Ketones in urine with back pain (2 Year old)

[DaysieGoneBananas]

2yo DD has been crying and saying back and needing cuddles for the last two days. Its not constant but she suddenly cries, holds her back and says 'back' (she's not a good talker) Went to the docs today he suggested UTI but i took a sample back and no infection BUT she had high Ketones levels which Dr said suggests shes not eating. Does this mean she is malnourished? shes not a big eater anyway but should i be worried that shes starving?

[roundabout1]

My dd (7) is under the paed for a post viral fatigue type illness always has ketones in her urine. They have not been concerned by this & I know of other adults who always have them too. Am not sure to be honest but didn't want to ignore your post.

[sonsmum]

ketones in the urine is a sign that the body has started to break down fat as not enough carbohydrate has been ingested in order to produce energy. The heart, brain, lungs etc need energy to function, so if no food is eaten the body's energy is sourced from elsewhere, ie fat. The by product of fat breakdown is ketones in the blood.
More common in diabetics who are not taking enough insulin to break down glucose so unable to produce energy. However if not eating, this causes starvation ketones. They should disappear when normal eating/drinking resumes. I presume your child is not diabetic ?!
If your child is 2 you would know if he/she is eating less than normal. If eating less than usual, this could be why the ketones are showing up...ie more energy is required for the energy being expanded, so offer more food. If your child is not eating at all, they are probably starvation ketones and should be temporary.

[upstart68]

We had this too. Had a temperature so dr suggested taking urine sample to see if UTI. No UTI but ketones. But she was off her food. I just tried to get her to eat and drink as much as possible with calories in. Jelly, ice pops - whatever they can face until they're on the mend again.

[DaysieGoneBananas]

Thanks for the replies. I'm just concerned that as she is a really picky eater anyway (although not as bad as the past few days) that she is becoming ill!. I don't think she's diabetic. She's never been tested, never had a worry. The HV was concerned about her weight before but she's been monitored and they said that she is just that level. I did express concerns about the amount she eats (mainly yoghurts and protein) she WILL not eat carbs. She'll have a little pasta but not much and she seems to be getting into a habit of eating a tiny amount then refusing. Hope her appetite comes back soon i'm cracking up (DS Chronic constipation, DD1 overweight, and DD2 above!)

[DaysieGoneBananas]

Am I just a really bad mother? I give them all the same meals (veggies, fuit, good snacks with some sweets etc) am I being incredibly dense...I'm so worried I'm doing everything wrong.

[upstart68]

Of course not Daysie. She's probably just a bit poorly. There are lots of viruses going round. It's really hard when you have a picky eater. I would just keep an eye out on how much she's eating. Mine is given lots of meals but what she actually consumes is variable.

[VivaLeBeaver]

You can get ketones quickly. If you've skipped a meal/not eaten well that day you're likely to have them. Doesn't mean it's a chronic problem. If she's poorly then she's probably off her food.

[DaysieGoneBananas]

Thank you i'm not well myself so feeling a bit weepy. She is really snotty so hoping she starts eating soon as she seems to be getting smaller and smaller!

[BertieBotts]

Don't be afraid to get a second opinion if you're worried, but it does sound like she's just got a bug or something :)

[BertieBotts]

I don't know though, I would probably worry a bit about the combination of back pain and ketones. Back pain can be an indication of kidney problems and while it's not that sore it's enough to notice (similar to mild period pain). Although if she's had a urine test then that ought to rule that out?

[Duritzfan]

I'd ask GP for a fingerprick blood test to rule out diabetes ASAP
Just to be safe :)