Admission Blood Glucose Level as a Predictor of Outcome in Intensive Care Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study

In the Intensive care unit (ICU), hyperglycemia is often observed; commonly associated with pre-existing diabetes or pre-diabetes or in nondiabetic patients. This study aimed to assess the role of admission blood sugar levels with outcomes in ICU patients.

A total of 100 patients above 18 years of age were included in the study. A detailed history regarding the patient's age, sex, and any chronic illness were taken. Heart rate, systolic blood pressure, and Glasgow coma scale (GCS) scores were recorded. Admission blood glucose level, blood urea, total leucocyte count, and serum electrolytes were measured; and the outcome was noted.

The number of diabetics was significantly higher (65.5%) in the random blood sugar (RBS) ≥180 group. Hyponatremia was significantly associated with hyperglycemia. Patients with hyperglycemia had serum bicarbonate <18. A significantly greater number of patients with hyperglycemia had GCS scores of <8, and required mechanical ventilation. The duration of ICU stay and non-survivors were significantly higher in the hyperglycemia group. Random blood sugar at admission as a factor to assess outcome showed a sensitivity of 68.4 and specificity of 59.3 with a cut-off value of 197.

Admission of random blood sugar was significantly associated with poor outcomes. More stringent surveillance as well as routine blood glucose checks at the time of hospital admission should be emphasized.