Parenteral nutrition-associated hyperglycemia: Prevalence, predictors and management

Hyperglycemia is among the common complications of parenteral nutrition (PN) and is often associated with increased mortality despite being treatable. Studies of parenteral nutrition causing hyperglycemia are limited and even available studies lack methodological conduct. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence, predictors and management of PN-associated hyperglycemia (PN-AH).

A retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary hospital. Patients ≥ 18 years old who received parenteral nutrition from 2015 to 2018 were conveniently selected. The demographic data, diagnosis, clinically relevant data, blood glucose readings and management of hyperglycemia were gathered from electronic medical records.

Among 300 patients included in the study, 140 (46.7%) reported the PN-AH events. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed female sex, Malay ethnicity, underlying type 2 diabetes mellitus, liver impairment, elevated pre-PN glucose level > 180 mg/dL and ICU admission were independently associated with hyperglycemia (p < 0.05 for all variables). Furthermore, factors such as ICU admission, underlying diabetes mellitus and hyperglycemia before starting PN, cause earlier development of PN-AH. More frequent monitoring of PN was observed in the ICU, guided by a protocol, as compared to the non-ICU setting.

The prevalence of PN-AH is a significant complication to require medical attention. The predictors such as female gender, Malay ethnicity, underlying Diabetes Mellitus, liver impairment, hyperglycemia before starting PN, and ICU admission should be applied in clinical settings to improve the detection of PN-AH. A guideline outlining the risk factors, monitoring strategies and treatment plans should be developed to improve the detection and management of PN-AH.