Perioperative Hyperglycemia Research Articles

Perioperative Management of Patients with Diabetes and Hyperglycemia Undergoing Elective Surgery

Diabetes mellitus (DM) and hyperglycemia are associated with increased surgical morbidity and mortality. Hyperglycemia is a determinant of risk of surgical complications and should be addressed across the continuum of surgical care. While data support the need to address hyperglycemia in patients with DM in the ambulatory setting prior to surgery and in the inpatient setting, data are less certain about hyperglycemia occurring during the perioperative period-that part of the process occurring on the day of surgery itself. The definition of "perioperative" varies in the literature. This paper proposes a standardized definition for the perioperative period as spanning the time of patient admission to the preoperative area through discharge from the recovery area. Available information about the impact of perioperative hyperglycemia on surgical outcomes within the framework of that definition is summarized, and the authors' approach to standardizing perioperative care for patients with DM is outlined, including the special case of patients receiving insulin pump therapy. The discussion is limited to adult ambulatory non-obstetric patients undergoing elective surgical procedures under general anesthesia.

Diabetes is associated with persistent pain after hip and knee replacement

Background and purpose — In some patients, for unknown reasons pain persists after joint replacement, especially in the knee. We determined the prevalence of persistent pain following primary hip or knee replacement and its association with disorders of glucose metabolism, metabolic syndrome (MetS), and obesity.Patients and methods — The incidence of pain in the operated joint was surveyed 1–2 years after primary hip replacement (74 patients (4 bilateral)) or primary knee replacement (119 patients (19 bilateral)) in 193 osteoarthritis patients who had participated in a prospective study on perioperative hyperglycemia. Of the 155 patients who completed the survey, 21 had undergone further joint replacement surgery during the follow-up and were excluded, leaving 134 patients for analysis. Persistent pain was defined as daily pain in the operated joint that had lasted over 3 months. Factors associated with persistent pain were evaluated using binary logistic regression with adjustment for age, sex, and operated joint.Results — 49 of the134 patients (37%) had a painful joint and 18 of them (14%) had persistent pain. A greater proportion of knee patients than hip patients had a painful joint (46% vs. 24%; p = 0.01) and persistent pain (20% vs. 4%; p = 0.007). Previously diagnosed diabetes was strongly associated with persistent pain (5/19 vs. 13/115 in those without; adjusted OR = 8, 95% CI: 2–38) whereas MetS and obesity were not. However, severely obese patients (BMI ≥ 35) had a painful joint (but not persistent pain) more often than patients with BMI < 30 (14/21 vs. 18/71; adjusted OR = 5, 95% CI: 2–15).Interpretation — Previously diagnosed diabetes is a risk factor for persistent pain in the operated joint 1–2 years after primary hip or knee replacement.

The impact of hyperglycemia and obesity on hospitalization costs and clinical outcome in general surgery patients

BackgroundThe impact of obesity on clinical outcomes and hospitalization costs in general surgery patients with and without diabetes (DM) is unknown. Materials and MethodsWe reviewed medical records of 2451 patients who underwent gastrointestinal surgery at two university hospitals. Hyperglycemia was defined as BG ≥140 mg/dl. Overweight was defined by body mass index (BMI) between 25–29.9 kg/m2 and obesity as a BMI ≥30 kg/m2. Hospital cost was calculated using cost-charge ratios from Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Hospital complications included a composite of major cardiovascular events, pneumonia, bacteremia, acute kidney injury (AKI), respiratory failure, and death. ResultsHyperglycemia was present in 1575 patients (74.8%). Compared to patients with normoglycemia, those with DM and non-DM with hyperglycemia had higher number of complications (8.9% vs. 35.8% vs. 30.0%, p<0.0001), longer hospital stay (5 days vs. 9 days vs. 9 days, p<0.0001), more readmissions within 30 days (9.3% vs. 18.8% vs. 17.2%, p<0.0001), and higher hospitalization costs ($20,273 vs. $79,545 vs. $72,675, p<0.0001). In contrast, compared to normal-weight subjects, overweight and obesity were not associated with increased hospitalization costs ($58,313 vs. $58,173 vs. $66,633, p=0.74) or risk of complications, except for AKI (11.9% vs. 14.8% vs. 20.5%, p<0.0001). Multivariate analysis revealed that DM (OR=4.4, 95% CI=2.8,7.0) or perioperative hyperglycemia (OR=4.1, 95% CI=2.7–6.2) were independently associated with increased risk of complications. ConclusionHyperglycemia but not increasing BMI, in patients with and without diabetes undergoing gastrointestinal surgery was associated with a higher number of complications and hospitalization costs.

Perioperative Hyperglycemia and Glucose Variability in Gynecologic Laparotomies.

The glycemic response and its relation to postoperative complications following gynecologic laparotomies is unknown, although these surgeries carry a substantial risk for postoperative morbidity. Therefore, our objective was to assess the prevalence of perioperative hyperglycemia and glucose variability in women undergoing a gynecologic laparotomy. In this prospective cohort study, capillary glucose was measured every hour during the perioperative period. The primary outcome measures were the proportion of patients with postoperative hyperglycemia (glucose >180 mg d l(-1)) and the glucose variability in the intra- and postoperative period. Postoperative complications were assessed as secondary outcome measure. We included 150 women undergoing a gynecologic laparotomy. Perioperative hyperglycemia occurred in 33 patients without diabetes (23.4%) and in 8 patients with diabetes (89%). Glucose variability was significantly higher (mean absolute glucose change [MAG] 11 mg dl(-1) hr(-1) [IQR 8-18]) in the intraoperative compared to the postoperative period (MAG 10 mg dl(-1) hr(-1) [IQR 3-16], P = .03). Neither hyperglycemia nor glucose variability was associated with postoperative complications. Hyperglycemia and glucose variability seem to be a minor problem during gynecologic laparotomy. Based on the current data, we would not advocate standardized glucose measurements in every patient without diabetes undergoing gynecologic laparotomy.

Preoperative Glycosylated Hemoglobin and Postoperative Glucose Together Predict Major Complications after Abdominal Surgery

Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is diagnostic of and a measure of the quality of control of diabetes mellitus. Both HbA1c and perioperative hyperglycemia have been targeted as modifiable risk factors for postoperative complications. The HbA1c percent cutoff that best predicts major complications has not been defined. A prospective study of all abdominal operations from a single institution from 2007 to 2010 was performed. All patients with HbA1c within 3 months before surgery were included. The primary end point was major complication, using the Clavien-Dindo complication system, within 30 days of surgery. Stepwise, multivariate analysis was performed including clinically relevant variables chosen a priori. Among 438 patients who had a measured HbA1c, 96 (21.9%) experienced a major complication. On multivariate analysis, HbA1c ≥ 6.5% (odds ratio = 1.95; 95% CI, 1.17-3.24; p = 0.01) was found to be the most significant predictor of major complications. Glyosylated hemoglobin and glucose were strongly correlated (correlation coefficient 0.414, p < 0.01). Predicted probabilities demonstrated that both HbA1c and glucose together contributed to major complications; and HbA1c impacted the ability to achieve optimal perioperative glucose control. Patients with a BMI >30 kg/m(2), history of coronary artery disease, and nonwhite race were more likely to have a HbA1c ≥ 6.5%. Elevated HbA1c ≥ 6.5% and perioperative hyperglycemia were associated with an increased rate of major complications after abdominal surgery. Elevated peak postoperative glucose levels were correlated with elevated HbA1c and were independently associated with major complications. More liberal HbA1c testing should be considered in high-risk patients before elective surgery. Safe, feasible, and effective strategies to reduce both HbA1c and perioperative hyperglycemia need to be developed to optimize patient outcomes.

Spinal anesthesia: the new gold standard for total joint arthroplasty?

The study by Basques et al. is one in a series of studies that have demonstrated that regional anesthesia is more advantageous than general anesthesia for total hip arthroplasty (THA) patients. Previous studies have shown a multitude of advantages including decreased cost, complications, infections and improved pain control. A randomized study comparing 40 patients found that total costs per case were reduced by almost half in the spinal anesthesia group compared to the general anesthesia group. This was a result of both lower cost for anesthesia and lower cost for recovery. In the same study, there were no relevant differences in anesthesia times, and patients who received general anesthesia had higher postoperative pain scores and needed more analgesics than patients in the spinal anesthesia group. Complications are reduced in spinal anesthesia, as a meta-analysis of ten independent trials found a significant decrease in deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary emboli, surgical time, and blood transfusion compared to general anesthesia in THA patients. Another study similarly found a 25% decrease in intraoperative blood loss and 50% reduction of intraoperative transfusion, with 20% lower total transfusion requirements in spinal anesthesia patients. General anesthesia has been associated with higher risk of surgical site infection and perioperative hyperglycemia in comparison to spinal anesthesia.

Perioperative Glycemic Control and the Effect on Surgical Site Infections in Diabetic Patients Undergoing Foot and Ankle Surgery.

Diabetes mellitus is one of the leading causes of hyperglycemia in the perioperative setting. Hyperglycemia has been shown to cause increased risk of surgical site infections (SSIs) in multiple surgical specialties, but to our knowledge it has not been investigated for orthopaedic foot and ankle surgery. The aim of this study was to determine if hyperglycemia increased the rate of SSI in elective, diabetic patients that required perioperative hospitalization. A total of 348 consecutive inpatients after foot and ankle surgery were retrospectively evaluated. Patients who had a random serum glucose ≥200 mg/dL during the admission (Group 1) were compared to patients whose serum glucose never exceeded 200 mg/dL (Group 2). Our 2 groups were similar with regard to age, gender, and body mass index. Twenty-one of 176 patients (11.9%) whose serum glucose was ≥200 mg/dL during the admission developed an SSI as compared to 9 of 172 patients (5.2%) whose serum glucose remained <200 mg/dL (odds ratio = 2.45; 95% confidence interval = 1.09-5.52;, P = .03). Perioperative hyperglycemia ≥200 mg/dL is associated with increased rates of SSI after foot and ankle surgery. Communication with medical consultants is paramount in an effort to improve perioperative glycemic management and reduce the rate of SSI. Prognostic, Level III: Case Control.

Propofol protects against high glucose-induced endothelial apoptosis and dysfunction in human umbilical vein endothelial cells.

Perioperative hyperglycemia is a common clinical metabolic disorder. Hyperglycemia could induce endothelial apoptosis and dysfunction. Propofol is a widely used IV anesthetic drug in clinical settings. In the present study, we examined whether and how propofol reduced high glucose-induced endothelial apoptosis and dysfunction in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). HUVECs were cultured with different concentrations (5, 10, 15, and 25 mM) of glucose for different times (4, 8, 12, and 24 hours). To study the effect of propofol, cells were incubated with different concentrations (0.2, 1, 5, and 25 μM) of propofol for 2 hours. In parallel experiments, cells were incubated in 5 mM glucose as control. Nitric oxide (NO) production was measured with a nitrate reductase assay. Cell viability was determined with a Cell Counting Kit-8. Protein expression of active caspase 3, cytochrome c, endothelial NO synthase (eNOS), p-eNOS-Thr, p66, protein kinase C βII (PKCβII), and p-PKCβII-Ser was measured by Western blot analysis. Accumulation of superoxide anion (O2˙) was measured with the reduction of ferricytochrome c. Cell apoptosis was determined with terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling staining. Compared with control, high glucose decreased NO production (P < 0.0001) and reduced cells viability (P < 0.0001) in HUVECs. Compared with high glucose treatment, pretreatment of cells with propofol (5 μM, 2 hours) reduced high glucose-induced inhibitory p-eNOS-Thr phosphorylation (P < 0.0001), increasing NO production (P = 0.0007), decreased high glucose-induced p66 expression (P < 0.0001) and p66 mitochondrial translocation (P < 0.0001), O2˙ accumulation (P < 0.0001), mitochondrial cytochrome c release (P < 0.0001), active caspase 3 expression (P < 0.0001), and enhancing endothelial viability (P < 0.0001). Furthermore, propofol inhibited high glucose-induced PKCβII expression (P = 0.0002) and p-PKCβII-Ser phosphorylation (P < 0.0001). Moreover, the observed protective effect of propofol was quite similar to that of PKCβII inhibitor. Propofol, by a mechanism of decreasing high glucose-induced PKCβII expression and p-PKCβII-Ser phosphorylation, inhibits high glucose-induced p66 mitochondrial translocation, therefore protecting HUVECs from high glucose-induced endothelial dysfunction and apoptosis.

Glycemic control and outcome related to cardiopulmonary bypass.

Perioperative hyperglycemia, aggravated by cardiopulmonary bypass, is associated with adverse outcome in adult and pediatric patients. Whereas hyperglycemia was originally perceived as an adaptive response to surgical stress, it is now clear that glycemic control is a strategy to reduce adverse outcomes after cardiac surgery and cardiopulmonary bypass. The optimal blood glucose target, whether or not glycemic control should be initiated already intraoperatively, and whether or not perioperative glucose administration affects the impact of glycemic control on ischemia-reperfusion damage remain open questions. Hypoglycemia, the risk of which is increased with glycemic control, is also associated with adverse outcomes. However, it remains controversial whether brief episodes of hypoglycemia, rapidly corrected during glycemic control, have adverse effects on outcome. This review gives an overview of the currently available literature on glycemic control during and after cardiac surgery and focuses on the indicated open questions about this intervention for this specific patient population.

Is Hemoglobin A1c or Perioperative Hyperglycemia Predictive of Periprosthetic Joint Infection or Death Following Primary Total Joint Arthroplasty?

We sought to determine if HbA1c and perioperative hyperglycemia were positively associated with the incidence of PJI. We retrospectively reviewed the VA VINCI database on patients who underwent primary joint arthroplasty between 2001 and 2011 and had HbA1c and perioperative blood glucose levels. Of 13,272 patients, 38% (n=5035) had an elevated perioperative HbA1c ≥7%. While there was no increased risk of infection associated with elevated HbA1c (HR 0.86, P=0.23), mortality was increased (HR 1.3, P=0.01). Preoperative hyperglycemia was associated with an increased incidence of PJI (HR 1.44, P=0.008). While HbA1c did not perfectly correlate with the risk of PJI, perioperative hyperglycemia did, and may be a target for optimization to decrease the burden of PJI.

Perioperative hyperglycemia and risk of adverse events among patients with and without diabetes.

To study the association between diabetes status, perioperative hyperglycemia, and adverse events in a statewide surgical cohort. Perioperative hyperglycemia may increase the risk of adverse events more significantly in patients without diabetes (NDM) than in those with diabetes (DM). Using data from the Surgical Care and Outcomes Assessment Program, a cohort study (2010-2012) evaluated diabetes status, perioperative hyperglycemia, and composite adverse events in abdominal, vascular, and spine surgery at 53 hospitals in Washington State. Among 40,836 patients (mean age, 54 years; 53.6% women), 19% had diabetes; 47% underwent a perioperative blood glucose (BG) test, and of those, 18% had BG ≥180 mg/dL. DM patients had a higher rate of adverse events (12% vs 9%, P < 0.001) than NDM patients. After adjustment, among NDM patients, those with hyperglycemia had an increased risk of adverse events compared with those with normal BG. Among NDM patients, there was a dose-response relationship between the level of BG and composite adverse events [odds ratio (OR), 1.3 for BG 125-180 (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.1-1.5); OR, 1.6 for BG ≥180 (95% CI, 1.3-2.1)]. Conversely, hyperglycemic DM patients did not have an increased risk of adverse events, including those with a BG 180 or more (OR, 0.8; 95% CI, 0.6-1.0). NDM patients were less likely to receive insulin at each BG level. For NDM patients, but not DM patients, the risk of adverse events was linked to hyperglycemia. Underlying this paradoxical effect may be the underuse of insulin, but also that hyperglycemia indicates higher levels of stress in NDM patients than in DM patients.

Risk factors for perioperative hyperglycemia in primary hip and knee replacements

Background and purpose — Perioperative hyperglycemia has been associated with adverse outcomes in several fields of surgery. In this observational study, we identified factors associated with an increased risk of hyperglycemia following hip and knee replacement.Patients and methods — We prospectively monitored changes in glucose following primary hip and knee replacements in 191 patients with osteoarthritis. Possible associations of patient characteristics and operation-related factors with hyperglycemia (defined as glucose > 7.8 mmol/L in 2 consecutive measurements) and severe hyperglycemia (glucose > 10 mmol/L) were analyzed using binary logistic regression with adjustment for age, sex, operated joint, and anesthesiological risk score.Results — 76 patients (40%) developed hyperglycemia, and 48 of them (25% of the whole cohort) had severe hyperglycemia. Glycemic responses were similar following hip replacement and knee replacement. Previously diagnosed diabetes was associated with an increased risk of hyperglycemia and severe hyperglycemia, compared to patients with normal glucose metabolism, whereas newly diagnosed diabetes and milder glucose metabolism disorders had no effect. In patients without previously diagnosed diabetes, increased values of preoperative glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and fasting glucose on the day of operation were associated with hyperglycemia. Higher anesthesiological risk score—but none of the operation-related factors analyzed—was associated with an increased risk of hyperglycemia.Interpretation — Perioperative hyperglycemia is common in primary hip and knee replacements. Previously diagnosed diabetes is the strongest risk factor for hyperglycemia. In patients with no history of diabetes, preoperative HbA1c and fasting glucose on the day of operation can be used to stratify the risk of hyperglycemia.

Diabetes Mellitus, Hyperglycemia, Hemoglobin A1C and the Risk of Prosthetic Joint Infections in Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty

Diabetes mellitus is an established risk factor for infections but evidence is conflicting to what extent perioperative hyperglycemia, glycemic control and treatment around the time of surgery modify the risk of prosthetic joint infections (PJIs). In a cohort of 20,171 total hip and knee arthroplasty procedures, we observed a significantly higher risk of PJIs among patients with a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus (hazard ratio [HR] 1.55, 95% CI 1.11, 2.16), patients using diabetes medications (HR 1.56, 95% CI 1.08, 2.25) and patients with perioperative hyperglycemia (HR 1.59, 95% CI 1.07, 2.35), but the effects were attenuated after adjusting for body mass index, type of surgery, ASA score and operative time. Although data were limited, there was no association between hemoglobin A1c values and PJIs.

Perioperative Glycemic Status of Adult Traumatic Brain Injury Patients Undergoing Craniotomy

Patients of traumatic brain injury (TBI) may have hyperglycemia and when they undergo craniotomy, hyperglycemia may be exacerbated and worsen outcome. However, epidemiology of perioperative hyperglycemia in these patients is unknown. The epidemiological study has been undertaken to address the correlation between intraoperative blood glucose variability in nondiabetic adult TBI patients undergoing craniotomy with the severity and type of brain trauma and patients' demographic variables. A total of 200 adult nondiabetic patients undergoing emergency craniotomy for TBI were recruited in this prospective single-group observational study. Baseline capillary blood glucose (CBG) measurement was performed immediately before induction of anesthesia and then at half hourly interval until the end of surgery and 1 hour after the end of surgery. Incidence of at least 1 episode of intraoperative hyperglycemia (CBG≥180 mg/dL) is 20% in patients with TBI during emergency craniotomy. Independent predictors of intraoperative hyperglycemia are severe head injury (Glasgow-Coma score [GCS] <9) and acute subdural hemorrhage. Baseline CBG also correlates with subsequent intraoperative and postoperative CBG. Hyperglycemia is common during emergency craniotomy in TBI patients. We recommend routine monitoring of blood glucose in the intraoperative and postoperative period at least in severe head injury patients.

Perioperative Management of Diabetes: A Review

Diabetes increases the requirements of surgery as well as perioperative morbidity and mortality. Careful preoperative evaluation and treatment of cardiac and renal diseases, intensive intraoperative and postoperative management are essential to optimize the best outcome. Stress hyperglycemia in response to surgery, osmotic diuresis and hypoinsulinemia can lead to life threatening complications like ketoacidosis or hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome. Wound healing is impaired by hyperglycemia and chance of postoperative wound infection is more in diabetics. Therefore aseptic precautions must be taken. Adequate insulin, glucose, fluid and electrolytes should be provided for good metabolic control. Though some current study reveals that oral hypoglycemic agents can be used for the effective management of perioperative diabetes; the adverse effects of newly introduced agents need more clinical observations. Subcutaneous administration of insulin as in Sliding Scale may be a less preferable method, because of unreliable absorption and unpredictable blood glucose. Intravenous administration of rapid onset soluble (short acting) insulin as in Alberti (GIK) regimen, is safe and effective method controlling perioperative hyperglycemia. Patient with type 1 diabetes needs frequent monitoring of glucose, electrolytes and acid-base balance as chance of high hyperglycemia and ketoacidosis is more. In case of emergency surgery assessment for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and meticulous management is essential. Postoperative pain and hyperglycemia should be treated carefully to avoid complications. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dmcj.v2i2.20528 Delta Med Col J. Jul 2014; 2(2): 71-76

Spinal anesthesia protects against perioperative hyperglycemia in patients undergoing hip arthroplasty

Study ObjectiveTo determine whether spinal anesthesia blunts surgical stress reactions and results in less perioperative hyperglycemia. DesignProspective, randomized controlled study. SettingOperating room of a university hospital. Patients68 adult, nondiabetic (n=40) and diabetic (n=28), ASA physical status 1, 2, and 3 patients patients undergoing elective total hip replacement. InterventionsGeneral or spinal anesthesia was administered. MeasurementsBlood HbA1C was measured preoperatively to identify patients with undiagnosed diabetes. Glucose levels were checked preoperatively, then immediately after, and one hour after surgery. A conventional glucose control protocol was used, where insulin was given when blood glucose concentrations exceeded 250 mg/dL. Main ResultsPreoperative glucose levels in general and spinal anesthesia patients were comparable and not significantly different in nondiabetic and diabetic patients. At the end of surgery and one hour after surgery, glucose levels were significantly higher in patients undergoing general anesthesia compared with baseline values in both diabetic and nondiabetic patients (P < 0.05). In nondiabetic and diabetic patients, a significant increase in glucose level was found in patients undergoing general anesthesia versus spinal anesthesia (P < 0.05). In patients receiving spinal anesthesia, glucose levels remained stable. Two diabetic patients undergoing general anesthesia received insulin. ConclusionSpinal anesthesia attenuates the hyperglycemic response to surgical stimuli in diabetics and nondiabetic patients.

The effect of ulinastatin on hyperglycemia in patients undergoing hepatectomy

BackgroundTo identify the effect of ulinastatin (UTI) administration on stress-induced hyperglycemia and acute insulin (INS) resistance experienced by patients undergoing partial hepatectomy. MethodsForty-six patients undergoing partial hepatectomy were assigned randomly to the control group (group C) or UTI treatment group (group U). Six cases underwent partial hepatectomy but were not eligible for inclusion. The patients in group U had an intravenous infusion of a total amount of 5000 IU/kg UTI before the induction of anesthesia and at the start of surgery. The patients in group C were given an identical volume of physiological saline in the same manner. Blood samples for the measurement of interleukin-6, cortisol, INS, and glucagon were obtained. Fasting plasma glucose concentration was measured immediately before skin incision (T1), 20 min after the liver lesion was removed (T2), at the end of surgery (T3), as well as on the first (T4) and second mornings after partial hepatectomy (T5). The insulin sensitivity index (ISI) was calculated at these time points. ResultsThe fasting plasma glucose concentration in group U was significantly lower than that in group C at all time points except for T1. In group U, the insulin sensitivity index was higher, and the levels of interleukin-6, cortisol, and INS were lower than that in group C (P < 0.05). ConclusionsThe data suggest that UTI administration improves perioperative hyperglycemia by inhibiting the inflammatory reaction, as well as excessive release of inflammatory factors, and improves INS resistance.

Perioperative Nutritional Support

The relationship between preoperative malnutrition and morbi-mortality has been documented for years. Despite the existence of tools that allow its detection, and therefore treat this entity, their introduction into clinical practice is not widespread. Both perioperative insulin resistance and hyperglycemia are associated with increased perioperative morbidity and length of hospital stay. The intake of carbohydrate-rich drinks 2–4h prior to surgery reduces insulin resistance. In the immediate postoperative period, the enteral route is safe and well tolerated and its early use reduces hospital stay and postoperative complications compared with parenteral nutritional support. Inmunonutrition has been proven effective to decrease postoperative complications and hospital stay. In view of these data we opted for the adoption of these measures replacing bowel rest and the indiscriminate use of postoperative parenteral nutrition.

Soporte nutricional perioperatorio

The relationship between preoperative malnutrition and morbi-mortality has been documented for years. Despite the existence of tools that allow its detection, and therefore treat this entity, their introduction into clinical practice is not wide-spread. Both perioperative insulin resistance and hyperglycemia are associated with increased perioperative morbidity and length of hospital stay. The intake of carbohydrate-rich drinks 2-4h prior to surgery reduces insulin resistance. In the immediate postoperative period, the enteral route is safe and well tolerated and its early use reduces hospital stay and postoperative complications compared with parenteral nutritional support. Inmunonutrition has been proven effective to decrease postoperative complications and hospital stay. In view of these data we opted for the adoption of these measures replacing bowel rest and the indiscriminate use of postoperative parenteral nutrition.

Perioperative hyperglycaemia and incidence of post-operative complications in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty

The aim of this study was to assess whether hyperglycaemia in the post-operative period of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) affects post-operative complications regardless of diabetes mellitus (DM) diagnosis. All patients who had undergone primary TKA were included in the study. The following data were recorded: DM diagnosis, and pre- (BGL1), intra- (BGL2) and post-operative blood glucose levels (BGL3). After 1-year follow-up, medical, infectious and mechanical or surgery-related complications were recorded. Of the 833 patients included, 130 (15.6 %) were diabetic. Median BGL1, BGL2 and BGL3 were 106.13, 93.49 and 134.16 mg/dl, respectively. After follow-up, 173 (20.8 %) patients presented complications, including 48 (5.76 %) medical complications and 94 (11.28 %) infections. Surgery-related complications presented in 31 (3.72 %) patients. A statistically significant association was found between BGL3 ≥ 126 mg/dl and complications (OR 1.95, p < 0.001), medical complications (OR 3.98, p < 0.001), and infections (OR 1.76, p < 0.006). Hyperglycaemia during the post-operative period in diabetic and non-diabetic patients undergoing TKA increases post-operative medical and infectious complications. Glycemic control during this period must be performed in order to reduce these complications. Retrospective case series, Level IV.