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Published on: June 11, 2012
Should Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion (CSII) Pumps Be Used During the Perioperative Period? Development of
Lcdr Shannan Rotruck1, Lcdr Lauren Suszan2, Robert Vigersky3
1is a staff anesthetist at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland.
Insights
Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) pumps can be safely used in surgical patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) when a protocol is followed. This approach mimics natural insulin delivery, improving glycemic control during the perioperative period.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Anesthesiology
- Metabolic Disorders
Background:
- Diabetes Mellitus (DM) affects 30.3 million Americans.
- Over 400,000 individuals with DM use Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion (CSII) pumps for blood glucose control.
- CSII more closely mimics physiologic insulin delivery compared to daily injections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the literature on the use of CSII pumps in surgical patients with DM during the perioperative period.
- To assess the safety and efficacy of CSII pumps for maintaining glycemic control in this population.
- To develop a decision-making algorithm for anesthesia providers caring for patients with CSII pumps.
Main Methods:
- A literature search strategy was formulated to identify studies on CSII pump use in the perioperative period.
- Seven sources were identified, including one case study and three retrospective cohort studies.
- Methodologic limitations of the identified studies were noted.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests that CSII pumps can be safely utilized during the perioperative period.
- The safe use of CSII pumps is contingent upon the implementation of an established protocol.
- A multidisciplinary team developed a decision-making algorithm for anesthesia providers.
Conclusions:
- CSII pumps can be safely managed in surgical patients with DM when a protocol is in place.
- A structured approach is essential to minimize risks associated with CSII pump use in the perioperative setting.
- The developed algorithm aims to assist anesthesia providers in managing these patients effectively.
Abstract:
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are 30.3 million Americans with diabetes mellitus (DM). It is estimated that more than 400,000 individuals with DM are using continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) pumps as a method to maintain blood glucose control. An alternative to intermittent daily insulin injections, CSII more closely mimics normal physiologic insulin delivery. Maintaining glycemic control in the surgical patient using CSII requires a well-designed plan to minimize potential risks associated with this method of insulin delivery. A search strategy was formulated to examine the literature on CSII pumps use during the perioperative period as a method of maintaining glycemic control in surgical patients with DM. Seven potential sources were identified, which included a single case study and 3 retrospective cohort studies. Although methodologic concerns with the studies were found, the evidence suggests that CSII pumps can be safely utilized during the perioperative period when an established protocol is used. A multidisciplinary team at a large military medical center was formed to develop a decision-making algorithm to assist anesthesia providers in caring for patients with CSII pumps.
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