Hypoglycemia with intensive insulin therapy in critically ill patients: Predisposing factors and association with mortality*:

Nomogram for Predicting Hypoglycemia in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients Treated with Insulin Pump During Enteral Nutrition

Purpose

To develop a prediction model for hypoglycemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients treated with an insulin pump during enteral nutrition.

Methods

This retrospective study included T2DM patients treated with an insulin pump during enteral nutrition at the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Foshan First People's Hospital, and Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine between January 2016 and December 2023. The patients were randomized 3:1 to the training and validation sets. The risk factors for hypoglycemia were analyzed. A prediction model was developed.

Results

This study included 122 patients, and 57 patients had at least one hypoglycemic event during their hospitalization (46.72%). The multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the time to reach the glycemic targets (odds ratio (OR)=1.408, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.084-1.825, P=0.006), average glycemia (OR=0.387, 95% CI=0.233-0.643, P=0.010), coronary heart disease (OR=0.089, 95% CI=0.016-0.497, P<0.001), and the administration of hormone therapy (OR=6.807, 95% CI=1.128-41.081, P=0.037) were independently associated with hypoglycemia. A nomogram was built. The receiver operating characteristics analysis showed that the area under the curve of the model was 0.872 (95% CI=0.0.803-0.940) for the training set and 0.839 (95% CI=0.688-0.991) in the validation set.

Conclusion

A nomogram was successfully built to predict hypoglycemia in T2DM patients treated with an insulin pump during enteral nutrition, based on the time to reach the glycemic targets, average glycemia, coronary heart disease, and the administration of hormone therapy.

Intensive insulin therapy in sepsis patients: Better data enables better intervention

In clinics, sepsis is a critical disease that often develops into shock and multiple organ dysfunction, leading to a serious threat of death. Patients with sepsis are often accompanied by stress hyperglycemia which is an independent risk factor for poor prognosis in sepsis. Thus, the treatment for stress hyperglycemia has attracted more and more attention, among which intensive insulin therapy is widely concerned. However, the benefits and harms of intensive insulin therapy for sepsis patients remain controversial. What the existing literature discusses mostly are the clinical benefit and hypoglycemia risk of intensive insulin therapy, but there is no conclusion on the target range of blood glucose control, the applicable patients, the timing of treatment initiation, and how to avoid the risk. In this study, we have analyzed and summarized the existing literature, hoping to determine the adverse and clinical benefit of intensive insulin therapy in sepsis. And we attempt to assemble better evidence to propose a better recommendation on hyperglycemia intervention for sepsis patients.

Relative Hypoglycemia is Associated with Delirium in Critically Ill Patients with Diabetes: A Cohort Study

PURPOSE

Critically ill patients with premorbid diabetes can suffer from relative hypoglycemia (RHG), falling below the normal blood glucose (BG) target. However, these events have not been well defined or studied. In the present study, we aimed to explore the incidence and clinical significance of RHG events in critically ill patients with diabetes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with a history of diabetes who stayed in the intensive care unit (ICU) for more than three days with at least 12 BG recordings were retrospectively included in the study. A BG level > 30% below the estimated average according to patient hemoglobin A1c measured at admission was defined as a single RHG event. Outcomes were compared between patients with and those without RHG events.

RESULTS

In total, 113 patients were included in the final analysis. RHG was detected in 73 patients (64.6%). Those who experienced RHG events had a significantly higher incidence of ICU delirium. They also had a higher risk of 28-day mortality, but this was not statistically significant. However, patients with a higher frequency of RHG events did have a significantly higher risk of overall mortality (57.1% for more than four events vs 15.4% for three to four events, P=0.006 and 15.1% for one to two events, P=0.003).

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, RHG is a common finding in critically ill patients with diabetes and is associated with mortality and the occurrence of delirium.

Monitoring the Impact of Aggressive Glycemic Intervention during Critical Care after Cardiac Surgery with a Glycemic Expert System for Nurse-Implemented Euglycemia: The MAGIC GENIE Project

A novel, multi-dimensional protocol named GENIE has been in use for intensive insulin therapy (IIT, target glucose <140 mg/dL) in the surgical intensive care unit (SICU) after open heart surgery (OHS) at VA Pittsburgh since 2005. Despite concerns over increased mortality from IIT after the publication of the NICE-SUGAR Trial, it remains in use, with ongoing monitoring under the MAGIC GENIE Project showing that GENIE performance over 12 years (2005-2016) aligns with the current consensus that IIT with target blood glucose (BG) <140 mg/dL is advisable only if it does not provoke severe hypoglycemia (SH). Two studies have been conducted to monitor glucometrics and outcomes during GENIE use in the SICU. One compares GENIE (n = 382) with a traditional IIT protocol (FORMULA, n = 289) during four years of contemporaneous use (2005-2008). The other compares GENIE's impact overall (n = 1404) with a cohort of patients who maintained euglycemia after OHS (euglycemic no-insulin [ENo-I], n = 111) extending across 12 years (2005-2016). GENIE performed significantly better than FORMULA during contemporaneous use, maintaining lower time-averaged glucose, provoking less frequent, severe, prolonged, or repetitive hypoglycemia, and achieving 50% lower one-year mortality, with no deaths from mediastinitis (0 of 8 cases vs 4 of 9 on FORMULA). Those benefits were sustained over the subsequent eight years of exclusive use in OHS patients, with an overall one-year mortality rate (4.2%) equivalent to the ENo-I cohort (4.5%). The results of the MAGIC GENIE Project show that GENIE can maintain tight glycemic control without provoking SH in patients undergoing OHS, and may be associated with a durable survival benefit. The results, however, await confirmation in a randomized control trial.

Individualizing Glycemic Control in the Critically Ill

Hyperglycemia is a common phenomenon in critically ill patients, even in those without diabetes. Two landmark studies established the benefits of tight glucose control (blood glucose target 80-110 mg/dL) in surgical and medical patients. Since then, literature has consistently demonstrated that both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia are independently associated with increased morbidity and mortality in a variety of critically ill patients. However, tight glycemic control has subsequently come into question due to risks of hypoglycemia and increased mortality. More recently, strategies targeting euglycemia (blood glucose ≤180 mg/dL) have been associated with improved outcomes, although the risk of hypoglycemia remains. More complex targets (ie, glycemic variability and time within target glucose range) and the impact of individual patient characteristics (ie, diabetic status and prehospital glucose control) have more recently been shown to influence the relationship between glycemic control and outcomes in critically ill patients. Although our understanding has increased, the optimal glycemic target is still unclear and glucose management strategies may require adjustment for individual patient characteristics. As glucose management increases in complexity, we realize that traditional means of using meters and strips and paper insulin titration algorithms are potential limitations to our success. To achieve these complex goals for glycemic control, the use of continuous or near-continuous glucose monitoring combined with computerized insulin titration algorithms may be required. The purpose of this review is to discuss the evidence surrounding the various domains of glycemic control and the emerging data supporting the need for individualized glucose targets in critically ill patients.

Glycaemic Control in Critically Ill Adult Patients: Is intensive insulin therapy beneficial?

OBJECTIVES Glycaemic control with intensive insulin therapy and its impact on patient outcomes have always been contentious in an intensive care setting. This study aims to assess the patterns of glycaemic control in critically ill patients at a tertiary care institution in Trinidad and its relationship to outcomes. METHODS All adult patients admitted to a multidisciplinary intensive care unit (ICU) for a period of two years were enrolled for a retrospective chart review. Data collected included demographics, admission blood glucose, mean morning blood glucose (MBG), the trend of glucose control, number of hypoglycaemic episodes, admission Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS) II, ICU and hospital length of stay, duration of mechanical ventilation, anaemia, renal replacement therapy and hospital outcome. RESULTS A total of 104 patients were studied. Four different patterns of insulin therapy were practised at the ICU. The median age of patients was 55.5 years, the mean SAPS II was 49.3, the mean predicted mortality was 45.5% and the overall observed mortality was 38.5%. The majority of admissions had cardiovascular illnesses (25%), followed by sepsis (20.2%). Patients with multiple hypoglycaemic episodes had an increased mortality (p<0.01). Patients had a better outcome with a higher MBG (>100 mg/dL) (p<0.05). There was a significant difference in mortality among the four patterns of glycaemic control (p<0.001). Admission blood glucose, length of time of mechanical ventilation, ICU length of stay and renal replacement therapy were not found to be associated with adverse outcomes. CONCLUSION Intensive insulin therapy (IIT) may not benefit ICU patients but can be probably associated with higher mortality. Avoidance of hypoglycaemia as well as persistent hyperglycaemia may lead to a better outcome in critically ill patients.

Hypoglycemic Risk Factors Among Hospitalized Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus at King Abdulaziz Medical City, Jeddah

Background Hypoglycemia is a pathological condition in which the serum glucose level measures less than 3.0 mmol/L. It is a well-known complication in patients with diabetes mellitus. Age, body weight, gender, insulin usage, nutritional therapy, body mass index (BMI), the presence of diabetes complications, intensive care unit admission, and infection were reported as possible risk factors that may increase the risk of hypoglycemia. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze predisposing factors for hypoglycemia among hospitalized patients with type 2 diabetes in King Abdulaziz Medical City. Method This is a retrospective, case-control study design. The study included 326 hospitalized patients with type 2 diabetes; 152 experienced hypoglycemia (blood glucose <3.9) at least once during hospitalization and have been compared to 174 in the non-hypoglycemic group (blood glucose ≥3.9). Data were extracted from their electronic medical records (EMRs). Results This study reported that patients with lower BMI (28.80 ± 7 versus 31.20 ± 12.93) experienced hypoglycemia (P-value 0.044). Those hospitalized with infections or had acquired infections or required intensive care unit (ICU) admission during hospitalization had a higher risk to develop hypoglycemia (P-value 0.005, 0.003, and <0.001, respectively). Moreover, the use of multiple doses of insulin therapy or basal-plus insulin therapy was associated with a higher risk of hypoglycemia (P-value 0.012 and 0.028, respectively). Those on supplemental insulin were less likely to develop hypoglycemia (P-value <0.001). Patients on oral feeding had a lower chance of having a hypoglycemic attack (P-value 0.002) while those on tube feeding had double the odds (OR=2.37). Conclusions Infection, intensive care unit admission, lower body mass index, insulin regimen and nutritional therapy (enteral feeding and nothing-per-mouth (NPO)) were correlated with an elevated risk of having hypoglycemia in hospitalized patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

The effect of hypoglycaemia during hospital admission on health-related outcomes for people with diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM

To assess the health-related outcomes of hypoglycaemia for people with diabetes admitted to hospital; specifically, hospital length of stay and mortality.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies relating to hypoglycaemia (< 4 mmol/l) for hospitalized adults (≥ 16 years) with diabetes reporting the primary outcomes of interest, hospital length of stay or mortality. Final papers for inclusion were reviewed in duplicate and the adjusted results of each were pooled, using a random effects model then undergoing further prespecified subgroup analysis.

RESULTS

In total, 15 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled mean difference in length of stay for ward-based inpatients exposed to hypoglycaemia was 4.1 days longer [95% confidence interval (CI) 2.36 to 5.79; I² = 99%] compared with those without hypoglycaemia. This association remained robust across the pre-specified subgroup analyses. The pooled relative risk (RR) of in-hospital mortality was greater for those exposed to hypoglycaemia (RR 2.09, 95% CI 1.64 to 2.67; I² = 94%, n = 7 studies) but not in intensive care unit mortality (RR 0.75, 95% CI 0.49 to 1.16; I² =0%, n = 2 studies).

CONCLUSION

There is an association between inpatient hypoglycaemia and longer length of stay and greater in-hospital mortality. Studies examining this association were heterogenous in terms of both clinical populations and effect size, but the overall direction of the association was consistent. Therefore, glucose concentration should be considered a potential tool to aid the identification of inpatients at risk of poor health-related outcomes.

Hypoxic liver injury after in- and out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: Risk factors and neurological outcome

BACKGROUND

Hypoxic liver injury (HLI) is a frequent and life-threatening complication in critically ill patients that occurs in up to ten percent of critically ill patients. However, there is a lack of data on HLI following cardiac arrest and its clinical implications on outcome. Aim of this study was to investigate incidence, outcome and functional outcome of patients with HLI after in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) and out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA).

METHODS

We conducted an analysis of a cardiac arrest registry data over a 7-year period. All patients with non-traumatic OHCA and IHCA with return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) treated at the emergency department of a tertiary care hospital were included in the study. HLI was defined according to established criteria. Predictors of HLI, occurrence, clinical and neurological outcome were assessed using multivariable regression.

RESULTS

Out of 1068 patients after IHCA and OHCA with ROSC, 219 (21%) patients developed HLI. Rate of HLI did not differ significantly in IHCA and OHCA patients. Multivariate regression analysis identified time-to-ROSC [OR 1.18, 95% CI (1.01-1.38); p < 0.05], presence of cardiac failure [OR 2.57, 95% CI (1.65-4.01); p < 0.001] and Charlson comorbidity index [OR 0.83, 95% CI (0.72-0.95); p < 0.01] as independent predictors for occurrence of HLI. Good functional outcome was significantly lower in patients suffering from HLI after 28-days (35% vs. 48%, p < 0.001) and 1-year (34% vs. 44%, p < 0.001). Occurrence of HLI was associated with unfavourable neurological outcome [OR 1.74, 95% CI (1.16-2.61); p < 0.01] in multivariate regression analysis.

CONCLUSION

New onset of HLI is a frequent finding after IHCA and OHCA. HLI is associated with increased mortality, unfavourable neurological and overall outcome.

Development of a short course on management of critically ill patients with acute respiratory infection and impact on clinician knowledge in resource-limited intensive care units

Background

The 2009 influenza A (H1N1) pandemic caused surges of patients in intensive care units (ICUs) in resource‐limited settings. Several Ministries of Health requested clinical management guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO), which had not previously developed guidance regarding critically ill patients.

Objective

To assess the acceptability and impact on knowledge of a short course about the management of critically ill patients with acute respiratory infections complicated by sepsis or acute respiratory distress syndrome delivered to clinicians in resource‐limited ICUs.

Methods

Over 4 years (2009‐2013), WHO led the development, piloting, implementation and preliminary evaluation of a 3‐day course that emphasized patient management based on evidence‐based guidelines and used interactive adult‐learner teaching methodology. International content experts (n = 35) and instructional designers contributed to development. We assessed participants’ satisfaction and content knowledge before and after the course.

Results

The course was piloted among clinicians in Trinidad and Tobago (n = 29), Indonesia (n = 38) and Vietnam (n = 86); feedback from these courses contributed to the final version. In 2013, inaugural national courses were delivered in Tajikistan (n = 28), Uzbekistan (n = 39) and Azerbaijan (n = 30). Participants rated the course highly and demonstrated increased immediate content knowledge after (vs before) course completion (P < .001).

Conclusions

We found that it was feasible to create and deliver a focused critical care short course to clinicians in low‐ and middle‐income countries. Collaboration between WHO, clinical experts, instructional designers, Ministries of Health and local clinician‐leaders facilitated course delivery. Future work should assess its impact on longer‐term knowledge retention and on processes and outcomes of care.

Post-resuscitation care

Following return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) after cardiac arrest, the challenge is to institute measures that ensure a higher likelihood of neurologically intact survival. Regardless of the cause of collapse, multiple organ systems may be affected secondary to post-cardiac arrest syndrome. Interventions required for post-ROSC care are bundled into a care regimen: prompt identification and treatment of the cause of cardiac arrest; and treatment of electrolyte abnormalities. It is also essential to establish definitive airway management to maintain normocapnic ventilation, prevent hyperoxia, and optimise haemodynamic management via judicious intravenous fluids and vasoactive drugs. Targeted temperature management after ROSC confers neuroprotection and leads to improved neurological outcomes. Glycaemic control of blood glucose levels at 6-10 mmol/L, adequate seizure management and measures to optimise neurological functions should be integrated into the care bundle. The interventions outlined can potentially lead to more patients being discharged from hospital alive with good neurological function.

Stimulation of the endogenous incretin glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide by enteral dextrose improves glucose homeostasis and inflammation in murine endotoxemia

Loss of glucose homeostasis during sepsis is associated with increased organ dysfunction and higher mortality. Novel therapeutic strategies to promote euglycemia in sepsis are needed. We have previously shown that early low-level intravenous (IV) dextrose suppresses pancreatic insulin secretion and induces insulin resistance in septic mice, resulting in profound hyperglycemia and worsened systemic inflammation. In this study, we hypothesized that administration of low-level dextrose via the enteral route would stimulate intestinal incretin hormone production, potentiate insulin secretion in a glucose-dependent manner, and thereby improve glycemic control in the acute phase of sepsis. We administered IV or enteral dextrose to 10-week-old male C57BL/6J mice exposed to bacterial endotoxin and measured incretin hormone release, glucose disposal, and proinflammatory cytokine production. Compared with IV administration, enteral dextrose increased circulating levels of the incretin hormone glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) associated with increased insulin release and insulin sensitivity, improved mean arterial pressure, and decreased proinflammatory cytokines in endotoxemic mice. Exogenous GIP rescued glucose metabolism, improved blood pressure, and increased insulin release in endotoxemic mice receiving IV dextrose, whereas pharmacologic inhibition of GIP signaling abrogated the beneficial effects of enteral dextrose. Thus, stimulation of endogenous GIP secretion by early enteral dextrose maintains glucose homeostasis and attenuates the systemic inflammatory response in endotoxemic mice and may provide a therapeutic target for improving glycemic control and clinical outcomes in patients with sepsis.

Risk of Hypoglycemia During Insulin Infusion Directed by Paper Protocol Versus Electronic Glycemic Management System in Critically Ill Patients at a Large Academic Medical Center

BACKGROUND

Insulin infusions are commonly utilized to control hyperglycemia in critically ill patients and decrease hyperglycemia associated complications. Safety concerns have been raised in trials evaluating methods of glycemic control regarding the incidence of hypoglycemia and its relationship to increased mortality. Electronic glycemic management systems (eGMS) may result in less variable blood glucose (BG) control and less hypoglycemia. This study aimed to compare BG control, time in target BG range, and the rate of hypoglycemia when critically ill patients were managed with an insulin infusion guided by paper-based protocol (PBP) versus eGMS.

METHODS

This retrospective review compared critically ill patients ≥ 18 years old that received insulin infusion from March to May 2015 (PBP group) and October to January 2017 (eGMS group). The primary outcome was the incidence of hypoglycemia. Secondary outcomes included frequency and severity of hypoglycemia, duration in glycemic target, length of insulin therapy, as well as ICU and hospital length of stay.

RESULTS

Fifty-four patients were evaluated, 27 in each group. Percentage of days with BG <70 mg/dL was significantly reduced after eGMS implementation (21.5% v 1.3%, P < .0001) including the frequency of severe hypoglycemia (BG < 40 mg/dL) (5.4% v 0.01%, P < .0001). Patients in the eGMS group spent a greater amount of time in target BG range (31.5% v 63.7%, P < .0001).

CONCLUSIONS

An eGMS has the potential to address many of the unmet needs of an optimal glycemic control strategy, minimizing hypoglycemia, and glycemic variability in a heterogeneous critically ill population.

Glycemic control in acute illness

Hyperglycemia is commonly observed in critical illness. A landmark large randomized controlled trial (RCT) reported that the incidence of hyperglycemia (blood glucose concentration > 108 mg/dl) was as high as 97.2% in critically ill patients. During the past two decades, a number of RCTs and several meta-analyses and network meta-analyses have been conducted to determine the optimal target for acute glycemic control. The results of those studies suggest that serum glucose concentration would be better to be maintained between 144 and 180 mg/dl. Although there have been studies showing an association of hypoglycemia with worsened clinical outcomes, a causal link has yet to be confirmed. Nonetheless, some researchers are of the view that the data suggest even mild hypoglycemia should be avoided in critically ill patients. Since acutely ill patients who receive insulin infusion are at a higher risk of hypoglycemia, a reliable devices for measuring blood glucose concentrations, such as an arterial blood gas analyzer, should be used frequently. Acute glycemic control in patients with premorbid hyperglycemia is a novel issue. Available literature suggests that blood glucose concentrations considered to be desirable and/or safe in non-diabetic critically ill patients might not be desirable in patients with diabetes. Moreover, the optimal target for acute blood glucose control may be higher in critically ill patients with premorbid hyperglycemia. Further study is required to assess optimal blood glucose control in acutely ill patients with premorbid hyperglycemia.

Haemodialysis, nutritional disorders and hypoglycaemia in critical care

This study aimed to determine hypoglycemia incidence and associated factors in critically ill patients. It looked at a retrospective cohort with 106 critically ill adult patients with 48 hours of glycaemic control and 72 hours of follow up. The dependent variable, hypoglycaemia (≤70 mg/dl), was assessed with respect to independent variables: age, diet, insulin, catecholamines, haemodialysis, nursing workload and the Simplified Acute Physiology Score. Statistical analysis was performed using Student's t-test, Fisher's exact test and logistic regression at 5% significance level. Incidence of hypoglycaemia was 14.2%. Hypoglycaemia was higher in the group of patients on catecholamines (p=0.040), with higher glycaemic variability (p<0.001) and death in the intensive care unit (p=0.008). Risk factors were identified as absence of oral diet (OR 5.11; 95% CI 1.04-25.10) and haemodialysis (OR 4.28; 95% CI 1.16-15.76). Patients on haemodialysis and with no oral diet should have their glycaemic control intensified in order to prevent and/or manage hypoglycaemic episodes.

Comparison of 2 intravenous insulin protocols: Glycemia variability in critically ill patients

OBJECTIVE

Glycemic variability is an independent predictor of mortality in critically ill patients. The objective of this study was to compare two intravenous insulin protocols in critically ill patients regarding the glycemic variability.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This was a retrospective observational study performed by reviewing clinical records of patients from a Critical Care Unit for 4 consecutive months. First, a simpler Scale-Based Intravenous Insulin Protocol (SBIIP) was reviewed and later it was compared for the same months of the following year with a Sliding Scale-Based Intravenous Insulin Protocol (SSBIIP). All adult patients admitted to the unit during the referred months were included. Patients in whom the protocol was not adequately followed were excluded. A total of 557 patients were reviewed, of whom they had needed intravenous insulin 73 in the first group and 52 in the second group. Four and two patients were excluded in each group respectively.

RESULTS

Glycemic variability for both day 1 (DS1) and total stay (DST) was lower in SSBIIP patients compared to SBIIP patients: SD1 34.88 vs 18.16 and SDT 36.45 vs 23.65 (P<.001).

CONCLUSION

A glycemic management protocol in critically ill patients based on sliding scales decreases glycemic variability.

Point-of-Care Versus Central Laboratory Measurements of Hemoglobin, Hematocrit, Glucose, Bicarbonate and Electrolytes: A Prospective Observational Study in Critically Ill Patients

Introduction

Rapid detection of abnormal biological values using point-of-care (POC) testing allows clinicians to promptly initiate therapy; however, there are concerns regarding the reliability of POC measurements. We investigated the agreement between the latest generation blood gas analyzer and central laboratory measurements of electrolytes, bicarbonate, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and glucose.

Methods

314 paired samples were collected prospectively from 51 critically ill patients. All samples were drawn simultaneously in the morning from an arterial line. BD Vacutainer tubes were analyzed in the central laboratory using Beckman Coulter analyzers (AU 5800 and DxH 800). BD Preset 3 ml heparinized-syringes were analyzed immediately in the ICU using the POC Siemens RAPIDPoint 500 blood gas system. We used CLIA proficiency testing criteria to define acceptable analytical performance and interchangeability.

Results

Biases, limits of agreement (±1.96 SD) and coefficients of correlation were respectively: 1.3 (-2.2 to 4.8 mmol/L, r = 0.936) for sodium; 0.2 (-0.2 to 0.6 mmol/L, r = 0.944) for potassium; -0.9 (-3.7 to 2 mmol/L, r = 0.967) for chloride; 0.8 (-1.9 to 3.4 mmol/L, r = 0.968) for bicarbonate; -11 (-30 to 9 mg/dL, r = 0.972) for glucose; -0.8 (-1.4 to -0.2 g/dL, r = 0.985) for hemoglobin; and -1.1 (-2.9 to 0.7%, r = 0.981) for hematocrit. All differences were below CLIA cut-off values, except for hemoglobin.

Conclusions

Compared to central Laboratory analyzers, the POC Siemens RAPIDPoint 500 blood gas system satisfied the CLIA criteria of interchangeability for all tested parameters, except for hemoglobin. These results are warranted for our own procedures and devices. Bearing these restrictions, we recommend clinicians to initiate an appropriate therapy based on POC testing without awaiting a control measurement.

Hypoglycemia and risk of vascular events and mortality: a systematic review and meta-analysis

AIMS

Hypoglycemia has been associated with adverse outcomes in patients with diabetes and critical illness. However, such associations in these populations have not been systematically examined.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of longitudinal follow-up cohort studies to investigate the associations between hypoglycemia and various adverse outcomes.

RESULTS

After removing duplicates and critically appraising all screened citations, a total of 19 eligible studies were included. As demonstrated by random-effects meta-analysis, hypoglycemia was strongly associated with a higher risk of adverse events (HR 1.90, 95 % CI 1.63-2.20; P < 0.001). Comparable risk ratios were shown in prespecified stratified analyses investigating above association for different study endpoints, in patients with or without critical illness, in patients with and without diabetes (from 1.47 to 3.31; p for interaction or heterogeneity >0.1). Additionally, a dose-dependent relationship between the severity of hypoglycemia and adverse vascular events and mortality (HR for mild hypoglycemia: 1.68, 95 % CI 1.25-2.26; P < 0.001 and HR for severe hypoglycemia: 2.33, 95 % CI 2.07-2.61; P < 0.001; p for trend 0.02) was observed. Suggested by a bias analysis, the above observations were unlikely to have resulted from unmeasured confounding parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study demonstrating that hypoglycemia was associated with comparable risk ratios in different study populations and various study endpoints, and a trend of a dose-dependent relationship between hypoglycemia severity and adverse events. The findings of this systematic review support the speculation that hypoglycemia is a risk factor for adverse vascular events and mortality.

Study of a structured action pathway and persistent monitoring tool among nurses to achieve cent percent management of hypoglycaemia in in-patients: A measure of quality of healthcare

BACKGROUND

Reporting and management of hypoglycaemia is a reflection of quality of healthcare delivery. The study evaluates success of a structured plan implemented in a tertiary care hospital in terms of an evidence-based hypoglycaemia management protocol, training and awareness among all nurses in the organisation to achieve 100% reporting of hypoglycaemia.

METHODS

A prospective study was conducted over a 3-year period. An in-house hypoglycaemia management protocol was designed, included in the induction training programme of nurses and implemented in wards under the guidance of master trainers. Each episode of hypoglycaemia was reported, managed and logged into centralised database, Quality Flash Matrix (QF). The QF was analysed at end of each 24 h cycle to carry out a root cause analyses and appropriate correction in training modules. Data were extracted from hospital records, patient case records and QF in terms of total number of cases receiving insulin and total number of episodes of hypoglycaemia documented and reported.

RESULTS

Incidence of hypoglycaemia recorded was 6.4, 5.3 and 4.7 per 1000 patient hours for the years 2011, 2012 and 2013, respectively. The percentage of episodes of hypoglycaemia reported improved from 78% (1st quarter 2011) to 100% (4th quarter 2012). Root cause analysis showed change in diet of patient with no corresponding change in insulin and vice versa being the commonest cause for hypoglycaemia consistent over the study period.

CONCLUSION

Constant structured training of nurses, constant surveillance and appropriate feedback analysis result in decreased incidence of hypoglycaemia and increased reporting of episodes of hypoglycaemia.

Predisposing Factors for Hypoglycemia and Its Relation With Mortality in Critically Ill Patients Undergoing Insulin Therapy in an Intensive Care Unit

Background:

Hypoglycemia is a common and the most important complication of intensive insulin therapy in critically ill patients. Because of hypoglycemia’s impact on the cardinal organs as a fuel, if untreated it could results in permanent brain damage and increased mortality.

Objectives:

In this study, we aim to evaluate the incidence of hypoglycemia, its risk factors, and its relationship with mortality in critically ill patients.

Patients and Methods:

Five hundred adult patients who admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) were enrolled in this study. A program of glycemic control with a target of 100 - 140 mg/dL was instituted. We used the threshold of 150 mg/dL for septic patients, which were monitored by point of care devices for capillary blood measurement. We detected hypoglycemia with a blood sugar of less than 50 mg/dL and with the detection of each episode of hypoglycemia, blood glucose measurement was performed every 30 minutes.

Results:

Five hundred patients experienced at least one episode of hypoglycemia, almost always on the third day. Of 15 expired patients who had one hypoglycemia episode, the most common causes were multiple trauma and sepsis. Increases in the sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) number augmented the hypoglycemia risk to 52% (P < 0.001). Moreover, in patients with acute kidney injury (AKI), the risk of hypoglycemia is 10 times greater than in those without AKI (RR: 10.3, CI: 3.16 - 33.6, P < 0.001). ICU admission blood sugar has a significant relationship with mortality (RR: 1.01, CI: 1.004 - 1.02, P < 0.006). Hypoglycemia increased the mortality rate twofold, but it was not significant (RR: 1.2, CI: 0.927 - 1.58, P = 0.221).

Conclusions:

Our results showed that the SOFA score, AKI, and hemoglobin A1c are the independent risk factors for the development of hypoglycemia and demonstrated that ICU admission blood glucose, Hba1c, and hypoglycemia increased the risk of death, but only ICU admission blood glucose is significantly related to increased mortality.

Glucose management in critically ill adults and children

Blood glucose management in people with acute myocardial infarction and critical illness has always attracted controversy. Compared with the era before 2001 when no attention was given to blood glucose management, DIGAMI-1 in 1995 and the first Leuven study in 2001 showed improved outcomes with strict control of blood glucose, thereby suggesting a causal association between hyperglycaemia and mortality risk. These landmark trials have set the standard in clinical practice that excessive hyperglycaemia is not acceptable. Multicentre trials contradicted the benefits of tight control of patients' blood glucose and results showed that different standard operating procedures for blood glucose control (eg, blood glucose meters or algorithms), divergent concomitant feeding strategies, and varying patient populations are important confounders. The general consensus now is that excessive hyperglycaemia (>10 mmol/L) and severe hypoglycaemia (<2·2 mmol/L) should be avoided in critically ill adults. If adequate blood glucose meters and clinically validated protocols for insulin-dosing are available, targeting of blood glucose concentrations to less than 8 mmol/L (moderate glycaemic control), while avoiding mild hypoglycaemia (<3·9 mmol/L), is a reasonable strategy in adult patients who are critically ill. This recommendation is not based on findings from randomised controlled trials, but merely represents a very common, pragmatic approach by physicians at the bedside. As a result of the few properly validated technologies for tighter blood glucose control, targeting blood glucose concentrations to less than 6 mmol/L is not recommended, because its risk-to-benefit ratio becomes questionable. Because blood glucose control in the target of adult ranges does not improve patient outcomes for children in the intensive care unit, glucose management in this patient population should be limited to avoid excessive hyperglycaemia (>10 mmol/L).

Reporting on Glucose Control Metrics in the Intensive Care Unit

The 'diabetes of injury' typically associated with critical illness has recently been thoroughly revisited and much better characterised following major therapeutic advances. The occurrence of severe hyperglycaemia, moderate hypoglycaemia or high glycaemic variability has been associated with an increased mortality and rate of complications in large independent cohorts of acutely ill patients. Hence, current guidelines advocate the prevention and avoidance of each of these three dysglycaemic domains, and the use of a common metrics for a quantitative description of dysglycaemic events, such as the proportion of time spent in the target glycaemic range as a unifying variable. Using a common language will help to face the future challenges, including the definition of the most appropriate blood glucose (BG) target according to the category of admission, the time interval from the initial injury and the medical history. The clinical testing of technological improvements in the monitoring systems and the therapeutic algorithms should be assessed using the same metrics.

Multicenter Observational Study of the First-Generation Intravenous Blood Glucose Monitoring System in Hospitalized Patients

BACKGROUND

Current methods of blood glucose (BG) monitoring and insulin delivery are labor intensive and commonly fail to achieve the desired level of BG control. There is great clinical need in the hospital for a user-friendly bedside device that can automatically monitor the concentration of BG safely, accurately, frequently, and reliably.

METHODS

A 100-patient observation study was conducted at 6 US hospitals to evaluate the first generation of the Intravenous Blood Glucose (IVBG) System (Edwards Lifesciences LLC & Dexcom Inc). Device safety, accuracy, and reliability were assessed. A research nurse sampled blood from a vascular catheter every 4 hours for ≤ 72 hours and BG concentration was measured using the YSI 2300 STAT Plus Analyzer (YSI Life Sciences). The IVBG measurements were compared to YSI measurements to calculate point accuracy.

RESULTS

The IVBG systems logged more than 5500 hours of operation in 100 critical care patients without causing infection or inflammation of a vein. A total of 44135 IVBG measurements were performed in 100 patients with 30231 measurements from the subset of 75 patients used for accuracy analysis. In all, 996 IVBG measurements were time-matched with reference YSI measurements. These pairs had a mean absolute difference (MAD) of 11.61 mg/dl, a mean absolute relative difference (MARD) of 8.23%, 93% met 15/20% accuracy defined by International Organization for Standardization 15197:2003 standard, and 93.2% were in zone A of the Clarke error grid. The IVBG sensors were exposed to more than 200 different medications with no observable effect on accuracy.

CONCLUSIONS

The IVBG system is an automated and user-friendly glucose monitoring system that provides accurate and frequent BG measurements with great potential to improve the safety and efficacy of insulin therapy and BG control in the hospital, potentially leading to improved clinical outcomes.

Blood glucose response to rescue dextrose in hypoglycemic, critically ill patients receiving an insulin infusion

BACKGROUND

There is inadequate guidance for clinicians on selection of the optimal dextrose 50% (D50W) dose for hypoglycemia correction in critically ill patients.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to determine the blood glucose (BG) response to D50W in critically ill patients.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted of critically ill patients who received D50W for hypoglycemia (BG < 70 mg/dL) while on an insulin infusion. The primary objective of this study was to determine the BG response to D50W. The relationship between participant characteristics and the dose-adjusted change in BG following D50W was analyzed using simple and multiple linear mixed-effects models.

RESULTS

There were 470 hypoglycemic events (BG < 70 mg/dL) corrected with D50W. The overall median BG response was 4.0 (2.53, 6.08) mg/dL per gram of D50W administered. Administration of D50W per protocol resulted in 32 episodes of hyperglycemia (BG > 150 mg/dL), resulting in a 6.8% rate of overcorrection; 49% of hypoglycemic episodes (230/470) corrected to a BG >100 mg/dL. A multivariable GEE analysis showed a significantly higher BG response in participants with diabetes (0.002) but a lower response in those with recurrent hypoglycemia (P = 0.049). The response to D50W increased with increasinginsulin infusion rate (P = 0.022). Burn patients experienced a significantly larger BG response compared with cardiac, medical, neurosurgical, or surgical patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The observed median effect of D50W on BG was approximately 4 mg/dL per gram of D50W administered. Application of these data may aid in rescue protocol development that may reduce glucose variability associated with hypoglycemic episodes and the correction.

Analysis of alternatives for insulinizing patients to achieve glycemic control and avoid accompanying risks of hypoglycemia

The aims of the present study were to explore the efficacy of glycemic control and the risks of hypoglycemia with different methods of insulin therapy, and to provide reference data for the clinical treatment of diabetes. In this retrospective study, hospitalized patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes between March and December 2014, in the Department of Endocrinology in the First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, were divided into three groups, including an intensive insulin analogue therapy group, a premixed insulin analogue treatment group and a premixed human insulin therapy group. The efficacy of glycemic control and the incidence of hypoglycemia were determined in each of the insulin treatment groups. Compared with the other treatment groups, the intensive insulin analogue therapy group was associated with superior blood glucose control, shorter time to reach standard insulin regimen, shorter hospitalization time, fewer fluctuations in blood glucose levels and lower insulin dosage on discharge from hospital. However, this treatment was also associated with a high risk of hypoglycemia. In conclusion, when combined with the effective prevention of hypoglycemia and appropriate nursing care (especially in hospital care), intensive insulin analogue therapy may provide the greatest benefit to patients.

Inflammatory biomarkers, glycemic variability, hypoglycemia, and renal transplant outcomes: results of a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

We previously reported that compared to standard glycemic control [blood glucose (BG): 70-180 mg/dL], patients randomized to intensive glycemic control (BG: 70-110 mg/dL) were at increased risk of graft rejection in renal transplantation. However, the underlying mechanisms that associate the effect of intensive glycemic control with renal transplant outcomes have not been identified.

METHODS

A secondary data analysis of 93 participants (n=44 intensive, n=49 control) was conducted using data from a previous randomized controlled clinical trial. We examined inflammatory biomarkers, glycemic variability, hypoglycemia, and hyperglycemia as potential contributing etiologies by assessing the effect of intensive glycemic control on these characteristics, and evaluate the association of these variables with graft rejection.

RESULTS

Intensive glycemic control had no appreciable effect on highly sensitive C-reactive protein, interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor alpha, IL-1β, or IL-10 levels at all time points after transplantation. Moreover, neither inflammatory biomarkers nor increased glycemic variability were associated with graft rejection. However, intensive treatment increased the risk of hypoglycemia (BG <70 mg/dL, 84% vs. 25%, P<0.001). In sub-analysis, compared to non-rejecters, rejecters demonstrated higher rates of blood glucose below 70 mg/dL (90% vs. 49%, P=0.02).

CONCLUSION

Inflammatory biomarkers and increased glycemic variability lack correlation with clinical outcomes in renal transplant, but importantly, increased perioperative hypoglycemic episodes (BG <70mg/dL) may be a salient etiology that contributed to the increased risk for acute allograft rejection related to intensive glycemic control. Further research is needed to confirm a causal association.

Hypocaloric Enteral Nutrition Protects against Hypoglycemia Associated with Intensive Insulin Therapy Better than Intravenous Dextrose

Intensive insulin therapy treats hyperglycemia but increases the risk of hypoglycemia. Typically, intravenous dextrose is given to prevent hypoglycemia; however, enteral nutrition is preferred. We hypothesized that the provision of hypocaloric enteral nutrition would protect against hypoglycemia. A retrospective analysis was performed evaluating patients treated with intensive insulin therapy comparing the use of enteral nutrition versus a dextrose-only intravenous solution. Nutrition in the 2 hours before each blood glucose test was assessed, and the association with hypoglycemia (50 mg/dL or less) evaluated. Risk of hypoglycemia as a function of nutrition type and rate was estimated by multivariable regression. A total of 26,140 blood glucose tests were collected on 1289 patients. Hypoglycemia occurred in 6.4 per cent of patients. In regression models, enteral nutrition was the strongest protective factor against hypoglycemia ( P < 0.001) with the largest risk reduction (steepest portion of the curve) occurring at 60 per cent goal. Hypocaloric enteral nutrition showed a greater risk reduction than a peripheral dextrose-only intravenous solution alone. In the setting of intensive insulin therapy, the provision of enteral nutrition, even if hypocaloric, is sufficient to protect against hypoglycemia. Future prospective studies should evaluate the efficacy of enteral nutrition in reducing the risk of hypoglycemia and whether lower rates of hypoglycemia correspond to improved outcomes.

The Japanese guidelines for the management of sepsis

This is a guideline for the management of sepsis, developed by the Sepsis Registry Committee of The Japanese Society of Intensive Care Medicine (JSICM) launched in March 2007. This guideline was developed on the basis of evidence-based medicine and focuses on unique treatments in Japan that have not been included in the Surviving Sepsis Campaign guidelines (SSCG), as well as treatments that are viewed differently in Japan and in Western countries. Although the methods in this guideline conform to the 2008 SSCG, the Japanese literature and the results of the Sepsis Registry Survey, which was performed twice by the Sepsis Registry Committee in intensive care units (ICUs) registered with JSICM, are also referred. This is the first and original guideline for sepsis in Japan and is expected to be properly used in daily clinical practice.

This article is translated from Japanese, originally published as “The Japanese Guidelines for the Management of Sepsis” in the Journal of the Japanese Society of Intensive Care Medicine (J Jpn Soc Intensive Care Med), 2013; 20:124–73. The original work is at http://dx.doi.org/10.3918/jsicm.20.124.

Experimental and clinical evidences for glucose control in intensive care: is infused glucose the key point for study interpretation?

Stress-induced hyperglycemia has been considered an adaptive mechanism to stress up to the first intensive insulin therapy trial, which showed a 34% reduction in relative risk of in-hospital mortality when normalizing blood glucose levels. Further trials had conflicting results and, at present, stress-induced hyperglycemia management remains non-consensual. These findings could be explained by discrepancies in trials, notably regarding the approach to treat hyperglycemia: high versus restrictive caloric intake. Stress-induced hyperglycemia is a frequent complication during intensive care unit stay and is associated with a higher mortality. It results from an imbalance between insulin and counter-regulatory hormones, increased neoglucogenesis, and the cytokine-induced insulin-resistant state of tissues. In this review, we summarize detrimental effects of hyperglycemia on organs in the critically ill (peripheric and central nervous, liver, immune system, kidney, and cardiovascular system). Finally, we show clinical and experimental evidence of potential benefits from glucose and insulin administration, notably on metabolism, immunity, and the cardiovascular system.

Hypoglycaemia in anesthesiology practice: Diagnostic, preventive, and management strategies

Diabetes mellitus has emerged as one of the fastest growing non communicable diseases worldwide. Management of diabetic patients during surgical and critically illness is of paramount challenge to anesthesiologist and intensivist. Among its major acute complications, hypoglycemia has been given lesser attention as compared to other major acute complications; diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperosmolar non ketotic coma. However, newer studies and literary evidence have established the serious concerns of morbidity and mortality, both long- and short-term, related to hypoglycemia. basis. Invariably, diabetic patients are encountered in our daily routine practice of anesthesia. During fasting status as well as the perioperative period, it is hypoglycemia that is of high concern to anesthesiologist. Management has to be based on clinical, pharmacological, social, and psychological basis, so as to completely prevent the complications arising from an acute episode of hypoglycemia. This review aims to highlight various aspects of hypoglycemia and its management both from endocrine and anesthesia perspective.

Hypoglycaemia and predisposing factors among clinical subgroups treated with intensive insulin therapy

BACKGROUND

In previous studies, conflicting intensive insulin therapy (IIT) results have been observed, whereby IIT-related mortality seems to be lower in specific clinical subgroups. The aim of this study was to assess differences in glycaemic control, the risk of critical hypoglycaemia (≤ 2.2 mmol/l), the associated predisposing factors, and the in-hospital mortality in different clinical subgroups treated with IIT.

METHODS

Prospective, observational study in a university-affiliated intensive care unit (ICU) conducted from 2004 to 2005. All patients (n = 1667) belonging to one of the six most common surgical intervention groups (cardiac, neuro, abdominal, vascular, orthopaedic, and spinal surgeries) and medical patients were included. IIT was performed with a target blood glucose level of 4.4-7.8 mmol/l. Different indices were analysed to evaluate glucose control and glycaemic variability.

RESULTS

The rate of critical hypoglycaemia was significantly different within the different clinical subgroups and varied from 0.8% to 4.5%. Similar results were obtained for hyperglycaemia. Multivariable analyses for the predisposing factors of critical hypoglycaemia showed a heterogeneous distribution pattern among the different clinical subgroups. Similar results were obtained for the risk factors of in-hospital mortality.

CONCLUSION

The risk of critical hypoglycaemia and the associated predisposing factors depended on the clinical subgroup involved. Critical hypoglycaemia is a potential threat for our patients, and the high risk of critical hypoglycaemia in some clinical subgroups appeared to reverse the benefits of IIT. As a result, it is crucial that the different subgroups involved in a study are defined to further interpret the potential benefits of IIT and the risk of critical hypoglycaemia.

Post-resuscitation care for survivors of cardiac arrest

Cardiac arrest can occur following a myriad of clinical conditions. With advancement of medical science and improvements in Emergency Medical Services systems, the rate of return of spontaneous circulation for patients who suffer an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) continues to increase. Managing these patients is challenging and requires a structured approach including stabilization of cardiopulmonary status, early consideration of neuroprotective strategies, identifying and managing the etiology of arrest and initiating treatment to prevent recurrence. This requires a closely coordinated multidisciplinary team effort. In this article, we will review the initial management of survivors of OHCA, highlighting advances and ongoing controversies.

Hypoglycemia adverse events in PICUs and cardiac ICUs: differentiating preventable and nonpreventable events*

OBJECTIVES

To describe the use of an adverse event detection system to identify, characterize, and categorize preventable versus nonpreventable hypoglycemia AEs in PICUs and cardiac ICUs.

DESIGN

Retrospective observational study.

SETTING

PICU and cardiac ICU of a tertiary pediatric hospital.

SUBJECTS

All hypoglycemia triggers generated over a 3-year period.

INTERVENTIONS

All hypoglycemia triggers generated via an electronic health record-driven surveillance system were investigated to determine if they represented a true adverse event and if that event was preventable or nonpreventable. Clinical and demographic variables were analyzed to identify characteristics of patients who developed a preventable or nonpreventable hypoglycemia adverse event.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

There were 197 hypoglycemia adverse events in 90 patients. Thirty percent of the adverse events in the PICU and 36% of the adverse events in the cardiac ICU were characterized as preventable. Of the adverse events, 118 (59.9%) necessitated an intravenous dextrose bolus. No adverse events were associated with reporting of symptoms of hypoglycemia including apnea, altered mental status, or seizures. Events were more likely to be preventable (p < 0.001) if the patient was receiving only parenteral sources of nutrition (intravenous fluids or total parenteral nutrition). Controlling for weekends and holidays, adverse events associated with sole parenteral nutrition source had an increased odds ratio of 9.5 (95% confidence interval: 2.8-31.9) of being preventable. Stratifying by ICU, cardiac ICU events occurring on a weekend or holiday were more likely to be preventable (p = 0.001). Stratifying by unit and controlling for parenteral nutrition source, adverse events in the cardiac ICU occurring on weekends or holidays had an increased odds ratio of 11.6 (95% confidence interval: 2.7-50.2) of being preventable.

CONCLUSIONS

Preventable hypoglycemia adverse events are associated with patients receiving sole parenteral sources of nutrition in both the PICU and cardiac ICU. In the cardiac ICU, there is an association between weekend and holiday time periods and the development of preventable hypoglycemia adverse events.

The roles of traditional chinese medicine: shen-fu injection on the postresuscitation care bundle

Survival rates following in-hospital and out-of-hospital cardiac arrests remain disappointingly low. Organ injury caused by ischemia and hypoxia during prolonged cardiac arrest is compounded by reperfusion injury that occurs when a spontaneous circulation is restored. A bundle of procedures, which may need to be administered simultaneously, is required. The procedures include prompt identification and treatment of the cause of cardiac arrest, as well as a definitive airway and ventilation together. Additional benefit is possible with appropriate forms of early goal-directed therapy and achieving therapeutic hypothermia within the first few hours, followed by gradual rewarming and ensuring glycaemic control to be within a range of 6 to 10 mmol/L. All these would be important and need to be continued for at least 24 hours. Previous studies have showed that the effects of Shen-Fu injection (SFI) are based on aconitine properties, supplemented by ginsenoside, which can scavenge free radicals, improve energy metabolism, inhibit inflammatory mediators, suppress cell apoptosis, and alleviate mitochondrial damage. SFI, like many other complex prescriptions of traditional Chinese medicine, was also found to be more effective than any of its ingredient used separately in vivo. As the postresuscitation care bundle is known to be, the present paper focuses on the role of SFI played on the postresuscitation care bundle.

[The optimal blood glucose target in critically ill patient: comparison of two intensive insulin therapy protocols]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Recent studies in critically ill patients receiving insulin intravenous therapy (IIT) have shown an increased incidence of severe hypoglycemia, while intermittent subcutaneous insulin «sliding scales» (conventional insulin therapy [CIT]) is associated with hyperglycemia. The objective of this study is to assess whether glycemic control range IIT can affect glucose levels and their variability and to compare it with CIT.

PATIENTS AND METHOD

Prospective comparative cohort study in intensive care unit, with 2 study periods: Period 1, IIT with glycemic target range 110-140 mg/dL, and Period 2, IIT of 140-180 mg/dL. In both periods CIT glycemic target was 110-180 mg/dL. We assessed severe hypoglycemia (< 50 mg/dL), moderate hypoglycemia (51-79 mg/dL), hyperglycemia (> 216 mg/L) and the variability of blood glucose.

RESULTS

We studied 221 patients with 12.825 blood glucose determinations. Twenty-six and 17% of patients required IIT for glycemic control in Period 1 and 2, respectively. Hypoglycemia was associated with a discontinuous nutritional intake, glycemic target 110-140 mg/dL and low body mass index (BMI) (P = .002). Hyperglycemia was exclusively associated with a history of diabetes mellitus (OR 2.6 [95% CI 1.6 to 4.5]). Glycemic variability was associated with a discontinuous nutritional intake, low BMI, CIT insulinization, diabetes mellitus, elderly and high APACHE II (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of IIT is useful to reduce the variability of blood glucose. Although the 140-180 mg/dL range would be more secure as to presenting greater variability and hyperglycemia, the 110-140 mg/dL range is most suitable.

Glycemic variability in hospitalized patients: choosing metrics while awaiting the evidence

Hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, preexisting diabetes, and glycemic variability each may affect hospital outcomes. Observational findings derived from randomized trials or retrospective studies suggest that independent of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia, a relationship exists between variability and hospital outcomes. A review of studies conducted in diverse hospital populations is reported here, showing a relationship between measures of variability and nonglycemic outcomes, including ICU and hospital mortality and length of stay. "Glycemic variability" has an intuitive meaning, understood as a propensity of a single patient to develop repeated episodes of excursions of BG over a relatively short period of time that exceed the amplitude expected in normal physiology. It is proposed that each of 3 dimensions of variability should be separately studied: (1) magnitude of glycemic excursions during intervals of relative stability of the moving average of BG, (2) frequency with which a critical magnitude of excursion is exceeded, and (3) presence or absence of fine tuning. Multiple hospital studies have found that the standard deviation (SD) of the data set of blood glucose values (BG) of individual patients predicts outcomes. An appropriate refinement would be to report the "Reverse-transformed group mean of the SD of the logarithmically transformed BG data set of each patient," with confidence intervals. In logarithmic space, group means of the SD of BGs of each patient may be compared, using an appropriate parametric test. Upon reverse transformation, the upper and lower bounds of the confidence intervals become asymmetric about the reverse-transformed group mean of the SD. There is a need to understand what patterns of dispersion of BG over time are captured by SD as a predictor of outcomes. Among the causes of high SD, a subgroup may consist of patients having frequent oscillations of BG. Another subgroup may consist of patients experiencing a major change of overall glycemia during the timeframe of data collection. Appropriate metrics should be developed to recognize both variability in the sense of recurrent large oscillations of BG, and separately to recognize any time-dependent change of overall glycemia during hospitalization. Especially in relation to uncontrolled diabetes, there is a need to know whether rapid correction of chronic hyperglycemia adversely affects hospital outcomes. We have some understanding of how to control or prevent change of overall glycemia, and less understanding of how to control variability. Each may be associated with outcomes, and each may be detected by a high SD, but it remains uncertain whether intervention to prevent either pattern of changing glycemia would affect outcomes.

Association between hypoglycemia and inpatient mortality and length of hospital stay in hospitalized, insulin-treated patients

OBJECTIVE

To assess the impact of hypoglycemia on clinical outcomes among hospitalized, insulin-treated patients.

METHODS

In a retrospective study, hospitalizations in 2005-2007 were identified from a US inpatient electronic medical records database. All encounters for insulin-treated patients with valid blood glucose measurement were included, except for those with a length of stay <24 hours or >30 days. In an encounter-based analysis, associations between hypoglycemic (glucose ≤70 mg/dL) or severe hypoglycemic (glucose ≤50 mg/dL) episodes and inpatient mortality, ischemic events, neurologic complications, and length of stay were evaluated.

RESULTS

Among 107,312 admissions, hypoglycemia occurred in 21,561 (20%) and severe hypoglycemia in 7539 (7%). Inpatient mortality occurred in 6.5% of hospitalizations with hypoglycemia and 3.8% of those without (p < 0.001). Inpatient mortality occurred in 7.6% of hospitalizations with a severe hypoglycemic event. Ischemic events (8.1 vs. 8.0%) and neurologic complications (3.8 vs. 3.7%) were similar in hospitalizations with and without a hypoglycemic event, respectively. In multivariate logistic regression analyses adjusting for age, gender, and selected comorbidities, hypoglycemia was associated with a significant increase in inpatient mortality risk (adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.66 [95% CI: 1.55, 1.78]). Similar results were observed with severe hypoglycemia (adjusted OR = 1.44 [1.38, 1.52]). Length of stay was increased in hospitalizations with hypoglycemia (median [interquartile range]: 8.2 days [4.9, 13.9] vs. 5.2 days [3.1, 8.3]; p < 0.0001).

LIMITATIONS

Due to the nature of the data source, some data of interest were not available, including insulin dose and dose regimen, outpatient medical histories (including diabetes history), pre-hospitalization medications, and cause of death.

CONCLUSIONS

Hypoglycemia was common among hospitalized patients receiving insulin and, while a direct causal relationship cannot be assumed, was associated with an increased risk of inpatient mortality and increased length of hospital stay. Hypoglycemia is an undesirable event and efforts to minimize in-hospital hypoglycemic events are warranted across the spectrum of hospitalized patients.

Guidelines for the use of an insulin infusion for the management of hyperglycemia in critically ill patients

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the literature and identify important aspects of insulin therapy that facilitate safe and effective infusion therapy for a defined glycemic end point.

METHODS

Where available, the literature was evaluated using Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology to assess the impact of insulin infusions on outcome for general intensive care unit patients and those in specific subsets of neurologic injury, traumatic injury, and cardiovascular surgery. Elements that contribute to safe and effective insulin infusion therapy were determined through literature review and expert opinion. The majority of the literature supporting the use of insulin infusion therapy for critically ill patients lacks adequate strength to support more than weak recommendations, termed suggestions, such that the difference between desirable and undesirable effect of a given intervention is not always clear.

RECOMMENDATIONS

The article is focused on a suggested glycemic control end point such that a blood glucose ≥ 150 mg/dL triggers interventions to maintain blood glucose below that level and absolutely <180 mg/dL. There is a slight reduction in mortality with this treatment end point for general intensive care unit patients and reductions in morbidity for perioperative patients, postoperative cardiac surgery patients, post-traumatic injury patients, and neurologic injury patients. We suggest that the insulin regimen and monitoring system be designed to avoid and detect hypoglycemia (blood glucose ≤ 70 mg/dL) and to minimize glycemic variability.Important processes of care for insulin therapy include use of a reliable insulin infusion protocol, frequent blood glucose monitoring, and avoidance of finger-stick glucose testing through the use of arterial or venous glucose samples. The essential components of an insulin infusion system include use of a validated insulin titration program, availability of appropriate staffing resources, accurate monitoring technology, and standardized approaches to infusion preparation, provision of consistent carbohydrate calories and nutritional support, and dextrose replacement for hypoglycemia prevention and treatment. Quality improvement of glycemic management programs should include analysis of hypoglycemia rates, run charts of glucose values <150 and 180 mg/dL. The literature is inadequate to support recommendations regarding glycemic control in pediatric patients.

CONCLUSIONS

While the benefits of tight glycemic control have not been definitive, there are patients who will receive insulin infusion therapy, and the suggestions in this article provide the structure for safe and effective use of this therapy.

[Management of glycemia: an audit in 66 ICUs]

INTRODUCTION

The interest of tight glucose control in ICU is still debated. In France, no data are available regarding this therapy and the implementation of its guidelines.

STUDY DESIGN

Sub-study of a one-day audit performed between January and May 2009.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

During a one-day audit performed in 66 ICUs, trained residents collected data regarding the presence of a formal glucose control protocol and its practical application.

RESULTS

A formalized glucose control protocol was found in 88% of patients. During the day before the audit, 3645 glycemia measurements were performed accounting for six measurements [4-9] per patient with a median higher value of 1.6 [1.4-2.1]. Hypoglycemia (<0.8 g/L) and hyperglycemia (>1.4 g/L in non-diabetic and >1.8 g/L in diabetic patients) were found in 81 (15%) and 326 (58%) patients respectively. Two episodes (0.36%) of severe hypoglycemia (<0.4 g/L) were reported. Factors associated with glucose control protocol application were: a high SOFA score, cardioversion, mechanical ventilation, intracranial pressure monitoring, steroid use and nurse to patient ratio less than 1/2.5. Hepatic failure was the only factor associated with hypoglycemia.

DISCUSSION

Glucose control protocols are available in more than 80% ICUs but their implementation is still imperfect. However, the median glycemia meets international current recommendations. Severe hypoglycemia is a very rare event in ICU.

Root causes of intraoperative hypoglycemia: a case series

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To describe the root causes of intraoperative hypoglycemic events.

DESIGN

Retrospective analysis.

SETTING

Large academic teaching hospital.

MEASUREMENTS

Data from 80,379 ASA physical status 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 surgical patients were reviewed. Blood glucose values, insulin, oral hypoglycemic medication doses, and doses of glucose or other medications for hypoglycemia treatment were recorded.

MAIN RESULTS

Hypoglycemia in many patients had multiple etiologies, with many cases (8 of 17) involving preventable errors. The most common root causes of hypoglycemia were ineffective communication, circulatory shock, failure to monitor, and excessive insulin administration.

CONCLUSION

Intraoperative hypoglycemia was rare, but often preventable. Better communication among providers and between providers and patients may reduce the number of intraoperative hypoglycemic events. Many transient episodes of hypoglycemia did not result in any apparent complications, rendering their clinical importance uncertain. Critically ill patients in circulatory shock represent a group that may require close glucose monitoring.

Hypoglycemia and risk of death in critically ill patients

BACKGROUND

Whether hypoglycemia leads to death in critically ill patients is unclear.

METHODS

We examined the associations between moderate and severe hypoglycemia (blood glucose, 41 to 70 mg per deciliter [2.3 to 3.9 mmol per liter] and ≤40 mg per deciliter [2.2 mmol per liter], respectively) and death among 6026 critically ill patients in intensive care units (ICUs). Patients were randomly assigned to intensive or conventional glucose control. We used Cox regression analysis with adjustment for treatment assignment and for baseline and postrandomization covariates.

RESULTS

Follow-up data were available for 6026 patients: 2714 (45.0%) had moderate hypoglycemia, 2237 of whom (82.4%) were in the intensive-control group (i.e., 74.2% of the 3013 patients in the group), and 223 patients (3.7%) had severe hypoglycemia, 208 of whom (93.3%) were in the intensive-control group (i.e., 6.9% of the patients in this group). Of the 3089 patients who did not have hypoglycemia, 726 (23.5%) died, as compared with 774 of the 2714 with moderate hypoglycemia (28.5%) and 79 of the 223 with severe hypoglycemia (35.4%). The adjusted hazard ratios for death among patients with moderate or severe hypoglycemia, as compared with those without hypoglycemia, were 1.41 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.21 to 1.62; P<0.001) and 2.10 (95% CI, 1.59 to 2.77; P<0.001), respectively. The association with death was increased among patients who had moderate hypoglycemia on more than 1 day (>1 day vs. 1 day, P=0.01), those who died from distributive (vasodilated) shock (P<0.001), and those who had severe hypoglycemia in the absence of insulin treatment (hazard ratio, 3.84; 95% CI, 2.37 to 6.23; P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In critically ill patients, intensive glucose control leads to moderate and severe hypoglycemia, both of which are associated with an increased risk of death. The association exhibits a dose-response relationship and is strongest for death from distributive shock. However, these data cannot prove a causal relationship. (Funded by the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council and others; NICE-SUGAR ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00220987.).

Risk factors for hypoglycaemia in neurocritical care patients

PURPOSE

To identify risk factors for hypoglycaemia in neurocritical care patients receiving intensive insulin therapy (IIT).

METHODS

We performed a nested case-control study. All first episodes of hypoglycaemia (glucose <80 mg/dL, <4.4 mmol/L) in neurocritical care patients between 1 March 2006 and 31 December 2007 were identified. Patients were treated according to the local IIT protocol, with target blood glucose levels between 4.5 and 6.0 mmol/L (81.0-108.0 mg/dL). The first hypoglycaemic event of every patient (index moment) was used to match to a control patient. Possible risk factors preceding the index moment were scored using hospital records and analysed with conditional logistic regression.

RESULTS

Of 786 neurocritical care patients, 449 developed hypoglycaemia (57.1 %). Independent risk factors for hypoglycaemia were lowering nutrition 6 h before the index moment without insulin dose reduction (odds ratio (OR) 5.25, 95 % confidence interval (95 % CI) 1.32-20.88), mechanical ventilation (OR 2.59, 95 % CI 1.56-4.29), lowering the dosage of norepinephrine 3 h before the index moment (OR 2.44, 95 % CI 1.07-5.55), a hyperglycaemic event (>10 mmol/L, >180.0 mg/dL) in the 24 h preceding the index moment (OR 2.40, 95 % CI 1.26-4.58), gastric residual in the 6 h preceding the index moment without insulin dose reduction (OR 1.76, 95 % CI 1.05-2.96) and dosage of insulin at the index moment (OR 0.83, 95 % CI 0.76-0.90).

CONCLUSION

Hypoglycaemia occurs in a considerable proportion of neurocritical care patients. We recommend the identification of these risk factors in these patients to avoid the occurrence of hypoglycaemia.

Glycemia management in critical care patients

Over the last decade, the approach to clinical management of blood glucose concentration (BGC) in critical care patients has dramatically changed. In this editorial, the risks related to hypo, hyperglycemia and high BGC variability, optimal BGC target range and BGC monitoring devices for patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) will be discussed. Hypoglycemia has an increased risk of death, even after the occurrence of a single episode of mild hypoglycemia (BGC < 80 mg/dL), and it is also associated with an increase in the ICU length of stay, the major determinant of ICU costs. Hyperglycemia (with a threshold value of 180 mg/dL) is associated with an increased risk of death, longer length of stay and higher infective morbidity in ICU patients. In ICU patients, insulin infusion aimed at maintaining BGC within a 140-180 mg/dL target range (NICE-SUGAR protocol) is considered to be the state-of-the-art. Recent evidence suggests that a lower BGC target range (129-145 mg/dL) is safe and associated with lower mortality. In trauma patients without traumatic brain injury, tight BGC (target < 110 mg/dL) might be associated with lower mortality. Safe BGC targeting and estimation of optimal insulin dose titration should include an adequate nutrition protocol, the length of insulin infusion and the change in insulin sensitivity over time. Continuous glucose monitoring devices that provide accurate measurement can contribute to minimizing the risk of hypoglycemia and improve insulin titration. In conclusion, in ICU patients, safe and effective glycemia management is based on accurate glycemia monitoring and achievement of the optimal BGC target range by using insulin titration, along with an adequate nutritional protocol.

A.S.P.E.N. clinical guidelines: nutrition support of adult patients with hyperglycemia

BACKGROUND

Hyperglycemia is a frequent occurrence in adult hospitalized patients who receive nutrition support. Both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia (resulting from attempts to correct hyperglycemia) are associated with adverse outcomes in diabetic as well as nondiabetic patients. This American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (A.S.P.E.N.) Clinical Guideline summarizes the most current evidence and provides guidelines for the desired blood glucose goal range in hospitalized patients receiving nutrition support, the definition of hypoglycemia, and the rationale for use of diabetes-specific enteral formulas in hospitalized patients.

METHOD

A systematic review of the best available evidence to answer a series of questions regarding glucose control in adults receiving parenteral or enteral nutrition was undertaken and evaluated using concepts adopted from the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation working group. A consensus process was used to develop the clinical guideline recommendations prior to external and internal review and approval by the A.S.P.E.N. Board of Directors.

RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS

1. What is the desired blood glucose goal range in adult hospitalized patients receiving nutrition support? We recommend a target blood glucose goal range of 140-180 mg/dL (7.8-10 mmol/L). (Strong) 2. How is hypoglycemia defined in adult hospitalized patients receiving nutrition support? We recommend that hypoglycemia be defined as a blood glucose concentration of <70 mg/dL (<3.9 mmol/L). (Strong) 3. Should diabetes-specific enteral formulas be used for adult hospitalized patients with hyperglycemia? We cannot make a recommendation at this time.