Hyperglycemia or high hemoglobin A1C: Which one is more associated with morbidity and mortality after coronary artery bypass graft surgery?

Trends in Top Surgery Patient Characteristics, Wound Complications, and CPT Code Use by Plastic Surgeons: A Decade-Long Analysis

BACKGROUND

Gender-affirming top surgery is becoming increasingly common, with greater diversity in the patients receiving top surgery. The purpose of this study was to examine national trends in patient demographics, characteristics, wound complication rates, and concurrent procedures in patients receiving gender-affirming top surgeries.

METHODS

Patients with gender dysphoria who underwent breast procedures, including mastectomy, mastopexy, breast augmentation, or breast reduction by a plastic surgeon between 2013 and 2022, were identified from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. These procedures were considered to be gender-affirming "top surgery." Univariate analyses were performed to examine trend changes in the patient population and types of additional procedures performed over the last decade.

RESULTS

There was a 38-fold increase in the number of patients who received top surgery during the most recent years compared to the first 2 years of the decade. Significantly more individuals receiving top surgery in recent years were nonbinary ( P < 0.01). There was a significant decrease in percentage of active smokers ( P < 0.01) while there was an increase in percentage of patients with diabetes ( P = 0.03). While there was a significant increase in the number of obese patients receiving top surgery ( P < 0.01), there were no differences in postoperative wound complications between the years. Significantly more patients received additional procedures ( P < 0.01) and had about a 9-fold increase in distinct number of additional CPT codes from 2013-2014 to 2021-2022.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study found that there has been (1) a significant increase in the number of top surgery patients from 2013 to 2022 overall and (2) a particular increase in patients with preoperative comorbidities, such as a higher body mass index and diabetes. Understanding current and evolving trends in patients undergoing surgical treatment for gender dysphoria can inform individualized care plans that best serve the needs of patients and optimize overall outcomes.

Impact of systematic diabetes screening on peri-operative infections in patients undergoing cardiac surgery

Detection of high glycated hemoglobin (A1c) is associated with worse postoperative outcomes, including predisposition to develop systemic and local infectious events. Diabetes and infectious Outcomes in Cardiac Surgery (DOCS) study is a retrospective case-control study aimed to assess in DM and non-DM cardiac surgery patients if a new screening and management model, consisting of systematic A1c evaluation followed by a specialized DM consult, could reduce perioperative infections and 30-days mortality. Effective July 2021, all patients admitted to the cardiac surgery of IRCCS ISMETT were tested for A1c. According to the new protocol, glucose values of patients with A1c ≥ 6% or with known diabetes were monitored. The diabetes team was activated to manage therapy daily until discharge or provide indications for the diagnostic-therapeutic process. Propensity score was used to match 573 patients managed according to the new protocol (the Screen+ Group) to 573 patients admitted before July 2021 and subjected to the traditional management (Screen-). Perioperative prevalence of infections from any cause, including surgical wound infections (SWI), was significantly lower in the Screen+ as compared with the Screen- matched patients (66 [11%] vs. 103 [18%] p = 0.003). No significant difference was observed in 30-day mortality. A1c analysis identified undiagnosed DM in 12% of patients without known metabolic conditions. In a population of patients undergoing cardiac surgery, systematic A1c evaluation at admission followed by specialist DM management reduces perioperative infectious complications, including SWI. Furthermore, A1c screening for patients undergoing cardiac surgery unmasks unknown DM and enhances risk stratification.

Predictors of Premature Mortality Following Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: An Iranian Single-Centre Study

Modifiable risk factors play an important role in the premature mortality among patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The aim of this study was to examine the factors that influence the early death of patients who had CABG. We conducted a prospective cohort study and followed 2863 patients after their CABG, and collected data on their characteristics and blood tests. We used the Cox proportional hazards regression model in Stata, version 16, to identify the predictors of early mortality. Out of 2863 patients, 162 died during the follow-up period. The survival rate was 99.2% within the first three days after the surgery, 96.2% from the fourth day to the end of the first year, 94.9% at the end of the second year, and 93.6% at the end of the third year. After adjusting for confounding factors, we found that older age (hazard ratio [HR] 1.05, 95% CI 1.02, 1.08 for one year increase in age), obesity (HR 2.16, 95% CI 1.25, 3.72), ejection fraction < 50% (HR 1.61, 95% CI 1.06, 2.44), number of rehospitalizations (HR 2.63, 95% CI 1.35, 5.12 for two or more readmissions), history of stroke (HR 2.91, 95% CI 1.63, 5.21), living in rural areas (HR 1.58, 95% CI 1.06, 2.34), opium use (HR 2.08, 95% CI 1.40, 3.09), and impaired glomerular filtration rate increased the risk of early death after CABG, while taking a beta-blocker (HR 0.59, 95% CI 0.38, 0.91) reduced the risk. We conclude that modifiable risk factors such as excess body mass, high blood glucose, opium use, and kidney dysfunction should be monitored and managed in patients who had CABG to improve their survival outcomes.

Microvascular dysfunction following cardiopulmonary bypass plays a central role in postoperative organ dysfunction

Despite significant advances in surgical technique and strategies for tissue/organ protection, cardiac surgery involving cardiopulmonary bypass is a profound stressor on the human body and is associated with numerous intraoperative and postoperative collateral effects across different tissues and organ systems. Of note, cardiopulmonary bypass has been shown to induce significant alterations in microvascular reactivity. This involves altered myogenic tone, altered microvascular responsiveness to many endogenous vasoactive agonists, and generalized endothelial dysfunction across multiple vascular beds. This review begins with a survey of in vitro studies that examine the cellular mechanisms of microvascular dysfunction following cardiac surgery involving cardiopulmonary bypass, with a focus on endothelial activation, weakened barrier integrity, altered cell surface receptor expression, and changes in the balance between vasoconstrictive and vasodilatory mediators. Microvascular dysfunction in turn influences postoperative organ dysfunction in complex, poorly understood ways. Hence the second part of this review will highlight in vivo studies examining the effects of cardiac surgery on critical organ systems, notably the heart, brain, renal system, and skin/peripheral tissue vasculature. Clinical implications and possible areas for intervention will be discussed throughout the review.

Tight glycaemic control and surgical site infections post cardiac surgery: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most serious potential complications post cardiac surgery among patients with diabetes and has a number of adverse health outcomes. The literature shows discrepancies regarding the effect of different glycaemic control protocols on reducing adverse health outcomes including SSIs. The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review that investigated the effect of the optimal range of tight glycaemic control protocols using a continuous insulin infusion on reducing the incidence of SSIs in adult patients with diabetes undergoing cardiac surgery.

METHOD

A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA statement and guidelines. Search terms were used to identify research studies published between 2000 and 2019 across five key databases, including CINAHL, Medline, PubMed, Cochrane Database and Google Scholar.

RESULTS

A total of 12 studies met the review inclusion criteria. The reviewed literature tended to support the implementation of a tight glycaemic control protocol, particularly in the postoperative phase, that demonstrated fewer potential complications associated with cardiac surgery. On the other hand, the literature also supported the application of a moderate glycaemic control protocol in the intraoperative phase to obtain better glycaemic stability with fewer potential complications among those patients with diabetes undergoing cardiac surgery.

CONCLUSION

This analysis concludes that tight glycaemic control is more effective than moderate glycaemic control intraoperatively in terms of glycaemic stability among patients with diabetes undergoing cardiac surgery. Results also emphasised the importance of time-based protocol implementation to ensure better health outcomes and better quality of care for patients.

The effect of intraoperative glycemic control on surgical site infections among diabetic patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery

OBJECTIVE

Perioperative poor glycemic control in diabetic patients undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) surgery has been associated with infectious complications, particularly surgical site infections that are linked with adverse health surgical outcomes. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of two different intraoperative glycemic control protocol, tight and conventional, on thirty-day postoperative surgical site infection (SSI) rates among diabetic patients undergoing CABG surgery.

DESIGN

A randomized controlled trial (RCT) design was employed in the study, with a convenience sample of 144 adult patients who were scheduled to undergo coronary artery bypass grafting surgery.

SETTING

A main referral heart institute in Amman, Jordan.

PARTICIPANTS

Subjects were randomly assigned to either the tight glycemic control group (n = 72), which maintained an intraoperative blood glucose level of 110-149 mg/dl via continuous intravenous insulin infusion, or the conventional glycemic control group (n = 72), which maintained an intraoperative blood glucose level of 150-180 mg/dl via continuous intravenous insulin infusion. The postoperative SSIs among both groups were evaluated and compared by independent blinded physicians.

RESULTS

The primary findings of this study indicated no statistically significant difference between the two treatment groups in terms of SSI rates and their potential adverse surgical outcomes (p = 0.512).

CONCLUSION

Nurses should consider the glycemic stability and glycemic control approach to minimize adverse surgical outcomes post CABG surgery. Healthcare providers should also carefully consider diabetic patients who have undergone CABG surgery and are at risk of developing postoperative SSIs.

CLINICALTRIALSGOV IDENTIFIER

NCT04451655 was retrospectively registered in 30/06/2020.

Impact of preoperative glycometabolic status on outcomes in cardiac surgery: Systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Historically, impaired glucose metabolism has been associated with early and late complicated clinical outcomes after cardiac surgery; however, such a condition is not specific to subjects with diabetes mellitus and involves a larger patient population.

METHODS

Databases were screened (January 2000 to December 2020) to identify eligible articles; studies that evaluated the association between preoperative metabolic status, as assessed by glycosylated hemoglobin levels and clinical outcomes, were considered. The studies were stratified in thresholds by baseline glycosylated hemoglobin level (lower vs higher).

RESULTS

Thirty studies, involving 34,650 patients, were included in the review. In a meta-analysis stratified by glycosylated hemoglobin levels, early mortality was numerically reduced in each threshold comparison and yielded the highest reductions when less than 5.5% versus greater than 5.5% glycosylated hemoglobin levels were compared (risk ratio, 0.39; 95% confidence interval, 0.18-0.84; P = .02). Comparing higher glycosylated hemoglobin threshold values yielded comparable results. Late mortality was reduced with lower levels of glycosylated hemoglobin. Low preoperative glycosylated hemoglobin was associated with the lowest risk of sternal wound infections (risk ratio, 0.50; 95% confidence interval, 0.32-0.80; P = .003 and risk ratio, 0.53; 95% confidence interval, 0.39-0.70; P < .0001) for comparisons of less than 7.5% versus greater than 7.5% and less than 7.0% versus greater than 7.0% glycosylated hemoglobin thresholds, respectively. Additionally, levels of glycosylated hemoglobin lower than 7% were associated with reduced hospital stay, lower risk of stroke/transient ischemic attack (risk ratio 0.53; 95% confidence interval, 0.39-0.70; P < .0001), and acute kidney injury (risk ratio, 0.65; 95% confidence interval, 0.54-0.79; P < .0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Lower levels of glycosylated hemoglobin in patients undergoing cardiac surgery are associated with a lower risk of early and late mortality, as well as in the incidence of postoperative acute kidney injury, neurologic complications, and wound infection, compared with higher levels.

Effect of Acute Stress Glycemic Control and Long-Term Glycemic Control on the Incidence of Post-Operative Infection in Diabetics Undergoing Cardiac Surgery

Objective

Post-operative infection after cardiac surgery causes prolonged hospital stay and increased mortality. In patients with diabetes, peri-operative and pre-operative glycemic control have been associated with increased risk of post-operative infection. Saudi Arabia is the 7th highest country in the world for the prevalence of diabetes. In our surgical population the incidence of diabetes is 77%. We were aware of a high incidence of post-operative infections in our institution. The aim of this work was to assess how peri-operative and pre-operative glycemic control was related to the six-week incidence of post-operative infection.

Method

We retrospectively collected data for 174 adult patients with diabetes undergoing cardiac surgery between January 2017 and June 2019. For group analysis of peri-operative glycemic control, a mean value of ≤10 mmol/l was categorized as optimal control and a mean value of >10 mmol/l as sub-optimal control. The admission glucose value, the maximum glucose value and glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) were separately recorded. Admission HbA1c was used for optimal long-term control group (HbA1c ≤ 7%) and sub-optimal long-term control group (HbA1c > 7%).

Results

Of the 174 patients 60 (34%) developed infection in the six-week post-operative period. No statistically significant difference in infections was seen in the optimal peri-operative control group (n = 24, 14%) compared to sub-optimal peri-operative control group (n = 36, 21%; p = 0.113). However, patients with infection had a significantly higher mean glucose (10.4 mmol/l versus 9.9 mmol/l, p = 0.0316) than no infection.

Grouping according to their HbA1c: well controlled group (41, 24.0%) and poor control group (130, 76.0%) showed no difference in infections. However, patients with lower HbA1c had better glycemic control as measured by: initial glucose (r = 0.52, p=<0.001); mean peri-operative glucose (r = 0.45, p=<0.001); maximum recorded glucose (r = 0.41, p=<0.001).

Conclusion

The majority of our patients presented with sub-optimal long-term glycemic control which we linked to poor stress glycemic control perioperatively. Patients with post-operative infections had higher mean peri-operative blood glucose. With the high incidence of diabetes in Saudi Arabia we have demonstrated the importance of good pre-operative assessment which allows tighter peri-operative glycemic control to reduce post-operative morbidity.

Association of Preoperative Hemoglobin A1c with In-hospital Mortality Following Valvular Heart Surgery

Objective

To determine the association between the preoperative level of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and in-hospital mortality in patients who underwent valvular heart surgery in our center in a retrospective cohort.

Methods

In this retrospective consecutive cohort study, patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who were referred to our center for elective valvular surgery were enrolled and followed up. The endpoint of this study was in-hospital mortality. Based on the level of HbA1c, patients were dichotomized around a level of 7% into two groups: exposed patients with HbA1c ≥ 7% and unexposed patients with HbA1c < 7%. Then, the study variables were compared between the two groups.

Results

Two hundred twenty-four diabetic patients who were candidates for valvular surgery were enrolled; 106 patients (47.3%) had HbA1c < 7%, and 118 patients (52.6%) had HbA1c ≥ 7%. The duration of diabetes was higher in patients with HbA1c ≥ 7% (P=0.007). Thirteen (5.8%) patients died during hospital admission, of which nine patients were in the high HbA1c group. There was no significant difference between the groups regarding in-hospital mortality (P=0.899). Both the unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression models showed that HbA1c was not a predictor for in-hospital mortality (P=0.227 and P=0.388, respectively)

Conclusion

This study showed no association between preoperative HbA1c levels and in-hospital mortality in candidates for valvular heart surgery.

Effects of Glucose Variability on Short-Term Outcomes in Non-Diabetic Patients After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: A Retrospective Observational Study

BACKGROUND

Postoperative hyperglycaemia has been shown to have adverse effects on patients after coronary artery bypass grafting surgery (CABG). However, whether glucose variability has an effect on patients' outcomes is still uncertain. The aim of this study is to explore the effects of glucose variability on short-term outcomes in non-diabetic patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting.

METHODS

This is a retrospective observational study utilising data collected after patients had left the hospital. This study was performed on 137 non-diabetic patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting from January 2011 to June 2013. Blood glucose at 72hours post operation was obtained and glucose variability was measured by mean postoperative blood glucose and mean of daily difference (MODD). Short-term outcomes included duration of intensive care unit (ICU) stay, mechanical ventilation time, length of hospital stay, and occurrence of arrhythmia. Patients with mean postoperative blood glucose ≥7.00mmol/L were defined as hyperglycaemic, and patients with MODD ≥1.40mmol/L were considered to be abnormal. Outcome variables were compared between patients in euglycaemic and hyperglycaemic groups, and between patients in normal and abnormal groups.

RESULTS

In our study, patients with hyperglycaemia spent more time staying in ICU (p<0.01), and patients with large glucose variability (abnormal MODD) had higher incidences of arrhythmia (23% vs 4.2%, p<0.05). Regression analysis showed that MODD can affect occurrence of arrhythmia (p=0.004) and that mean postoperative blood glucose levels can affect duration of ICU stay (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients' postoperative glucose variability after CABG is an important predictor of the negative outcomes regarding duration of ICU stay and occurrence of arrhythmia. Large glucose variability can have negative effects on short-term outcomes in patients.

Glycated albumin in chronic kidney disease: Pathophysiologic connections

Nephropathy in diabetes patients is the most common etiology of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). Strict glycemic control reduces the development and progression of diabetes-related complications, and there is evidence that improved metabolic control improves outcomes in subjects having diabetes mellitus with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD). Glycemic control in people with kidney disease is complex. Changes in glucose and insulin homoeostasis may occur as a consequence of loss of kidney function and dialysis. The reliability of measures of long-term glycemic control is affected by CKD and the accuracy of glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) in the setting of CKD and ESKD is questioned. Despite the altered character of diabetes in CKD, current guidelines for diabetes management are not specifically adjusted for this patient group. The validity of indicators of long-term glycemic control has been the focus of increased recent research. This review discusses the current understanding of commonly used indicators of metabolic control (HbA1c, fructosamine, glycated albumin) in the setting of advanced CKD.

Use and Effectiveness of Peri-Operative Cefotetan versus Cefazolin Plus Metronidazole for Prevention of Surgical Site Infection in Abdominal Surgery Patients

BACKGROUND

Current practice guidelines for antimicrobial prophylaxis in surgery recommend a cephamycin or cefazolin plus metronidazole for various abdominal surgeries. In February 2016, cephamycin drug shortages resulted in a change in The Johns Hopkins Hospital's (JHH) recommendation for peri-operative antibiotic prophylaxis in abdominal surgeries from cefotetan to cefazolin plus metronidazole. The primary objective of this study was to quantify the percentage of abdominal surgeries adherent to JHH peri-operative antibiotic prophylaxis guidelines. A sub-group analysis investigated whether prophylaxis with cefazolin plus metronidazole was associated with a lower rate of surgical site infections (SSIs) versus cefotetan.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included adult inpatients who underwent an abdominal surgery at JHH in September 2015 (Study Period I: cefotetan) or February to March 2016 (Study Period II: cefazolin plus metronidazole).

RESULTS

Two hundred abdominal surgery cases were included in the primary analysis. A subset of 156 surgical cases were included in the sub-group analysis. The overall adherence rate to JHH guidelines was 75% in Study Period I versus 17% in Study Period II (p < 0.001). The largest difference in adherence was attributed to pre-operative administration time (87% vs. 23%, p < 0.001), primarily because of the longer infusion time required for metronidazole. Surgical site infections occurred in 14% (12/83) of surgeries with cefotetan versus 8.2% (6/73) with cefazolin plus metronidazole for prophylaxis (p = 0.19).

CONCLUSIONS

Adherence to an institution-specific peri-operative antibiotic prophylaxis guideline for abdominal surgeries was limited primarily by the longer infusion time required for pre-operative metronidazole. A higher percentage of SSIs occurred among abdominal surgeries with cefotetan versus cefazolin plus metronidazole for prophylaxis.

Effect of A1C and Glucose on Postoperative Mortality in Noncardiac and Cardiac Surgeries

OBJECTIVE

Hemoglobin A_1c (A1C) is used in assessment of patients for elective surgeries because hyperglycemia increases risk of adverse events. However, the interplay of A1C, glucose, and surgical outcomes remains unclarified, with often only two of these three factors considered simultaneously. We assessed the association of preoperative A1C with perioperative glucose control and their relationship with 30-day mortality.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Retrospective analysis on 431,480 surgeries within the Duke University Health System determined the association of preoperative A1C with perioperative glucose (averaged over the first 3 postoperative days) and 30-day mortality among 6,684 noncardiac and 6,393 cardiac surgeries with A1C and glucose measurements. A generalized additive model was used, enabling nonlinear relationships.

RESULTS

A1C and glucose were strongly associated. Glucose and mortality were positively associated for noncardiac cases: 1.0% mortality at mean glucose of 100 mg/dL and 1.6% at mean glucose of 200 mg/dL. For cardiac procedures, there was a striking U-shaped relationship between glucose and mortality, ranging from 4.5% at 100 mg/dL to a nadir of 1.5% at 140 mg/dL and rising again to 6.9% at 200 mg/dL. A1C and 30-day mortality were not associated when controlling for glucose in noncardiac or cardiac procedures.

CONCLUSIONS

Although A1C is positively associated with perioperative glucose, it is not associated with increased 30-day mortality after controlling for glucose. Perioperative glucose predicts 30-day mortality, linearly in noncardiac and nonlinearly in cardiac procedures. This confirms that perioperative glucose control is related to surgical outcomes but that A1C, reflecting antecedent glycemia, is a less useful predictor.

Impact of elevated glycosylated hemoglobin on hospital outcome and 1 year survival of primary isolated coronary artery bypass grafting patients

Objective

It is unknown whether adequacy of diabetic control, measured by hemoglobin A1c, is a predictor of adverse outcomes after coronary artery bypass grafting.

Methods

From December 2013 to November 2015, 80 consecutive patients underwent primary isolated CABG surgery at national heart institute, their data were prospectively collected and they were classified according to their HbA1c level into two groups, Group (A): Forty patients with fair glycemic control (HbA1c below or equal to 7%), Group (B): Forty patients with poor glycemic control (HbA1c above 7%). Hospital morbidity, mortality and one year survival were examined in both groups. Telephone conversation was used to call patients or their relatives to determine the one year survival and it was 100% complete. This study had gained the ethical approval from national heart institute ethical committee.

Results

In-hospital mortality for group A was 2.5% (one patient) and 7.5% (3 patients) for group B with no statistical significance. One year mortality was (5.13%) (2 patients for group A) and (8.11%) (3 patients) for group B with no statistical significance. As regard the morbidity there was no statistical significance between the two groups in the incidence of neurological complications whether stroke or coma, atrial fibrillation, postoperative myocardial infarction, low cardiac output syndrome, heart failure, renal failure, need for dialysis, deep sternal wound infection, and readmission. However, group B had lengthy hospital stay, lengthy ventilation hours, more respiratory complications, and more superficial wound infection with a statistical significance when compared to group A, P values were 0.003, 0.003, 0.038, 0.044 respectively.

Conclusions

This study showed that HbA1c is a good predictor of in-hospital morbidity. It worth devoting time and effort to decrease HbA1c level below 7% to decrease possible postoperative complications.

Can Pre-Operative HbA1c Values in Coronary Surgery be a Predictor of Mortality?

Objective

One of the most frequently studied parameters in terms of outcome estimation in cardiac surgery is HbA1c. Several studies in literature suggest that high HbA1c value increases mortality and morbidity, but there is no relation between them. The primary aim of the present study is to investigate whether HbA1c value in diabetic patients undergoing coronary bypass graft surgery is an independent predictor for post-operative mortality and morbidity, and our secondary goal was to determine independent risk factors that cause mortality and morbidity in the same patient population.

Methods

380 diabetic patients diagnosed with diabetes who underwent coronary surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass in Mersin State hospital between July 2014 to December 2016 after the approval of the Mersin University Faculty of medicine ethics committee were included in this retrospective, observational, and cross-sectional study. Patient demographic and perioperative information were obtained from the electronic information operating system and from anesthesia-intensive care follow-up forms. The HbA1c threshold was accepted as 7%, which was reported to be more appropriate for evaluating high-risk groups.

Results

Three hundred and fifty-four patients with complete access to the data were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 60.8±9.4 years. 37% of the patients (131 patients) were female. The number of patients with HbA1c≥7 was 194 (54,8%) in the entire patient population. In this study, high HbA1c (≥7) values in diabetic patients undergoing isolated coronary bypass graft surgery were not found to be independent predictors of post-operative mortality and morbidity. Mortality was seen in 28 patients (7.9%). Ejection fraction (EF) was found to be an independent predictor factor for pre-operative factors in logistic regression models constructed according to mortality predictors (OR:0.94; 95% CI: 0.90-0.99; p=0.016). Complications were seen in 50 patients (14.1%). In the models formed from the point of view of the complication predicators, only EF was found to be independent predictor (OR:0.95; 95% CI: 0.92-0.98; p=0.004). It was found that HbA1c was not predictive in all models for mortality and complication (p>0.05).

Conclusion

There are reports in the literature that mortality increases 4-fold when HbA1c value is higher than 8.6% in coronary surgery. However, there is a view that HbA1c alone cannot predict mortality in coronary surgery if diabetes associated factors are excluded. In this study, high HbA1c (≥7) values in diabetic patients undergoing isolated coronary bypass graft surgery were not found to be independent predictors of post-operative mortality and morbidity. Pre-operative low ejection fraction was found as an independent risk factor for post-operative mortality and morbidity in the general patient population.

Patients at High-Risk for Surgical Site Infection

BACKGROUND

Surgical site infections (SSIs) are a significant healthcare quality issue, resulting in increased morbidity, disability, length of stay, resource utilization, and costs. Identification of high-risk patients may improve pre-operative counseling, inform resource utilization, and allow modifications in peri-operative management to optimize outcomes.

METHODS

Review of the pertinent English-language literature.

RESULTS

High-risk surgical patients may be identified on the basis of individual risk factors or combinations of factors. In particular, statistical models and risk calculators may be useful in predicting infectious risks, both in general and for SSIs. These models differ in the number of variables; inclusion of pre-operative, intra-operative, or post-operative variables; ease of calculation; and specificity for particular procedures. Furthermore, the models differ in their accuracy in stratifying risk. Biomarkers may be a promising way to identify patients at high risk of infectious complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Although multiple strategies exist for identifying surgical patients at high risk for SSIs, no one strategy is superior for all patients. Further efforts are necessary to determine if risk stratification in combination with risk modification can reduce SSIs in these patient populations.

Hemoglobin A1c Levels Predicts Acute Kidney Injury after Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery in Non-Diabetic Patients

INTRODUCTION:

Elevated hemoglobin A1c levels in patients with diabetes mellitus have been known as a risk factor for acute kidney injury after coronary artery bypass grafting. However, the relationship between hemoglobin A1c levels in non-diabetics and acute kidney injury is under debate. We aimed to investigate the association of preoperative hemoglobin A1c levels with acute kidney injury in non-diabetic patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass grafting.

METHODS:

202 non-diabetic patients with normal renal function (serum creatinine <1.4 mg/dl) who underwent isolated coronary bypass were analyzed. Hemoglobin A1c level was measured at the baseline examination. Patients were separated into two groups according to preoperative Hemoglobin A1c level. Group 1 consisted of patients with preoperative HbA1c levels of < 5.6% and Group 2 consisted of patients with preoperative HbA1c levels of ≥ 5.6%. Acute kidney injury diagnosis was made by comparing baseline and postoperative serum creatinine to determine the presence of predefined significant change based on the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) definition.

RESULTS:

Acute kidney injury occurred in 19 (10.5%) patients after surgery. The incidence of acute kidney injury was 3.6% in Group 1 and 16.7% in Group 2. Elevated baseline hemoglobin A1c level was found to be associated with acute kidney injury (P=0.0001). None of the patients became hemodialysis dependent. The cut off value for acute kidney injury in our group of patients was 5.75%.

CONCLUSION:

Our findings suggest that, in non-diabetics, elevated preoperative hemoglobin A1c level may be associated with acute kidney injury in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. Prospective randomized studies in larger groups are needed to confirm these results.

Does HbA1c Level Have Clinical Implications in Diabetic Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

AIMS/INTRODUCTION

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether HbA1c was related to clinical outcomes in diabetic patients undergoing CABG surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A literature search was carried out satisfying the predefined inclusion criteria from Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane Library. Differences were expressed as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to assess the relationships of preoperative HbA1c levels and clinical prognosis in diabetic patients.

RESULTS

7895 diabetic patients undergoing CABG surgery from eight published studies were finally involved in this meta-analysis. Combined analyses revealed that the higher HbA1c level was significantly associated with increased risks of all-cause mortality (OR 1.56, 95%CI 1.29-1.88), myocardial infarction (OR 2.37, 95%CI 1.21-4.64), and stroke (OR 2.07, 95%CI 1.29-3.32) after CABG surgery. However, there was no significant relationship between HbA1c levels and renal failure (OR 2.08, 95%CI 0.96-4.54) in diabetic patients undergoing CABG surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Our meta-analysis demonstrated that the HbA1c level is potentially associated with increased risks of all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, and stroke in diabetic subjects undergoing CABG surgery. However, further clinical studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up period are urgently warranted.

The relationship between HbA1c & atrial fibrillation after off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery in diabetic patients

Objective:

Diabetes mellitus is recognized as a risk factor for mortality and morbidity after coronary bypass grafting. We aimed to determine the association between preoperative hemoglobin HbA1c and AF after isolated off-pump coronary bypass grafting (OPCAB).

Methods:

The seventy-two diabetic patients undergoing isolated off-pump coronary bypass grafting were retrospectively analyzed for AF. They were divided into; Low (4.8–5.4%), Medium (5.5–8%) and High (8.1–11.5%) groups. The three groups were compared with respect to demographic, echocardiographic, intraoperative and postoperative clinical characteristics correlation.

Results:

Three patients died during postoperative period. AF occurred in 12 patients (16.6%) after surgery. The incidence of postoperative AF was 15.3% in the lower, 4.4% middle and 57.1% upper group. There was statistically significant correlation between preoperative HbA1C and preoperative stroke, preoperative MI history, Left atrial (LA) size, preoperative levosimendan, preoperative clopidogrel, postoperative AF, postoperative dopamine and dobutamine use, IABP, duration of extubation time, 24-hour chest tube drainage, duration of ICU and hospital mortality. Univariate logistic regression analysis showed significant correlation between postoperative AF and variables like preoperative HbA1c levels, LVEF<30%, history of preoperative MI, preoperative use of levosimendan, preoperative use of clopidogrel, postoperative dopamine, dobutamine adrenaline use, left atrium size, 24-hour chest tube drainage and length of stay in the intensive care unit.

Conclusion:

Preoperative HbA1c levels could predict the occurrence of postoperative AF in diabetic patients and may entail to administer protective strategies.

The Emory University Perioperative Algorithm for the Management of Hyperglycemia and Diabetes in Non-cardiac Surgery Patients

Hyperglycemia is a frequent manifestation of critical and surgical illness, resulting from the acute metabolic and hormonal changes associated with the response to injury and stress (Umpierrez and Kitabchi, Curr Opin Endocrinol. 11:75-81, 2004; McCowen et al., Crit Care Clin. 17(1):107-24, 2001). The exact prevalence of hospital hyperglycemia is not known, but observational studies have reported a prevalence of hyperglycemia ranging from 32 to 60 % in community hospitals (Umpierrez et al., J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 87(3):978-82, 2002; Cook et al., J Hosp Med. 4(9):E7-14, 2009; Farrokhi et al., Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab. 25(5):813-24, 2011), and 80 % of patients after cardiac surgery (Schmeltz et al., Diabetes Care 30(4):823-8, 2007; van den Berghe et al., N Engl J Med. 345(19):1359-67, 2001). Retrospective and randomized controlled trials in surgical populations have reported that hyperglycemia and diabetes are associated with increased length of stay, hospital complications, resource utilization, and mortality (Frisch et al., Diabetes Care 33(8):1783-8, 2010; Kwon et al., Ann Surg. 257(1):8-14, 2013; Bower et al., Surgery 147(5):670-5, 2010; Noordzij et al., Eur J Endocrinol. 156(1):137-42, 2007; Mraovic et al., J Arthroplasty 25(1):64-70, 2010). Substantial evidence indicates that correction of hyperglycemia reduces complications in critically ill, as well as in general surgery patients (Umpierrez et al., J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 87(3):978-82, 2002; Clement et al., Diabetes Care 27(2):553-97, 2004; Pomposelli et al., JPEN J Parented Enteral Nutr. 22(2):77-81, 1998). This manuscript reviews the pathophysiology of stress hyperglycemia during anesthesia and the perioperative period. We provide a practical outline for the diagnosis and management of preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care of patients with diabetes and hyperglycemia.

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.