Implementation and evaluation of the SPRINT protocol for tight glycaemic control in critically ill patients: a clinical practice change
2008

SPRINT Protocol for Blood Sugar Control in ICU Patients

Sample size: 784 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Chase J Geoffrey, Shaw Geoffrey, Le Compte Aaron, Lonergan Timothy, Willacy Michael, Wong Xing-Wei, Lin Jessica, Lotz Thomas, Lee Dominic, Hann Christopher

Primary Institution: University of Canterbury

Hypothesis

Does the SPRINT protocol improve glycaemic control and reduce mortality in critically ill patients compared to previous methods?

Conclusion

The SPRINT protocol achieved better glycaemic control and reduced mortality rates in critically ill patients compared to historical data.

Supporting Evidence

  • 53.9% of blood glucose measurements were in the target range of 4.4 to 6.1 mmol/L.
  • Hospital mortality was reduced from 34.1% to 25.4% for patients with an ICU length of stay of 3 days or more.
  • The average blood glucose level on SPRINT was 6.0 mmol/L with a standard deviation of 1.5 mmol/L.

Takeaway

The SPRINT protocol helps keep blood sugar levels steady in very sick patients, which can make them healthier and help them live longer.

Methodology

The SPRINT protocol was implemented in an ICU, and its effects on glycaemic control and mortality were compared with a retrospective cohort.

Potential Biases

Potential biases due to the non-randomized nature of the cohort selection.

Limitations

The study relied on a retrospective cohort for comparison, which may not fully account for all variables.

Participant Demographics

Patients included in the study had a median APACHE II score of 18, indicating a severely ill population.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.02

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/cc6868

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