Abstract
The initial distribution volume of glucose (IDVG) can be calculated from the arterial plasma glucose level between 3 and 7 min after a bolus intravenous infusion of 5 g glucose. Ishihara and colleagues have investigated the value of IDVG over the past decade. Although IDVG is simple and cheap to measure, there have been several very different proposals regarding what it should be used for. The most interesting and logical correlate is that between IDVG and cardiac output. A recent study showed that it does not matter much whether the calculation of IDVG is based on blood or plasma samples.
Highlights
In this issue of Critical Care the Japanese research group headed by Ishihara [1] highlight the issues involved in measuring blood glucose
Ishihara and coworkers introduced the concept of the initial distribution volume of glucose (IDVG), which is determined by measuring the arterial blood glucose level just before and repeatedly for about 10 min after a bolus infusion of 5 g glucose is administered
IDVG correlates reasonably well with plasma volume in bled dogs [5] and with the incidence of hypovolaemic hypotension after surgery for oesophageal cancer [6], these findings may merely reflect the effect of hypovolaemia on cardiac output
Summary
In this issue of Critical Care the Japanese research group headed by Ishihara [1] highlight the issues involved in measuring blood glucose. Their approach does not involve attempting to reduce mortality by controlling the glucose level; rather, they use its response to a glucose bolus as an index of physiological parameters such as plasma volume and cardiac output. Ishihara and coworkers introduced the concept of the initial distribution volume of glucose (IDVG), which is determined by measuring the arterial blood glucose level just before and repeatedly for about 10 min after a bolus infusion of 5 g glucose is administered.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
