Importance of glycated hemoglobin in hyperglycemia diagnosis of patients with sepsis
2011

Glycated Hemoglobin's Role in Diagnosing Hyperglycemia in Sepsis Patients

Sample size: 59 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Simioni AC

Primary Institution: EPM-UNIFESP, São Paulo - SP, Brazil

Hypothesis

Is there a correlation between diabetes mellitus and hyperglycemia or glucose intolerance in patients with severe sepsis or septic shock?

Conclusion

The study found a high incidence of undiagnosed diabetes and glucose intolerance in sepsis patients without a previous history of diabetes.

Supporting Evidence

  • 37.3% of patients had normal HbA1c despite denying a history of diabetes.
  • 28.8% had undiagnosed diabetes.
  • 33.9% had glucose intolerance.
  • There was a statistically significant correlation between HbA1c and blood glucose levels.
  • Patients with HbA1c changes were older and had higher blood glucose levels.

Takeaway

Doctors found that many patients with severe infections had high blood sugar levels and didn't know they had diabetes. Checking a specific blood test can help find these cases.

Methodology

The study evaluated ICU patients with severe sepsis or septic shock, excluding those with a prior diabetes diagnosis, and used HbA1c levels to classify glucose tolerance.

Limitations

The study excluded patients with a previous diabetes diagnosis and those on insulin, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.

Participant Demographics

Mean age 60 years, 62.7% male.

Statistical Information

P-Value

P = 0.04, P = 0.02, P = 0.02, P = 0.004, P = 0.02, P = 0.03, P = 0.03

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/cc10163

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