[Assessment and treatment of hyperglycemia in critically ill patients]

Marina Verçoza Viana1, Rafael Barberena Moraes1, Amanda Rodrigues Fabbrin2

  • 1Serviço de Terapia Intensiva, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brasil.

Insights

Critically ill patients often experience hyperglycemia, a condition linked to worse outcomes. This review covers the complex management and monitoring of high blood sugar in intensive care settings.

Area of Science:

  • Critical care medicine
  • Endocrinology
  • Internal medicine

Context:

  • Hyperglycemia is prevalent in intensive care units (ICUs).
  • It is associated with increased morbidity and mortality across various critical illnesses.
  • The underlying pathophysiology and optimal treatment strategies remain debated.

Purpose:

  • To review the epidemiology of hyperglycemia in critically ill adults.
  • To discuss the pathophysiology of hyperglycemia in this patient population.
  • To outline current management and monitoring approaches for hyperglycemia in ICUs.

Summary:

  • This review synthesizes current knowledge on hyperglycemia in critically ill adults.
  • It addresses the challenges in managing blood glucose levels, considering factors like diabetes history and nutrition.
  • Key aspects of pathophysiology, epidemiology, and practical management are detailed.

Impact:

  • Provides a comprehensive overview for clinicians managing critically ill patients.
  • Highlights controversies and areas needing further research in glycemic control.
  • Aims to improve patient outcomes through better understanding and management of hyperglycemia.

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