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Published on: June 11, 2012
[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.
Abstract:
Hyperglycemia is a commonly encountered issue in critically ill patients in the intensive care setting. The presence of hyperglycemia is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, regardless of the reason for admission (e.g., acute myocardial infarction, status post-cardiovascular surgery, stroke, sepsis). However, the pathophysiology and, in particular, the treatment of hyperglycemia in the critically ill patient remain controversial. In clinical practice, several aspects must be taken into account in the management of these patients, including blood glucose targets, history of diabetes mellitus, the route of nutrition (enteral or parenteral), and available monitoring equipment, which substantially increases the workload of providers involved in the patients' care. This review describes the epidemiology, pathophysiology, management, and monitoring of hyperglycemia in the critically ill adult patient.
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