The prevalence of elevated hemoglobin A1c in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery
2008

High Levels of Hemoglobin A1c in Heart Surgery Patients

Sample size: 250 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Milo Engoren, Robert H. Habib, Anoar Zacharias, Thomas A. Schwann, Christopher J. Riordan, Samuel J. Durham, Aamir Shah

Primary Institution: University of Toledo Health Science Campus, St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center

Hypothesis

The study aims to determine the prevalence of elevated Hemoglobin A1c levels in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery and identify risk factors for diabetes mellitus that could predict these elevated levels.

Conclusion

The prevalence of elevated hemoglobin levels in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery is high, indicating a need for routine measurement to improve patient outcomes.

Supporting Evidence

  • 83 of 87 (95%) diabetic patients had elevated A1c levels (≥ 6.0%).
  • 93 of 163 (57%) non-diabetic patients had elevated A1c levels (≥ 6.0%).
  • Risk factors for diabetes mellitus poorly predicted which patients had elevated A1c levels.

Takeaway

Many patients having heart surgery have high blood sugar levels, which can lead to health problems, so doctors should check this before surgery.

Methodology

This retrospective study measured hemoglobin A1c levels in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery and analyzed the data using linear regression and receiver operator characteristic curves.

Limitations

The study was conducted at one hospital, which may limit its generalizability to other regions.

Participant Demographics

Patients were 65 ± 11 years old, 71% male, and 35% had diabetes mellitus.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p < .001

Confidence Interval

95% confidence interval = 58–72%

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1749-8090-3-63

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