Prognostic value of admission blood glucose level in patients with and without diabetes mellitus who sustain ST segment elevation myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock

Blood glucose and lactate levels as early predictive markers in patients presenting with cardiogenic shock: A retrospective cohort study

Lactate and glucose are widely used biochemical parameters in current predictive risk scores for cardiogenic shock. Data regarding the relationship between lactate and glucose levels in cardiogenic shock are limited. Thus, we aimed to analyze glucose and lactate as early markers for in-hospital mortality in cardiogenic shock. In this retrospective cohort study, 312 patients presenting with cardiogenic shock to a tertiary-care hospital between 2016 and 2018 were included. Apparent cardiogenic shock was defined as hypoperfusion with hemodynamic compromise and biochemical marker increase due to diminished tissue perfusion, corresponding to SCAI shock stages. In-hospital mortality was assessed as the primary endpoint. The median age of the study population was 71 (60-79) years and the etiology of cardiogenic shock was acute myocardial infarction in 45.8%. Overall in-hospital mortality was 67.6%. In the receiver operating curve analysis, the area under the receiver-operating curve (AUC) for prediction of in-hospital mortality was higher for lactate (AUC: 0.757) than for glucose (AUC: 0.652). Both values were significantly associated with outcome (groups created with best cutoff values obtained from the Youden index). Correlation analysis showed a significant non-linear association of both values. In a multivariable stepwise Cox regression analysis, lactate remained an independent predictor for in-hospital mortality, whilst glucose, despite being implicated in energy metabolism, was not independently predictive for mortality. Together, these data suggest that lactate at admission is superior for mortality prediction in patients with apparent cardiogenic shock. Glucose was not independently predictive for mortality.

Stress hyperglycemia and poor outcomes in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Hyperglycemia, characterized by elevated blood glucose levels, is frequently observed in patients with acute coronary syndrome, including ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). There are conflicting sources regarding the relationship between hyperglycemia and outcomes in STEMI patients. We aimed to compile evidence to assess the association between hyperglycemia and adverse outcomes.

Methods

We conducted a comprehensive search for articles on PubMed and Embase using search strategies which yielded 4,061 articles. After full-text screening, 66 articles were included for systematic review, and 62 articles were further selected for meta-analysis.

Results

The 66 included articles spanned the years 2005-2023. Of these, 45 articles reported admission blood glucose, 13 articles used HbA1c, and 7 articles studied fasting blood glucose. Most studies defined STEMI with primary PCI as their inclusion criteria. Mortality was the most often outcome reported related to hyperglycemia. Overall, 55 (83.3%) studies were at low risk of bias. Both admission and fasting blood glucose were significantly related to short- and long-term mortality after STEMI, with a pooled risk ratio (RR) of 3.02 (95%CI: 2.65-3.45) and 4.47 (95% CI: 2.54-7.87), respectively. HbA1c showed substantial association with long-term mortality (HR 1.69, 95% CI: 1.31-2.18)) with a pooled RR of 1.58 (95% CI 1.26-1.97). In subsequent analyses, admission hyperglycemia was associated with an increased risk of reinfarction (pooled RR 1.69, 95% CI 1.31-2.17), heart failure (pooled RR 1.56, 95% CI: 1.37-1.77), cardiogenic shock (pooled RR 3.68, 95% CI 2.65-5.11), repeat PCI or stent thrombosis (pooled RR 1.99, 95% CI 1.21-3.28), and composite major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) (pooled RR 1.99, 95% CI: 1.54-2.58).

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated that hyperglycemia has a strong association with poor outcomes after STEMI. Admission and fasting blood glucose are predictors for short-term outcomes, while HbA1c is more appropriate for predicting longer-term outcomes in STEMI patients.

Systematic Review Registration

PROSPERO 2021 (CRD42021292985).

ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction Complicated by Cardiogenic Shock: Systematic Review of Survival Predictors

Background

Cardiogenic shock complicating acute myocardial infarction is associated with reduced survival despite advancements in the treatment of acute coronary syndromes. Characterizing predictors of morbidity and mortality in this setting is crucial to improving risk stratification and management. Notwithstanding, the interplay of factors determining survival in this condition remains poorly studied.

Methods

Embase, MEDLINE, and CINAHL databases were searched for original studies evaluating predictors of short-term (30-day or in-hospital) survival in ST elevation myocardial infarction with cardiogenic shock (STEMI-CS). Included studies were analyzed by way of vote counting, identifying variables that predicted mortality or survival.

Results

Twenty-four studies, consisting of 14,735 patients (5649 nonsurvivors and 9086 survivors) were included. All studies were observational by design (17 retrospective and 7 prospective) with clinical and statistical heterogeneity. Unsuccessful revascularization, reduced left ventricular ejection fraction, renal impairment, and other variables were identified as key independent predictors of mortality.

Conclusion

Several key variables have been shown to independently increase mortality in STEMI-CS populations. Future prospective studies examining the prognostic role of multivariate scoring systems incorporating these domains are required.

Impact of diabetes on outcomes of cardiogenic shock: A systematic review and meta-analysis

To provide synthesized evidence on the association of diabetes with clinical outcomes of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and associated cardiogenic shock (CS). We analyzed observational studies on patients with AMI and CS, identified through a systematic search using PubMed and Scopus databases. The main outcome was mortality and other outcomes of interest were risk of major bleeding, re-infarction, cerebrovascular adverse events, and need for revascularization. We conducted the meta-analysis with data from 15 studies. Compared to patients without diabetes, those with diabetes had an increased risk of in-hospital mortality (OR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.17-1.54) and cerebrovascular complications (OR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.11-1.48). We found similar risk of major bleeding (OR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.43-1.09), re-infarction (OR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.48-1.98) and need for re-vascularization (OR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.75-1.22) as well as hospital stay lengths (in days) (WMD 0.00; 95% CI, -0.27-0.28; n = 4; I² = 99.7%) in the two groups of patients. Patients with diabetes, acute MI and associated cardiogenic shock have increased risks of mortality and adverse cerebrovascular events than those without diabetes.

Prognostic Impact of Plasma Glucose on Patients With Cardiogenic Shock With or Without Diabetes Mellitus from the SMART RESCUE Trial

Although the presence of hyperglycemia has been shown to affect the clinical outcome of patients with cardiogenic shock, the extent of hyperglycemia and its association with prognosis have not been fully addressed in a large population. A total of 1,177 consecutive patients with cardiogenic shock were enrolled from January 2014 to December 2018 at 12 hospitals in South Korea. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Patients were divided into 4 groups according to their initial plasma glucose level in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) (n = 752) and patients without DM (n=425); group 1 (≤8 mmol/L or 144 mg/100 ml), group 2 (8 to 12 mmol/L or 144 to 216 mg/100 ml), group 3 (12 to 16 mmol/L or 216 to 288 mg/100 ml), and group 4 (≥16 mmol/L or 288 mg/100 ml). The groups with higher admission plasma glucose were associated with lower systolic blood pressure and higher lactic acid levels in patients with and without DM. In-hospital mortality increased in groups with higher admission plasma glucose level in patients without DM (group 1:24.2%, group 2: 28.6%, group 3: 38.1%, group 4: 49.0%, p <0.01), whereas in patients with DM, mortality and admission plasma glucose level showed no significant association (group 1: 45%, group 2: 35.4%, group 3: 33.3%, group 4: 43.1%, p = 0.26). Even after multivariate analysis, high plasma glucose was an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality in patients without DM. In patients with cardiogenic shock, plasma glucose obtained at admission was associated with in-hospital mortality in patients without DM.

The neuroprotective effects of transcranial direct current stimulation on global cerebral ischemia and reperfusion via modulating apoptotic pathways

BACKGROUND

Cerebral ischemia-reperfusion, subsequent hyperthermia, and hyperglycemia lead to neural damage. This study aimed to investigate the effects of using cathodal and/or anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in different stages of ischemia-reperfusion on apoptosis and controlling hyperthermia and hyperglycemia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 78 male Wistar rats were randomly assigned into six groups (n=13), including sham, ischemia/reperfusion (I/R), anodal-tDCS (a-tDCS), cathodal-tDCS (c-tDCS), anodal/cathodal-tDCS (a/c-tDCS), and cathodal/anodal-tDCS (c/a-tDCS) groups. Global cerebral I/R was induced in all of the groups except for sham group. In a-tDCS and c-tDCS groups, the rats received anodal and cathodal currents in both I/R stages, respectively. In a/c-tDCS group, the rats received anodal current during the ischemia and cathodal current during the reperfusion. The c/a-tDCS group received the currents in the reverse order. The current intensity of 400µA was applied in ischemia phase (15min) and reperfusion phase (30min, twice a day). Body temperature and plasma blood sugar were measured daily. Rats were also tested for novel object recognition and passive avoidance memory. The apoptosis of hippocampal tissue was evaluated by measuring Bax, Bcl-2, Caspase-3, and TUNEL staining.

RESULTS

All tDCS significantly reduced hyperthermia and hyperglycemia, as well as Bax and Caspase-3 levels, it also increased Bcl-2 expression. The preliminary results from c/a-tDCS mode could improve the expression of apoptotic markers, memory function, hyperthermia, and hyperglycemia control and reduce DNA fragmentation compared to other stimulatory therapies.

CONCLUSION

All tDCS modes could save neurons by suppressing apoptotic and enhancing anti-apoptotic pathways, especially in the c/a tDCS mode.

Abnormal glucose regulation in Chinese patients with coronary artery disease: a gender analysis

BACKGROUND

Diabetes and impaired glucose regulation are very common in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). In this study, we aim to investigate the prevalence of abnormal glucose regulation in men and women in Chinese CAD patients.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, 4100 patients (male, n = 2873; female, n = 1227)with CAD were enrolled. The mean age of these patients was 63 years. The demographic data, medical history, echocardiography findings and blood investigations were collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

In this population, 953 (24%) patients had definite diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus, including 636 males (23%) and 317 females (27%). There was a higher prevalence of diabetes in females than men (p < 0.05). For the remaining patients, 48% (n = 959) undergone an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), which revealed that 83 male patients (12%) and 41 female patients (16%) suffered from the type 2 diabetes (p > 0.05). 283 men (40%) and 105 women (41%) had impaired glucose regulation (IGR) (p > 0.05). Only 338 men (25%) and 109 women (19%) showed the normal glucose regulation, implying a higher prevalence of abnormal glucose regulation in females (p < 0.01). The odd ratio (OR) showed that women were more prone to have diabetes mellitus or IGT than men and the OR was 1.44 and 1.43 respectively.

CONCLUSION

Abnormal glucose regulation is highly prevalent in CAD patients. The women are more prone to have diabetes mellitus or IGT than men.

Nomogram for Predicting In-Hospital Mortality in Patients with Acute ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Complicated by Cardiogenic Shock after Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Background

Mortality after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients with cardiogenic shock (CS) remains high. However, the real-world risk factors for mortality in these patients are poorly defined.

Objective

The aim of this study is to establish a clinical prognostic nomogram for predicting in-hospital mortality after primary PCI in STEMI patients with CS.

Methods

This retrospective, multicenter, observational study included STEMI patients with CS who underwent PCI at 39 hospitals in Hebei Province from January 2018 to December 2019. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify the factors associated with in-hospital mortality. These factors were then incorporated into a nomogram and its performance was evaluated by discrimination, calibration, and clinical utility.

Results

This study included 274 patients, among whom 179 died in hospital. Sex, random blood glucose on admission, ejection fraction after PCI, no-reflow, and intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) were independently associated with in-hospital mortality (all P < 0.05). In the training set, the nomogram showed a C-index of 0.819, goodness-of-fit of 0.08, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.819 (95%CI = 0.759–0.879). In the testing set, the C-index was 0.842, goodness-of-fit was 0.585, and AUC was 0.842 (95%CI = 0.715–0.970). The results indicate that the nomogram had good discrimination and good prediction accuracy and could achieve a good net benefit.

Conclusion

We established and validated a nomogram that provided individual prediction of in-hospital mortality for STEMI patients with CS after PCI in a Chinese population.

A Review of Prognosis Model Associated With Cardiogenic Shock After Acute Myocardial Infarction

Objective: Cardiogenic shock seriously affects the survival rate of patients. However, few prognostic models are concerned with the score of cardiogenic shock, and few clinical studies have validated it. In order to optimize the diagnosis and treatment of myocardial infarction complicated with cardiogenic shock and facilitate the classification of clinical trials, the prognosis score model is urgently needed. Methods: Cardiogenic shock, severe case, prognosis score, myocardial infarction and external verification were used as the search terms to search PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane, EBSCO (Medline), Scopus, BMC, NCBI, Oxford Academy, Science Direct, and other databases for pertinent studies published up until 1 August 2021. There are no restrictions on publication status and start date. Filter headlines and abstracts to find articles that may be relevant. The list of references for major studies was reviewed to obtain more references. Results and Conclusions: The existing related models are in urgent need of more external clinical verifications. In the meanwhile, with the development of molecular omics and the clinical need for optimal treatment of CS, it is urgent to establish a prognosis model with higher differentiation and coincidence rates.

Stress hyperglycemia as a prognostic factor in acute ischemic stroke patients: a prospective observational cohort study

Background

Hyperglycemia is a risk factor for infarct expansion and poor outcome for both diabetic and non-diabetic patients. We aimed to study the prognostic value of stress hyperglycemia on the outcome of acute ischemic stroke patients as regards National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) as a primary outcome.

Results

Patients with high random blood sugar (RBS) on admission showed significantly higher values of both median NIHSS score and median duration of hospital stay. There were significant associations between stress hyperglycemia and the risk of 30-day mortality (p < 0.001), the need for mechanical ventilation (p < 0.001) and vasopressors (p < 0.001), and the occurrence of hemorrhagic transformation (p = 0.001). The 24-h RBS levels at a cut off > 145 mg/dl showed a significantly good discrimination power for 30-day mortality (area under the curve = 0.809).

Conclusions

Stress hyperglycemia had a prognostic value and was associated with less-favorable outcomes of acute stroke patients. Therefore, early glycemic control is recommended for those patients.

Stress hyperglycemia as a prognostic factor in acute ischemic stroke patients: a prospective observational cohort study

Background

Hyperglycemia is a risk factor for infarct expansion and poor outcome for both diabetic and non-diabetic patients. We aimed to study the prognostic value of stress hyperglycemia on the outcome of acute ischemic stroke patients as regards National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) as a primary outcome.

Results

Patients with high random blood sugar (RBS) on admission showed significantly higher values of both median NIHSS score and median duration of hospital stay. There were significant associations between stress hyperglycemia and the risk of 30-day mortality (p < 0.001), the need for mechanical ventilation (p < 0.001) and vasopressors (p < 0.001), and the occurrence of hemorrhagic transformation (p = 0.001). The 24-h RBS levels at a cut off > 145 mg/dl showed a significantly good discrimination power for 30-day mortality (area under the curve = 0.809).

Conclusions

Stress hyperglycemia had a prognostic value and was associated with less-favorable outcomes of acute stroke patients. Therefore, early glycemic control is recommended for those patients.

Thromboelastography-guided blood transfusion during cytoreductive surgery combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy: study protocol for a prospective randomised controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Cytoreductive surgery combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS/HIPEC) is a well-established treatment for peritoneal cancer (PC). However, this kind of combination therapy is associated with a high incidence of complications. Moreover, relative studies have indicated that traditional laboratory testing is insufficient to demonstrate the overall haemostatic physiology of CRS/HIPEC. Thromboelastography (TEG), administered by monitoring dynamic changes in haemostasis, has been shown to contribute to reducing transfusion requirements and improving survival. However, there is no evidence to verify whether TEG can be applied to guide transfusion strategies during CRS/HIPEC. Therefore, we aim to investigate whether TEG-guided blood product transfusion (TEG-BT) therapy is superior to traditional blood product transfusion (T-BT) therapy for guiding perioperative blood transfusion treatment and improving the prognosis of patients undergoing CRS/HIPEC.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

The TEG-BT versus T-BT study is a single-centre, randomised, blinded outcome assessment clinical trial of 162 patients with PC, aged 18-64 years and undergoing CRS/HIPEC. Participants will be randomly allocated to receive TEG-BT or T-BT. The primary outcome will be the evaluation of perioperative blood transfusion, which refers to the total amount of blood transfusion given from the time patients enter the operating room up to 72 hours postoperatively. The secondary outcomes will include the transfusion volume during surgery, total amount of intraoperative infusion, amount of blood lost during the operation, total blood transfusion between 0 and 72 hours after surgery, lowest haemoglobin level within 72 hours after surgery, intensive care unit duration, overall length of stay, total cost of hospitalisation and adverse events. Data will be analysed according to the intention-to-treat principle.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The study protocol has been approved by the Scientific Research Ethics Committee of Beijing Shijitan Hospital Affiliated with Capital Medical University (Approval Number: sjtkyll-lx-2020-3). The results will be published in peer-reviewed journals.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2000028835).

The association of diabetes and admission blood glucose with 30-day mortality in patients with acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock

BACKGROUND

Cardiogenic shock is the leading cause of death in patients with acute myocardial infarction, with short-term mortality of approximately 50%. Whether diabetes mellitus and high blood glucose levels are associated with mortality in contemporary patients with acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock is inadequately described.

PURPOSE

To investigate if diabetes mellitus and high admission blood glucose were associated with 30-day mortality in a large, contemporary population with acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock.

METHODS

Patients with acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock admitted at two tertiary centres in Denmark from 2010 to 2017 were individually identified through patient charts, resulting in the inclusion of 1716 cardiogenic shock patients. Glucose level at admission to the intensive care unit was available in 1302 patients.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in 30-day mortality between diabetes mellitus types I and II (63% vs. 62%, NS). Thirty-day mortality was significantly higher in diabetes patients compared to non-diabetes patients (62% vs. 50%, P < 0.001). Increasing admission glucose was associated with increasing 30-day mortality in a dose-dependent manner in diabetes mellitus (4-8 mmol/L, 41%; 8-12 mmol/L, 49%; 12-16 mmol/L, 63%; >16 mmol/L, 67%; P = 0.028) and non-diabetes patients (4-8 mmol/L, 32%; 8-12 mmol/L, 43%; 12-16 mmol/L, 57%; >16 mmol/l; 68%; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Patients with acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock and concomitant diabetes mellitus type I or II had a significantly higher 30-day mortality in comparison to patients without diabetes mellitus, whereas no difference was found between diabetes mellitus types I and II. High glucose levels on admission to the intensive care unit were associated with increased 30-day mortality in diabetes mellitus and non-diabetes mellitus patients.

Molecular signature of cardiogenic shock

The incidence of cardiogenic shock (CS) has increased remarkably over the past decade and remains a challenging condition with mortality rates of ∼50%. Cardiogenic shock encompasses cardiac contractile dysfunction; however, it is also a multiorgan dysfunction syndrome, often complicated by a systemic inflammatory response with severe cellular and metabolic dysregulations. Here, we review the evidence on the biochemical manifestations of CS, elaborating on current gold standard biomarkers and novel candidates from molecular signatures of CS. Glucose and lactate, both identified over a century ago, remain the only clinically used biomarkers in current predictive risk scores. Novel genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic data are discussed, and a recently reported molecular score derived from unbiased proteomic discovery, the CS4P, which includes liver fatty acid-binding protein, beta-2-microglobulin, fructose-bisphosphate aldolase B, and SerpinG1 is comprehensively described. Recent advances in -omics technologies provide new insight into a more holistic molecular signature of CS. Thus, we need to open new diagnostic and therapeutic avenues if we aim to improve outcomes.

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Glucose-lowering therapy and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and acute coronary syndrome

Diabetes is a common comorbidity in patients hospitalized for an acute coronary syndrome event, and prevalence is increasing. Among patients hospitalized with acute myocardial infarction, diabetes can be an independent predictor of mortality and new cardiovascular events; both short- and long-term outcomes are worse for patients with diabetes relative to those without, and undiagnosed diabetes is associated with greater mortality. The impact of glycemic control on cardiovascular outcomes and the best approach to treat hyperglycemia upon hospital admission for acute coronary syndrome in patients with or without known diabetes remain open questions. This review assesses available evidence for hyperglycemia management at the time of admission for acute coronary syndrome and, thereafter, finds that (1) admission plasma glucose plays a role in predicting adverse events, especially in patients with unknown diabetes; (2) glycated haemoglobin is a likely predictor of events in patients with unknown diabetes; and (3) hypoglycemia at the time of acute myocardial infarction hospital admission is an important predictor for mortality in patients with and without diabetes. Whether glucose-targeted insulin and glucose infusion have advantages over glucose-insulin-potassium infusion remains controversial. Evidence for the effect of novel glucose-lowering agents used at the time of an acute cardiovascular event is limited and requires more dedicated studies.

Prognostic Value of Admission Blood Glucose Level in Critically Ill Patients Admitted to Cardiac Intensive Care Unit according to the Presence or Absence of Diabetes Mellitus

BACKGROUND

Admission blood glucose (BG) level is a predictor of mortality in critically ill patients with various conditions. However, limited data are available regarding this relationship in critically ill patients with cardiovascular diseases according to diabetic status.

METHODS

A total of 1,780 patients (595 with diabetes) who were admitted to cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) were enrolled from a single center registry. Admission BG level was defined as maximal serum glucose level within 24 hours of admission. Patients were divided by admission BG level: group 1 (< 7.8 mmol/L), group 2 (7.8-10.9 mmol/L), group 3 (11.0-16.5 mmol/L), and group 4 (≥ 16.6 mmol/L).

RESULTS

A total of 105 patients died in CICU (62 non-diabetic patients [5.2%] and 43 diabetic patients [7.9%]; P = 0.105). The CICU mortality rate increased with admission BG level (1.7%, 4.8%, 10.3%, and 18.8% from group 1 to group 4, respectively; P < 0.001). On multivariable analysis, hypertension, mechanical ventilator, continuous renal replacement therapy, acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE II) score, and admission BG level significantly influenced CICU mortality in non-diabetic patients (group 1 vs. group 3: hazard ratio [HR], 3.31; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.47-7.44; P = 0.004; group 1 vs. group 4: HR, 6.56; 95% CI, 2.76-15.58; P < 0.001). However, in diabetic patients, continuous renal replacement therapy and APACHE II score influenced CICU mortality but not admission BG level.

CONCLUSION

Admission BG level was associated with increased CICU mortality in critically ill, non-diabetic patients admitted to CICU but not in diabetic patients.

Diabetes Mellitus and Cardiogenic Shock Complicating Acute Myocardial Infarction

BACKGROUND

Diabetes mellitus (diabetes) increases the risk of acute myocardial infarction, which can result in cardiogenic shock. Data on the relation of diabetes and the occurrence and prognosis of cardiogenic shock postacute myocardial infarction are scant.

METHODS

Among the National Inpatient Sample patients aged ≥18 years and hospitalized for acute myocardial infarction during the 2012-2014 period, we examined the association between diabetes and the incidence and outcomes of cardiogenic shock complicating acute myocardial infarction, using multivariable logistic and linear regression models.

RESULTS

Of 1,332,530 hospitalizations for acute myocardial infarction, 72,765 (5.5%) were complicated by cardiogenic shock. In acute myocardial infarction patients, cardiogenic shock incidence was higher among those with vs without diabetes (5.8% vs 5.2%; adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.14; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.11-1.19; P < .001), with 42.8% (n = 31,135) of patients with acute myocardial infarction and cardiogenic shock having diabetes. Diabetic patients were less likely to undergo revascularization (percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass grafting) (67.1% vs 68.7%; aOR 0.88; 95% CI, 0.80-0.96; P = .003). Diabetes was associated with higher in-hospital mortality in patients with acute myocardial infarction and cardiogenic shock (37.9% vs 36.8%; aOR 1.18; 95% CI, 1.09-1.28; P < .001). Among survivors, patients with diabetes had a longer hospital stay (mean ± SEM: 11.6 ± 0.16 vs 10.9 ± 0.16 days; adjusted estimate 1.12; 95% CI, 1.06-1.18; P < .001) and were more likely to be discharged to a skilled nursing home or with home health care (56.0% vs 50.5%; aOR 1.19; 95% CI, 1.07-1.33; P = .001).

CONCLUSIONS

In a large cohort of acute myocardial infarction patients, preexisting diabetes was associated with an increased risk of cardiogenic shock and worse outcomes in those with cardiogenic shock.

Clinical Characteristics and Current Interventions in Shock Patients in Chinese Emergency Departments: A Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study

Background:

Shock is a life-threatening condition in emergency departments (EDs) and is associated with a high mortality; however, its clinical characteristics and current interventions in China are seldom reported. This study investigated the clinical characteristics and current interventions of shock patients in Chinese EDs.

Methods:

This multicenter prospective cohort study was conducted in the EDs of 33 academic hospitals in 16 Chinese provinces. Adult shock patients were enrolled from December 2013 to April 2014. Age, sex, comorbidities, shock subtype, and vital signs were recorded on ED arrival; details of subsequent interventions and treatments were added. We compared those data between survivors and nonsurvivors. All patients were followed up for 3 days. The primary outcome was 3-day mortality. Binary logistic regression analysis identified the independent predictors of that mortality.

Results:

We enrolled 1095 shock patients. The 3-day mortality was 27.5%, 36.3%, and 29.0%, respectively, in the whole cohort and for cardiogenic and septic shock. Within the first 24 h, 1039 patients (94.9%) were admitted to the Intensive Care Unit. Use of bicarbonate, epinephrine, and dopamine is an independent predictor for mortality. Hemorrhage and trauma (39.1%), along with sepsis (40.4%) were the most commonly observed causes of shock in the ED. In nondiabetic patients with cardiogenic shock, 3-day mortality was 69.2% for patients needing glucose control — much higher than in those not needing glucose control (30.0%, P = 0.01). Hydroxyethyl starch (HES) was applied in 29.6% of septic shock patients, and the mortality of septic patients who received HES was much higher than those who did not (38.2% vs. 25.1%, P = 0.006).

Conclusions:

In China, short-term mortality of shock patients in EDs is still high, especially among those with cardiogenic and septic shock. HES application needs to be restricted — particularly in septic shock patients.

The Predictive Value of Glycated Hemoglobin and Albumin for the Clinical Course Following Hospitalization of Patients with Febrile Urinary Tract Infection

Background

Diabetes is considered a risk factor for acquisition of febrile urinary tract infection (f-UTI), but information on the association of diabetes with subsequent course of the disease is lacking. Thus, we investigated the clinical variables including diabetic status which determined the clinical course in patients with community-acquired f-UTI.

Materials and Methods

Patients hospitalized consecutively for f-UTI between February 2016 and January 2018 were used for this single center study. The routine laboratory tests including blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were done and empiric treatment with parenteral antibiotics was commenced on admission. The clinical course such as duration of fever (DOF) and length of hospital stay (LOS) were compared among groups classified by the clinical variables.

Results

Among the101 patients admitted for f-UTI, 15 patients with diabetes (14.9%) experienced significantly longer febrile period and hospitalization compared to those with hyperglycemia (n = 18, 17.8%) or those without diabetes and hyperglycemia (n = 68, 67.3%). Of the laboratory parameters tested on admission and several clinical factors, the presence of diabetes and risk factors for severe complicated infection (hydronephrosis, urosepsis, and disseminated intravascular coagulopathy) as well as HbA1c and albumin were identified as predictors for LOS by univariate analysis, whereas none of the variables failed to predict DOF. In the subsequent multivariate analysis, HbA1c levels and albumin levels were isolated as independent predictors of LOS.

Conclusion

Patients with higher HbA1c and lower albumin levels required the longest period of hospitalization. Thus, an evaluation of diabetic and nutritional status on admission will be feasible to foretell the clinical course and better manage the subset of patients at risk of prolonged hospitalization.

Hyperglycemia on admission and hospitalization outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation

BACKGROUND

We evaluated the association of admission blood glucose (ABG) and mortality in patients with and without diabetes mellitus (DM) hospitalized for atrial fibrillation (AF).

HYPOTHESIS

Hyperglycemia on admission is a bad prognostic marker in patients with AF.

METHODS

Observational data were collected from electronic records of patients age ≥ 18 years hospitalized for AF in 2011-2013. Twelve-month data were available in all cases. ABG levels were classified as follows: 70 to 110 mg/dL, normal; 111 to 140 mg/dL, mildly elevated; 141 to 199 mg/dL, moderately elevated; ≥200 mg/dL, markedly elevated. Cox proportional hazards model was used to assess overall survival by ABG categories, adjusted for study variables. Primary outcome measure was mortality at end of follow-up.

RESULTS

The cohort included 1127 patients (45% male; median age, 75 ± 13 years), of whom 331 had DM. Mortality rates by ABG levels were 19% (77/407 patients), normal ABG; 26% (92/353 patients), mildly elevated ABG; 28% (69/244 patients), moderately elevated ABG; and 41% (50/123 patients), markedly elevated ABG. Data were analyzed for the entire cohort following adjustment for age, sex, CHADS₂ score, ischemic heart disease, smoking, and alcohol consumption. Compared with normal ABG, the adjusted hazard ratio for mortality was higher in patients with moderately elevated ABG (2.1, 95% confidence interval: 1.19-7.94, P < 0.05) and markedly elevated ABG (1.6, 95% confidence interval: 1.02-5.31, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with and without DM hospitalized for AF, moderately to markedly elevated ABG levels are associated with increased mortality.

Altered mental status predicts mortality in cardiogenic shock – results from the CardShock study

Background:

Altered mental status is among the signs of hypoperfusion in cardiogenic shock, the most severe form of acute heart failure. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of altered mental status, to identify factors associating with it, and to assess the prognostic significance of altered mental status in cardiogenic shock.

Methods:

Mental status was assessed at presentation of shock in 215 adult cardiogenic shock patients in a multinational, prospective, observational study. Clinical picture, biochemical variables, and short-term mortality were compared between patients presenting with altered and normal mental status.

Results:

Altered mental status was detected in 147 (68%) patients, whereas 68 (32%) patients had normal mental status. Patients with altered mental status were older (68 vs. 64 years, p=0.04) and more likely to have an acute coronary syndrome than those with normal mental status (85% vs. 74%, p=0.04). Altered mental status was associated with lower systolic blood pressure (76 vs. 80 mmHg, p=0.03) and lower arterial pH (7.27 vs. 7.35, p<0.001) as well as higher levels of blood lactate (3.4 vs. 2.3 mmol/l, p<0.001) and blood glucose (11.4 vs. 9.0 mmol/l, p=0.01). Low arterial pH (adjusted odds ratio 1.6 (1.1–2.2), p=0.02) was the only factor independently associated with altered mental status. Ninety-day mortality was significantly higher (51% vs. 22%, p<0.001) among patients with altered mental status.

Conclusions:

Altered mental status is a common clinical sign of systemic hypoperfusion in cardiogenic shock and is associated with poor outcome. It is also associated with several biochemical findings that reflect inadequate tissue perfusion, of which low arterial pH is independently associated with altered mental status.

Blood glucose on admission and mortality in patients with venous thromboembolism

AIMS

Evaluate association between admission blood glucose (ABG) and mortality in patients with or without diabetes mellitus (DM) hospitalized for venous thromboembolism (VTE).

METHODS

Observational data derived from the electronic records of hospitalized patients ≥18years, admitted for VTE (including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism) between January 2011 and December 2013. ABG levels were classified to categories: ≤70 (low), 70-110 (normal), 111-140 (mildly elevated), 141-180mg/dl (moderately elevated) and>180mg/dl (markedly elevated). Main outcome was all-cause mortality at the end of follow-up. We had complete follow-up data at 12months for all patients; median follow-up time was 1126days.

RESULTS

Cohort included 567 patients, 137 with (mean age 73, 45% male), and 430 without DM (mean age 65, 40% male). There was a significant interaction between DM, ABG and mortality (p≤0.05). In patients without DM there was a significant association between ABG and mortality: [hazard ratios 1.6, 2.3, and 4.7 respectively for mildly, moderately and markedly elevated ABG (p≤0.01)]. A significant association between ABG and mortality persisted following multivariable analysis only in patients with markedly elevated ABG (HR=2.3 95% CI 1.2-4.5). Similar results were evident in patients with deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. In patients with DM there was no significant association between ABG and mortality.

CONCLUSION

In patients without DM hospitalized for VTE, markedly elevated ABG is associated with increased mortality.

The association of admission blood glucose level with the clinical picture and prognosis in cardiogenic shock - Results from the CardShock Study

BACKGROUND

Critically ill patients often present with hyperglycemia, regardless of previous history of diabetes mellitus (DM). Hyperglycemia has been associated with adverse outcome in acute myocardial infarction and acute heart failure. We investigated the association of admission blood glucose level with the clinical picture and short-term mortality in cardiogenic shock (CS).

METHODS

Consecutively enrolled CS patients were divided into five categories according to plasma glucose level at the time of enrolment: hypoglycemia (glucose <4.0mmol/L), normoglycemia (4.0-7.9mmol/L), mild (8.0-11.9mmol/L), moderate (12.0-15.9mmol/L), and severe (≥16.0mmol/L) hyperglycemia. Clinical presentation, biochemistry, and short-term mortality were compared between the groups.

RESULTS

Plasma glucose level of 211 CS patients was recorded. Glucose levels were distributed equally between normoglycemia (26% of patients), mild (27%), moderate (19%) and severe (25%) hyperglycemia, while hypoglycemia (2%) was rare. Severe hyperglycemia was associated with higher blood leukocyte count (17.3 (5.8) E9/L), higher lactate level (4.4 (3.3-8.4) mmol/L) and lower arterial pH (7.23 (0.14)) compared with normoglycemia or mild to moderate hyperglycemia (p<0.001 for all). In-hospital mortality was highest among hypoglycemic (60%) and severely hyperglycemic (56%) patients, compared with 22% in normoglycemic group (p<0.01). Severe hyperglycemia was an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality (OR 3.7, 95% CI 1.19-11.7, p=0.02), when adjusted for age, gender, LVEF, lactate, and DM.

CONCLUSIONS

Admission blood glucose level has prognostic significance in CS. Mortality is highest among patients with severe hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia. Severe hyperglycemia is independently associated with high in-hospital mortality in CS. It is also associated with biomarkers of systemic hypoperfusion and stress response.

The prognostic significance of admission blood glucose levels in elderly patients with pneumonia (GAP Study)

AIMS

Evaluate the association between admission blood glucose (ABG) and short and long-term mortality following hospitalization for pneumonia of elderly patients with and without diabetes mellitus (DM).

METHODS

Observational data derived from the electronic records of hospitalized patients ≥65years, admitted for pneumonia between January 2011 and December 2013. ABG levels were classified to categories: ≤70 (low), 70-110 (normal), 111-140 (mildly elevated), 141-199mg/dl (moderately elevated) and ≥200mg/dl (markedly elevated). Main outcomes were all-cause mortality rates at various time points.

RESULTS

Cohort included 2164 patients, 743 with DM (mean age 81, 53% male) and 1421 without it (mean age 83, 52% male). There was a significant interaction between DM, ABG and mortality (p≤0.05). In patients without DM, compared with normal ABG, in-hospital and 30-day mortality rates (adjusted hazard ratio, 95% CI) were higher with moderately (1.5 and 1.4, respectively, p<0.05) and markedly elevated ABG (2.7 and 1.9, respectively, p<0.05). Long-term results were similar at 12 and 36months (1.3 and 1.8, respectively, p<0.05, for moderately and markedly elevated ABG).

CONCLUSION

In elderly non-diabetic patients hospitalized for pneumonia, moderately and markedly elevated ABG is associated with increased short- and long-term mortality. In diabetic patients there is no association between ABG and mortality.

An Elevated Glycemic Gap is Associated with Adverse Outcomes in Diabetic Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction

Acute hyperglycemia is a frequent finding in patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The prognostic role of hyperglycemia in diabetic patients with AMI remains controversial. We retrospectively reviewed patients' medical records to obtain demographic data, clinical presentation, major adverse cardiac events (MACEs), several clinical scores and laboratory data, including the plasma glucose level at initial presentation and HbA1c levels. The glycemic gap, which represents changes in serum glucose levels during the index event, was calculated from the glucose level upon ED admission minus the HbA1c-derived average glucose (ADAG). We enrolled 331 patients after the review of medical records. An elevated glycemic gap between admission serum glucose levels and ADAG were associated with an increased risk of mortality in patients. The glycemic gap showed superior discriminative power regarding the development of MACEs when compared with the admission glucose level. The calculation of the glycemic gap may increase the discriminative powers of established clinical scoring systems in diabetic patients presenting to the ED with AMI. In conclusion, the glycemic gap could be used as an adjunct parameter to assess the severity and prognosis of diabetic patients presenting with AMI. However, the usefulness of the glycemic gap should be further explored in prospective longitudinal studies.

The prognostic significance of admission blood glucose levels in patients with urinary tract infection

AIMS

Evaluate the association between admission blood glucose (ABG) and short and long-term outcomes following hospitalization for urinary tract infection (UTI).

METHODS

Single center, retrospective cohort study of patients admitted to medical wards between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2013 with a diagnosis of UTI. Patients were classified to those with diabetes mellitus (DM) and those without it. ABG levels were classified to categories: ≤70, 70-110, 111-199, ≥200mg/dl. Primary outcome was all-cause mortality within 30-days and 1-year. Secondary outcomes were hospital readmissions within 30-days and 1-year, and survival rates at end of follow-up.

RESULTS

Cohort included 3405 patients (median age, 78 years; 44% men), 1106 with DM and 2299 without it. Among patients without DM, compared with ABG between 70 and 110mg/dl (n=852, 37%), there was a significant association between ABG and all-cause mortality: hazard ratios (95% CI) with ABG ≤70mg/dl (n=13, 0.6%), 111-199mg/dl (n=1292, 56%), and ≥200mg/dl (n=142, 6%) were: 3.67 (0.89-15.14, p=0.07, 23% mortality (n=3)), 1.85 (1.29-2.64, p<0.001, 7% mortality (n=89)), and 2.94 (1.71-5.07, p<0.0001, 11% mortality (n=15)) at 30-days, and 3.8 (1.87-7.71, 38% mortality (n=5)), 1.35 (1 1.13-1.60, 7% mortality (n=215)), and 2.02 (1.50-2.71, 25% mortality (n=35)) at 1-year (all p<0.001). In patients with DM there was no significant association between ABG and mortality. There was no association between ABG and readmissions in both groups.

CONCLUSION

There is a significant association between ABG and short and long-term, all-cause mortality in patients without DM, but not in patients with DM, hospitalized for UTI.

Proposal of a New Approach to Study and Categorize Stress Hyperglycemia in Acute Myocardial Infarction

BACKGROUND

Stress hyperglycemia (SH) is a valid prognosticator of in-hospital complications and mortality in the intensive care unit, and is universally available, simple, and cost-effective. Even small refinements of SH can improve the risk stratification of patients with one of the most important diseases today-acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the review was to analyze whether SH nomenclature and methodology have been consistent in the medical literature in order to identify possible methodological faults and to suggest possible solutions.

DISCUSSION

SH nomenclature and glycemic targets have been relatively uniform in recent years, but there has been a pronounced variability in the methodology. Recent meta-analysis showed that AMI patients with new hyperglycemia had a 3.6-fold increased risk of mortality during hospitalization in comparison to those who were normoglycemic. Four SH methodological mistakes were identified. First, using one cutoff value for SH instead of two different values (one for patients with diabetes mellitus [DM] and one for patients without DM). Second, analyzing, for example, either tertiles or quintiles without dividing AMI patients into subgroups according to their DM status. Third, studying only two subgroups (with SH and without SH), without determining the presence of DM, when DM is not analyzed. Fourth, failure to measure glycated hemoglobin.

CONCLUSIONS

The same admission blood glucose (BG) is a marker of different mortality risks in diabetic compared to nondiabetic AMI patients. For example, when admission BG is 108-126 mg/dL (6-7 mmol/L), then the risk of in-hospital mortality is higher in DM patients; however, with an admission BG of 162-180 mg/dL (9-10 mmol/L), the risk is lower in diabetic patients. We can improve the clinical utility of the admission BG in AMI if we analyze four groups of patients (those with and without previously diagnosed DM, and above and below the admission glycemia cutoff values for in-hospital mortality). Those cutoffs should be calculated separately for diabetic and nondiabetic AMI patients.

Usefulness of Glycemic Gap to Predict ICU Mortality in Critically Ill Patients With Diabetes

Stress-induced hyperglycemia (SIH) has been independently associated with an increased risk of mortality in critically ill patients without diabetes. However, it is also necessary to consider preexisting hyperglycemia when investigating the relationship between SIH and mortality in patients with diabetes. We therefore assessed whether the gap between admission glucose and A1C-derived average glucose (ADAG) levels could be a predictor of mortality in critically ill patients with diabetes.We retrospectively reviewed the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE-II) scores and clinical outcomes of patients with diabetes admitted to our medical intensive care unit (ICU) between 2011 and 2014. The glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels were converted to the ADAG by the equation, ADAG = [(28.7 × HbA1c) - 46.7]. We also used receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves to determine the optimal cut-off value for the glycemic gap when predicting ICU mortality and used the net reclassification improvement (NRI) to measure the improvement in prediction performance gained by adding the glycemic gap to the APACHE-II score.We enrolled 518 patients, of which 87 (17.0%) died during their ICU stay. Nonsurvivors had significantly higher APACHE-II scores and glycemic gaps than survivors (P < 0.001). Critically ill patients with diabetes and a glycemic gap ≥80 mg/dL had significantly higher ICU mortality and adverse outcomes than those with a glycemic gap <80 mg/dL (P < 0.001). Incorporation of the glycemic gap into the APACHE-II score increased the discriminative performance for predicting ICU mortality by increasing the area under the ROC curve from 0.755 to 0.794 (NRI = 13.6%, P = 0.0013).The glycemic gap can be used to assess the severity and prognosis of critically ill patients with diabetes. The addition of the glycemic gap to the APACHE-II score significantly improved its ability to predict ICU mortality.

Adjustment of the GRACE score by HemoglobinA1c enables a more accurate prediction of long-term major adverse cardiac events in acute coronary syndrome without diabetes undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention

Background

The Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) risk score is widely recommended for risk assessment in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Chronic hyperglycemia [hemoglobinA1c (HbA1c)] can independently predict major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) in patients with ACS. We investigated whether the prediction of MACEs with the GRACE score could be improved with the addition of HbA1c content in ACS patients without diabetes mellitus (DM) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods

We enrolled 549 ACS patients without DM who underwent PCI. The GRACE score and HbA1c content were determined on admission. Correlation was analyzed by Spearman’s rank correlation. Cumulative MACE curve was calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method. Multivariate Cox regression was used to identify predictors of MACEs. Additionally, the predictive value of HbA1c content alone and combined with GRACE score was estimated by the area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC), continuous net reclassification improvement (NRI) and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI).

Results

During a median of 42.3 months (interquartile range 39.3–44.2 months), 16 (2.9 %) were lost to follow-up, and patients experienced 69 (12.9 %) MACEs: 51 (9.6 %) all-cause deaths and 18 (3.4 %) nonfatal myocardial infarction cases. The GRACE score was positively associated with HbA1c content. Multivariate Cox analysis showed that both GRACE score and HbA1c content were independent predictors of MACEs (hazard ratio 1.030; 95 % CI 1.020–1.040; p < 0.001; 3.530; 95 % CI 1.927–6.466; p < 0.001, respectively). Furthermore, Kaplan–Meier analysis demonstrated increased risk of MACEs with increasing HbA1c content (log-rank 33.906, p < 0.001). Adjustment of the GRACE risk estimate by HbA1c improved the predictive value of the GRACE score [increase in AUC from 0.75 for the GRACE score to 0.80 for the GRACE score plus HbA1c, p = 0.012; IDI = 0.055, p < 0.001; NRI (>0) = 0.70, p < 0.001].

Conclusions

HbA1c content is positively associated with GRACE risk score and their combination further improved the risk stratification for ACS patients without DM undergoing PCI.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12933-015-0274-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Early glucose variability in cardiogenic shock following acute myocardial infarction: a pilot study

Background:

No data are so far available on the association between glycaemic variability and outcomes in patients with cardiogenic shock (CS) following ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Methods:

We assessed the relationship between glycaemic variability and mortality, both short term and long term, in 67 consecutive patients with cardiogenic shock following STEMI admitted to our Intensive Cardiac Care Unit. Glycaemic variability was measured in the first 48 h by means of standard deviation (SD) of glucose values and the mean absolute glucose change per hour (MAGC) defined as the sum of all absolute glucose change divided by the time in hours.

Results:

Lower glycaemic variability was observed in survivors when compared with nonsurvivors, as indicated by lower values of SD and MAGC, respectively. In Cox regression analysis, MAGC and SD were independent predictors of death (MAGC: adjusted hazard ratio [HR]: 8.60, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.21–33.41, p = 0.002; SD: adjusted HR: 6.64, 95% CI: 1.92–22.99, p = 0.003), as well as peak glycaemia (adjusted HR: 1.95, 95% CI: 1.20–3.15, p = 0.007).

Conclusions:

According to our results, in patients with CS following acute myocardial infarction, early glycaemic variability is an independent predictor of mortality. Further studies are needed to confirm our results in larger cohorts and eventually to assess the effect of strategies specifically targeting glucose variability reduction on mortality.

The scientific achievements of the decades in Korean Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry

The Korea Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry (KAMIR) was the first nationwide registry data collection designed to track outcomes of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). These studies reflect the current therapeutic approaches and management for AMI in Korea. The results of KAMIR could help clinicians to predict the prognosis of their patients and identify better diagnostic and treatment tools to improve the quality of care. The KAMIR score was proposed to be a predictor of the prognosis of AMI patients. Triple antiplatelet therapy, consisting of aspirin, clopidogrel and cilostazol, was effective at preventing major adverse clinical outcomes. Drug-eluting stents were effective and safe in AMI patients with no increased risk of stent thrombosis. Statin therapy was effective in Korean AMI patients, including those with very low levels of low density cholesterol. The present review summarizes the 10-year scientific achievements of KAMIR from admission to outpatient care during long-term clinical follow-up.

Year in review 2013: Critical Care--metabolism

Novel insights into the metabolic alterations of critical illness, including new findings on association between blood glucose at admission and poor outcome, were published in Critical Care in 2013. The role of diabetic status in the relation of the three domains of glycemic control (hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, and glycemic variability) was clarified: the association between mean glucose, high glucose variability, and ICU mortality was stronger in the non-diabetic than in diabetic patients. Improvements in the understanding of pathophysiological mechanisms of stress hyperglycemia were presented. Novel developments for the management of glucose control included automated closed-loop algorithms based on subcutaneous glucose measurements and microdialysis techniques. In the field of obesity, some new hypotheses that could explain the ‘obesity paradox’ were released, and a role of adipose tissue in the response to stress was suggested by the time course of adipocyte fatty-acid binding protein concentrations. In the field of nutrition, beneficial immunological effects have been associated with early enteral nutrition. Early enteral nutrition was significantly associated with potential beneficial effects on the phenotype of lymphocytes. Uncertainties regarding the potential benefits of small intestine feeding compared with gastric feeding were further investigated. No significant differences were observed between the nasogastric and nasojejunal feeding groups in the incidence of mortality, tracheal aspiration, or exacerbation of pain. The major risk factors to develop diarrhea in the ICU were described. Finally, the understanding of disorders associated with trauma and potential benefits of blood acidification was improved by new experimental findings.