Glucose modulation of ischemic brain injury: review and clinical recommendations

Ischemic brain injury is the third-leading cause of death among Americans and the leading cause of serious disability. Based on studies of animal models, a substantial amount of experimental evidence shows that hyperglycemia at the onset of brain ischemia worsens postischemic neurologic outcome. Consistent with these observations, hyperglycemia also is associated with a worsening of postischemic brain injury in humans. In humans, however, data are often difficult to interpret because of problems in determining the timing of hyperglycemia relative to a critical ischemic event and in elucidating the effect of coexisting pathophysiologic processes (for example, a stress response) on outcome. Glucose modulation of neurologic injury is observed when ischemia is either global (for example, that accompanying cardiac arrest or severe systemic hypotension) or focal (for example, that accompanying thrombotic or embolic stroke). Toxicity is probably the result of an intracellular lactic acidosis. Specifically, the associated hydrogen ions are injurious to neurons and glia. On the basis of these factors, we recommend diligent monitoring of blood glucose concentrations in patients who are at increased risk for new-onset, ongoing, or recurring cerebral ischemia. In such patients, the use of fluid infusions, corticosteroid drugs, and insulin, as well as stress management, should be tailored to treat preexisting hyperglycemia and prevent new-onset hyperglycemia. Maintenance of normoglycemia is recommended. When one attempts to treat preexisting hyperglycemia, care should be taken to avoid rapid fluid shifts, electrolyte abnormalities, and hypoglycemia, all of which can be detrimental to the brain.