Triglyceride-glucose index: a novel prognostic marker for sepsis-associated encephalopathy severity and outcomes

Sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) is a complex condition with variable outcomes. This study investigates the potential of the Triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index as a marker for disease severity and prognosis in SAE patients.

We conducted a retrospective cohort study using data from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC-IV) database. Patients with sepsis who were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) were categorized into two groups based on the occurrence of SAE. Key clinical outcomes were 90-day survival (primary outcome) and length of ICU and hospital stays, as well as the use of vasoactive medications (secondary outcomes). The TyG index was calculated, and its association with disease severity scores and patient outcomes was analyzed using statistical methods, including survival analysis, Cox regression, and correlation analyses.

The study population's median age was 65.96 years, predominantly male (60.1%). Higher TyG index scores correlated with elevated clinical severity scores (APSIII, LODS, OASIS, SAPSII, and CCI) and increased ICU and hospital stay durations. TyG index categorization revealed significant differences in 90-day survival probabilities, with "high TyG" associated with a 25% increased mortality risk compared to "low TyG." Furthermore, TyG index showed a moderate positive correlation with ICU stay duration and use of norepinephrine and vasopressin, but not with dopamine and epinephrine use.

The TyG index is a significant independent predictor of disease severity and prognosis in SAE patients. High TyG levels correlate with worse clinical outcomes and increased mortality risk, suggesting its potential as a valuable tool in managing SAE.