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Factors associated with insulin and narcotic independence after islet autotransplantation in patients with severe chronic pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND: For patients who suffer from severe chronic pancreatitis, total pancreatectomy can alleviate pain, and islet autotransplantation (IAT) might preserve endocrine function and circumvent the complications of diabetes. Factors that determine success after this operation have not been clearly defined. STUDY DESIGN: From 2000 to 2004, 45 total or subtotal pancreatectomies with IAT were performed. Patient characteristics, narcotic usage and insulin requirements were recorded at routine followup. Narcotic usage was standardized by conversion to morphine equivalents (MEs). Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were performed to determine factors associated with insulin and narcotic independence. RESULTS: Forty-five patients (30 women, 15 men), with a mean age of 39 years (range 16 to 62 years) underwent total or completion (n=41) or subtotal (n=4) pancreatectomies with IAT. Forty percent of patients were insulin free after a mean followup of 18months (range 1 to 46months). Factors associated in univariate analyses with insulin independence included female gender (p=0.004), lower body weight (kg) (p=0.04), more islet equivalents per kg body weight (IEQ/kg) transfused (<0.05), lower mean insulin requirement for the first 24hours postoperation (p=0.002), and lower mean insulin requirement at discharge (p=0.0005). A multiple logistic regression using gender, body mass index, and IEQ/kg identified female gender as the only notable variable associated with insulin independence. There was a notable reduction (p < 0.0001) of postoperative MEs (mean 90 mg) compared with preoperative MEs (mean 206 mg) for the entire cohort; 58% of patients are narcotic independent. In the subset of patients with>5months followup (n=32), 23 (72%) are narcotic free, with a substantial decrease in ME usage (p=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The likelihood of glycemic control after IAT is related to both patient characteristics and islet cell mass. Based on these data, more islet cells may be required for insulin independence than previously thought.

Adolescent↗

Nerve growth factor and diabetic neuropathy.

Neuropathy is one of the most debilitating complications of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, with estimates of prevalence between 50-90% depending on the means of detection. Diabetic neuropathies are heterogeneous and there is variable involvement of large myelinated fibers and small, thinly myelinated fibers. Many of the neuronal abnormalities in diabetes can be duplicated by experimental depletion of specific neurotrophic factors, their receptors or their binding proteins. In experimental models of diabetes there is a reduction in the availability of these growth factors, which may be a consequence of metabolic abnormalities, or may be independent of glycemic control. These neurotrophic factors are required for the maintenance of the neurons, the ability to resist apoptosis and regenerative capacity. The best studied of the neurotrophic factors is nerve growth factor (NGF) and the related members of the neurotrophin family of peptides. There is increasing evidence that there is a deficiency of NGF in diabetes, as well as the dependent neuropeptides substance P (SP) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) that may also contribute to the clinical symptoms resulting from small fiber dysfunction. Similarly, NT3 appears to be important for large fiber and IGFs for autonomic neuropathy. Whether the observed growth factor deficiencies are due to decreased synthesis, or functional, e.g. an inability to bind to their receptor, and/or abnormalities in nerve transport and processing, remains to be established. Although early studies in humans on the role of neurotrophic factors as a therapy for diabetic neuropathy have been unsuccessful, newer agents and the possibilities uncovered by further studies should fuel clinical trials for several generations. It seems reasonable to anticipate that neurotrophic factor therapy, specifically targeted at different nerve fiber populations, might enter the therapeutic armamentarium.

Animals↗

Glycemic control and alveolar bone loss progression in type 2 diabetes.

This study tested the hypothesis that the risk for alveolar bone loss is greater, and bone loss progression more severe, for subjects with poorly controlled (PC) type 2 diabetes mellitus (type 2 DM) compared to those without type 2 DM or with better controlled (BC) type 2 DM. The PC group had glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1) > or = 9%; the BC group had HbA1 < 9%. Data from the longitudinal study of the oral health of residents of the Gila River Indian Community were analyzed. Of the 359 subjects, aged 15 to 57 with less than 25% radiographic bone loss at baseline, 338 did not have type 2 DM, 14 were BC, and 7 were PC. Panoramic radiographs were used to assess interproximal bone level. Bone scores (scale 0-4) corresponding to bone loss of 0%, 1% to 24%, 25% to 49%, 50% to 74%, or > or = 75% were used to identify the worst bone score (WBS) in the dentition. Change in worst bone score at follow-up, the outcome, was specified on a 4-category ordinal scale as no change, or a 1-, 2-, 3-, or 4-category increase over baseline WBS (WBS1). Poorly controlled diabetes, age, calculus, time to follow-up examination, and WBS1 were statistically significant explanatory variables in ordinal logistic regression models. Poorly controlled type 2 DM was positively associated with greater risk for a change in bone score (compared to subjects without type 2 DM) when the covariates were included in the model. The cumulative odds ratio (COR) at each threshold of the ordered response was 11.4 (95% CI = 2.5, 53.3). When contrasted with subjects with BC type 2 DM, the COR for those in the PC group was 5.3 (95% CI = 0.8, 53.3). The COR for subjects with BC type 2 DM was 2.2 (95% CI = 0.7, 6.5), when contrasted to those without type 2 DM. These results suggest that poorer glycemic control leads to both an increased risk for alveolar bone loss and more severe progression over those without type 2 DM, and that there may be a gradient, with the risk for bone loss progression for those with better controlled type 2 DM intermediate to the other 2 groups.

Adolescent↗

Hypoglycemia: a complication of diabetes therapy in children.

Hypoglycemia is the most common acute complication in insulin-treated type 1 diabetic patients. Most surveys have demonstrated that the tighter the glycemic control, and the younger the patient, the greater the frequency of both mild and severe hypoglycemia. However, people in poor metabolic control, with high glycosylated hemoglobin levels, are not protected from experiencing severe hypoglycemia. Focusing on the pediatric population, we review new or controversial issues surrounding the prevalence of hypoglycemia, its causes, its consequences and preventive strategies, and discuss possible mechanisms underlying the variability of responses to hypoglycemia.

Brain↗

Genetic and environmental contributions to cardiovascular disease risk in American Indians: the strong heart family study.

The aims of the Strong Heart Family Study are to clarify the genetic determinants of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in American Indians and to map and identify genes for CVD susceptibility. The authors describe the design of the Strong Heart Family Study (conducted between 1998 and 1999) and evaluate the heritabilities of CVD risk factors in American Indians from this study. In the first phase of the study, approximately 950 individuals, aged 18 years or more, in 32 extended families, were examined. The examination consisted of a personal interview, physical examination, laboratory tests, and an ultrasound examination of the carotid arteries. The phenotypes measured during the physical examination included anthropometry, lipoproteins, blood pressure, glycemic status, and clotting factors. Heritabilities for CVD risk factor phenotypes were estimated using a variance component approach and the program SOLAR. After accounting for the effects of covariates, the authors detected significant heritabilities for many CVD risk factor phenotypes (e.g., high density lipoprotein cholesterol (heritability = 0.50) and diastolic blood pressure (heritability = 0.34)). These results suggest that heredity explains a substantial proportion of the variability of CVD risk factors and that these heritabilities are large enough to warrant a search for major risk factor genes.

Adult↗

Psychological aspects of continuous glucose monitoring in pediatric type 1 diabetes.

Clinical use of near-continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) could have substantial impact on family management of pediatric type 1 diabetes and could generate both beneficial and adverse psychological reactions. In addition to glycemic benefits, CGM could possibly yield educational and motivational benefits. Conversely, CGM may also lead to information overload and increased treatment burden. Further, patients and families with certain affective, behavioral, and cognitive characteristics might derive greater benefit from CGM use. As information about these processes could facilitate optimal clinical use of CGM, the Diabetes Research in Children Network (DirecNet) included measurement of selected psychological variables in a recent randomized trial of the GlucoWatch G2 Biographer (GW2B, Cyngus, Inc., Redwood City, CA, USA). A multicenter sample of 200 youths with type 1 diabetes was randomized to 6 months of either continued usual care (UC) using a conventional home glucose meter for diabetes or supplementation of standard care with use of the GW2B. Diabetes treatment adherence, diabetes-specific quality of life, and diabetes-related anxiety were measured at baseline and at the end of the study. Satisfaction with use of the GW2B was measured at the end of the study. The results indicated neither adverse nor beneficial psychological effects of CGM use. More frequent GW2B use over the 6-month study was found among youths whose parents reported higher scores for treatment adherence and diabetes-related quality of life at baseline. The study illustrates the empiric assessment of the psychological context of CGM use and establishes methods that are applicable to new CGM devices as they emerge.

Adolescent↗

A double-blind placebo-controlled trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of acarbose for the treatment of patients with insulin-requiring type II diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether a forced titration of acarbose (from 50 to 300 mg three times daily) administered over a 24-week period, in conjunction with diet and insulin therapy, improves glycemic control and reduces daily insulin requirements in insulin-requiring type II diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: This multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was 36 weeks in duration. The trial consisted of a 6-week pretreatment period, a 24-week double-blind treatment period, and a 6-week post-treatment follow-up period. The primary efficacy variables were the mean change from baseline in HbA1c levels and the mean percentage change from baseline in total daily insulin dose. RESULTS: Treatment with acarbose was associated with significant reductions in HbA1c levels of 0.40% (P = 0.0001) and in total daily insulin dose of 8.3% (P = 0.0015). There were also significant reductions in all plasma glucose variables measured, including a 0.9 mmol/l reduction in fasting glucose (P = 0.0440), a 2.6 mmol/l reduction in glucose Cmax (P = 0.0001) and a 270 mmol.min-1.l-1 reduction in glucose area under the curve (P = 0.0002). Although acarbose treatment was associated with a greater incidence of adverse events than was placebo treatment, primarily flatulence and diarrhea, these events did not generally prevent patients from completing the study. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that acarbose is a safe and effective adjunct to diet and insulin therapy for the management of insulin-requiring type II diabetes.

Acarbose↗

Virtual food components: functional food effects expressed as food components.

BACKGROUND: The ability to communicate food benefits is essential for the successful development of functional foods and their role in improving public health. However, the functional efficacy of foods often cannot be represented by food composition. The concept of virtual food components (VFCs)-food data that express health-related effects, properties or functions of foods in the format of food components-is therefore proposed. OBJECTIVE: To develop protocols for designing VFC data sets that communicate functional efficacies of foods to end users, in order to facilitate evidence-based food choice, and allow data management systems to provide a more complete description of nutritional effects of foods than has been possible with values for actual food components alone. METHOD: A framework within which to develop VFCs was constructed, linking food choice to health end points. It involves scientific validation, generation of relative indices, their translation into a meaningful language based on equivalents to known and understood reference foods, followed by data consolidation and ecological validation. Criteria used to evaluate VFCs were importance, independence, validity, accuracy, robustness, sensitivity, linearity/additivity, relevance, comprehensiveness, acquirability, completeness, meaningfulness, acceptability and safety. The developmental framework and evaluative criteria were applied to glycaemic glucose equivalents (GGE), a VFC representing postprandial glycaemia, and to wheat bran equivalents for faecal bulk (WBE(fb)), a VFC representing faecal bulking efficacy. RESULTS: VFCs were used to identify foods according to health-related effects that cannot be accurately predicted from food composition data, and were used in a nutrition management system to concurrently show nutrient intake and physiological effects in the same units. The proposed evaluative criteria identified points requiring further research, and showed that lack of integrity-tested VFC data is an immediate challenge. CONCLUSION: VFCs are a means of communicating relative functional efficacy of foods as a continuous variable, and provide end users with a more accurate and complete view of the health effects of foods than can be provided by health claims or food composition data alone.

Databases, Factual↗

Glycemia in newborns of hypertensive mothers according to maternal treatment.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the evolution of glycemic levels in newborns of hypertensive mothers according to maternal treatment. METHODS: Prospective randomized study, including 93 newborns of mothers treated with isradipine (n = 39), atenolol (n = 40), or low sodium diet (control group - n=14). Glycemia was determined at birth (mother and newborn by the oxidase glucose method) and in the 1st, 3rd, 6th, 12th, and 24th hours after birth (newborn by a test strip method). The evolution of glycemia was analyzed in each group (Friedman test). The groups were compared regarding glycemia (Kruskall-Wallis test), and linear regression models were constructed for the analyses (independent variable = maternal glycemia; dependent variables = umbilical cord, 3rd, and 6th hour glycemia). RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences among the mean blood glucose levels of the 3 groups in any of the assessments. There was a correlation between maternal and umbilical cord blood glucose in the isradipine (r = 0.61; P <.05) and control (r = 0.84; P <.05) groups. Regarding glycemia levels of the mothers and newborns in the third and sixth hours postpartum, this correlation was present only in the control group (maternal x third hour: r = 0.65; P <.05; maternal x sixth hour: r = 0.68; P <.05). There were no correlations in the atenolol group. Hypoglycemia was detected in 51.3% of the isradipine group, 60% of the atenolol group, and 35.7% of the control group, and it was more frequent in the first hour postpartum in all groups. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest a similar effect of the 3 types of treatment upon newborn glycemia. The correlation analysis suggests that isradipine could have effects upon newborn glycemia only after birth (correlation only in umbilical cord blood), whereas atenolol could act earlier (there was no correlation at any moment). The results also point to the need for glycemic control from the first hour postpartum of newborns of hypertensive mothers whether they have or have not undergone treatment with antihypertensive drugs.

Antihypertensive Agents↗

Intensive insulin therapy in insulin dependent diabetes and combination therapy.

Intensive insulin therapy (IIT) and combination therapy using sulfonylurea and insulin are two insulin regimens being used more frequently to improve glycemic control. For those patients with insulin-dependent diabetes, IIT or multiple daily injection therapy mimics normal pancreatic function by its timing of insulin delivery. The improvement in glycemic control carries with it the risk of a two- to threefold increase in episodes of hypoglycemia. For those with non-insulin-dependent diabetes, combination therapy attempts to provide a bridge between maximal dose oral hypoglycemic agents and aggressive insulin therapy. Although this therapy remains controversial, it has proved useful in select patient groups. This article discusses the rationale for IIT, and its implementation. Variables that affect IIT are discussed. The combination therapy section provides guidelines for patient selection and insulin protocols for evening insulin administration. The health care provider is familiarized with these alternative therapies and their successful applications.

Blood Glucose↗

Type 2 diabetes in children is frequently associated with elevated alanine aminotransferase.

BACKGROUND: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, a cause of chronic liver disease in obese adults also occurs in obese children. In susceptible populations, fatty liver progresses to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and eventually to fibrosis and cirrhosis. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis is associated with elevation of alanine aminotransferase, although the aminotransferases can also be normal. The prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in type 2 diabetes is unclear in adults and unknown in children. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of elevated serum aminotransferases as a marker of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in pediatric type 2 diabetes and to identify correlates of aminotransferase elevation. METHODS: A chart review was completed on 115 children with type 2 diabetes at a pediatric diabetes clinic. The prevalence of elevated alanine aminotransferase was calculated from the 42% of patients with available aminotransferase measurements and correlations with fasting lipids, hemoglobin A-1c, body mass index, age and diabetes therapy were sought. RESULTS: The prevalence of elevated alanine aminotransferase was 48%. There was no association between elevations and other variables. Among subjects with elevated alanine aminotransferase, 39% were one to two times above normal, 26% were two to three times normal and 35% were greater than three times above normal. Several patients experienced improvement in aminotransferase elevations after using insulin-sensitizing medications. CONCLUSIONS: There is a high prevalence of elevated serum aminotransferases among children with type 2 diabetes unrelated to age, body mass index, glycemic control, blood lipids or diabetic therapy. The significance of this abnormality and its relationship to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease requires further evaluation.

Adolescent↗

Effect of psychosocial factors on success in a program of self-glucose monitoring.

We examined prospectively the relationship of psychosocial factors to glycemic control in a program of self-glucose monitoring (SGM). Measured intelligence (IQ), educational level, and socioeconomic status (assessed by the Two-Factor Index of Social Position) were determined in 25 patients who were followed during 6 months of self-glucose monitoring. Personality categories, reflecting degrees of psychological disturbance, were assigned using the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI). None of the measured psychosocial variables correlated significantly with initial Hgb A1 values. In contrast, after 6 months of SGM, Hgb A1 levels correlated significantly with both socioeconomic status (r = 0.42, p less than 0.05) and educational levels (r = -0.42, p less than 0.05). Hemoglobin A1 levels also correlated significantly with the recorded frequency of SGM (r = -0.65, p less than 0.01), a measure of patient compliance. No significant correlation between IQ and Hgb A1 levels was seen, either initially or during follow-up. High A1 values differed significantly among groups classified by MMPI testing. Patients with severe psychological abnormalities had higher (p less than 0.05) mean Hgb A1 levels. We conclude that psychosocial factors, but not measured intelligence, have an important bearing on patient success in a program of SGM.

Adult↗

Effects of an anti-CD5 immunoconjugate (CD5-plus) in recent onset type I diabetes mellitus: a preliminary investigation. The CD5 Diabetes Project Team.

Type-I (insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus is an immunologically mediated disease that results in destruction of the insulin secreting beta cells of the pancreas. T cells have been implicated in the pathogenesis of this disease. One novel form of anti-T-cell therapy is the immunoconjugate CD5-Plus. This agent is composed of the murine IgG1 monoclonal antibody H65, which is directed toward the CD5+ antigen; and ricin A chain, a ribosomal inhibitor protein. We performed a pilot study to evaluate the safety of the immunoconjugate in subjects with type-I diabetes mellitus. We conducted a dose-escalation study using CD5-Plus given as an intravenous infusion for 5 consecutive days. Fifteen subjects (12 men and 3 women) with a mean age of 26 years, a mean duration of diabetes of 4.8 months, and a minimum stimulated C peptide of 0.3 pmol/mL were entered. Six subjects each were treated at the 0.1 and 0.2 mg/kg/day dosage levels, and three subjects were treated at the 0.33 mg/kg/day dose. Glycemic control was determined monthly by recording the glycohemoglobin, total daily insulin requirements, and fasting blood glucoses. Beta-cell function was measured by determining the C-peptide response to a mixed formula meal (Sustacal) at baseline and at 1,3,6,9, and 12 months after treatment. The area under the curve (AUC) of the C-peptide response was calculated and, to reduce variability, related to that of the same subject at baseline. An analysis of subjects who retained at least 80% of their baseline beta-cell function as measured by the AUC was performed.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗

Glycemic patterns detected by continuous subcutaneous glucose sensing in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus treated by multiple daily injections vs continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion.

OBJECTIVE: To compare glycemic patterns by mode of therapy in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus using the Continuous Glucose Monitoring System (CGMS). DESIGN: Open randomized crossover comparing 3(1/2) months of multiple daily injections (MDI) and continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII). SETTING: Tertiary care, university-affiliated medical center. Patients Twenty-three children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus. INTERVENTIONS: The CGMS was applied for 72 hours after 1 month and at the end of each study arm. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Hemoglobin A(1c) levels and glucose level profiles were compared between the 2 study arms and the 2 sensor applications for each arm. RESULTS: The arms were similar for mean (SD) hemoglobin A(1c) levels (CSII, 8.0% [0.8%]; and MDI, 8.2% [0.8%]) and glucose levels. Areas under the curve were significantly larger during MDI for nocturnal and 24-hour hypoglycemia (P =.01 and.04, respectively) and for postprandial hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia (P =.03 and.05, respectively). The rate of hyperglycemia increased during CSII (P =.03), but 24-hour duration and area under the curve for hyperglycemia were similar. Compared with the first CGMS reading in each arm, the second had a longer mean duration of postprandial within-target glucose levels (P =.04), tendency for lower rate of diurnal hypoglycemic events (P =.1), shorter duration of nocturnal hypoglycemia (P =.05), and smaller 24-hour area under the curve for hypoglycemia (P =.04). CONCLUSIONS: Intensive treatment with CSII seemed to be associated with slightly better prebreakfast, postprandial, and within-target glucose profiles than MDI, as well as a smaller area under the curve for hypoglycemia. Lower hypoglycemia-related variables in the second sensor reading in each arm indicate that the CGMS may serve as an educational tool to decrease the rate and magnitude of hypoglycemia.

Adolescent↗

Effect of egg consumption in healthy volunteers: influence of yolk, white or whole-egg on gastric emptying and on glycemic and hormonal responses.

The effects of the ingestion of 2 whole eggs (E), 2 egg whites, 2 egg yolks (Y), or no eggs with a standard breakfast on gastric emptying, glycemic and hormonal responses have been studied in 12 healthy young males. E and Y induce a significant delay of gastric emptying, together with reduced blood glucose and insulin peaks (Y). Egg ingestion, whatever the part, increases gastric inhibitory peptide level in blood. Cholecystokinin is enhanced after E or Y ingestion. The results indicate that egg ingestion, especially yolk ingestion, may be of interest in regulating metabolic variables of glucose metabolism.

Adolescent↗

Hormone replacement therapy and its relationship to lipid and glucose metabolism in diabetic and nondiabetic postmenopausal women: results from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III).

OBJECTIVE: Among postmenopausal women, those with diabetes experience more cardiovascular diseases than those without diabetes. We examine the relationship of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) with indicators of lipid and glucose metabolism using a national sample of diabetic and nondiabetic postmenopausal women. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We used data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, conducted from 1988 to 1994. A total of 2,786 postmenopausal women aged 40-74 years participated in an oral glucose tolerance test, had blood drawn for lipid assessment, and responded to HRT questions. RESULTS: Our results show that postmenopausal women with diabetes had increased dyslipidemia compared with nondiabetic women. Among diabetic women, current users of HRT had significant different lipid and glucose control levels than never users of HRT for the following variables: total cholesterol (225 vs. 241 mg/dl), non-HDL (169 vs. 188 mg/dl), apoA (171 vs. 147 mg/dl), fibrinogen (306 vs. 342 mg/dl), glucose (112 vs. 154 mg/dl), insulin (16.81 vs. 22.6 uU/ml), and GHb (6.03 vs. 7.13 mg/dl). CONCLUSIONS: Diabetic and nondiabetic postmenopausal women currently taking HRT had better lipoprotein profile than never or previous users of HRT. Diabetic women currently taking HRT had better glycemic control than never or previous users of HRT.

Adult↗

Glycosylated hemoglobin measured by affinity chromatography in diabetic and nondiabetic patients on long-term dialysis therapy.

We measured by affinity chromatography glycosylated hemoglobin levels in the blood of 43 diabetic and nondiabetic patients (139 measurements) on long-term dialysis therapy (continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis) to determine the usefulness of this method of estimating glycemic control in diabetic persons on dialysis therapy. In nondiabetic patients, glycosylated hemoglobin levels were within the normal range (4.0% to 6.8% of total blood hemoglobin levels) for both continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis. Glycosylated hemoglobin values correlated significantly with fasting blood glucose levels, serum urea levels, and serum total carbon dioxide content. By stepwise regression, fasting blood glucose values accounted statistically for .54 of the variability (R2) in glycosylated hemoglobin. The contribution of the other variables to this variability was minimal. In 9 diabetic patients (3 on hemodialysis), glycosylated hemoglobin levels correlated significantly with average daily blood glucose levels. Regression of the fasting blood glucose value on glycosylated hemoglobin was similar between continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis. Measuring glycosylated hemoglobin levels by affinity chromatography is a suitable method for assessing glycemia in dialysis patients.

Blood Glucose↗

Long-term glycemic control and postoperative infectious complications.

HYPOTHESIS: Good preoperative glycemic control (hemoglobin A(1c) [HbA(1c)] levels <7%) is associated with decreased postoperative infections. DESIGN: Retrospective observational study using Veterans Affairs National Surgical Quality Improvement Program data from the Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System from January 1, 2000, through September 30, 2003. SETTING: Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, a tertiary referral center and major university teaching site. PATIENTS: Six hundred forty-seven diabetic patients underwent major noncardiac surgery during the study period; 139 were excluded because the HbA(1c) levels were more than 180 days prior to surgery; 19 were excluded for other reasons; 490 diabetic patients were analyzed. The study patients were predominantly nonblack men with a median age of 71 years. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcomes were infectious complications, including pneumonia, wound infection, urinary tract infection, or sepsis. Bivariate analysis was used first to determine the association of each independent variable (age, race, diabetic treatment, American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, Activities of Daily Living assessment, elective vs emergent procedure, wound classification, operation length, and HbA(1c) levels) with outcome. Factors significant at P<.05 were used in a multivariable logistic regression model. RESULTS: In the multivariable model, age, American Society of Anesthesiologists class, operation length, wound class, and HbA(1c) levels were significantly associated with postoperative infections. Emergency/urgent cases and dependence in Activities of Daily Living were significant in bivariate analysis but failed to reach statistical significance in the multivariable model. An HbA(1c) level of less than 7% was significantly associated with decreased infectious complications with an adjusted odds ratio of 2.13 (95% confidence interval, 1.23-3.70) and a P value of .007. CONCLUSION: Good preoperative glycemic control (HbA(1c) levels <7%) is associated with a decrease in infectious complications across a variety of surgical procedures.

Adult↗