant difference between the weight (p=0.007) and BMI (p=0.003) of children with DKA pre-pandemic and during pandemic. This implies that marked changes in weight and BMI reflect possible changes in health behaviors, healthcare access, or other variables that may have altered during the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, there was no discernible difference between pre-pandemic and COVID-19 in terms of severity, incidence, or the amount of time between the onset of symptoms and consultation. Conclusion The demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with DKA across the two study periods indicate a degree of stability in patient profiles. Despite the unique circumstances of the pandemic, patient outcomes in terms of glycemic control and mortality were like those observed pre-pandemic. The significant difference in weight and BMI emphasizes how crucial it is to monitor and respond to modifications in the nutritional status and metabolic health of DKA patients during times of crisis, like the COVID-19 pandemic. Comprehending these changes can provide focused treatments aimed at promoting the best possible health outcomes for susceptible patient groups.
Diabetic Ketoacidosis ; Diabetes Mellitus ; COVID-19

Aicardi Syndrome is an extremely rare genetic disorder characterized by infantile seizures/spasms, agenesis of the corpus callosum, chorioretinal lacunae, and learning disabilities. It is likely caused by a de novo mutation in a gene in the X chromosome. However, the gene that causes this syndrome is still not known. It is diagnosed based on clinical findings. Aicardi syndrome may present as a clinical spectrum, from mild to severe disease. In general, the younger the age at which epilepsy and learning disabilities are diagnosed, the more severe the epilepsy and learning difficulties become later in life. Hence, long-term surveillance and management are warranted. This paper presents a 6-month-old Filipino female who exhibited the classic triad of Aicardi Syndrome: profound seizure episodes; callosal agenesis and interhemispheric cysts; and chorioretinal lacunae. Several anti-epileptic drugs such as Phenobarbital, Clonazepam and Topiramate were given for the seizures. Ophthalmogic examination and retinal camera fluorescein angiogram were advised to be performed regularly as well as consistent neurodevelopmental follow-up.