A computerized insulin infusion titration protocol improves glucose control with less hypoglycemia compared to a manual titration protocol in a trauma intensive care unit.
BACKGROUND
Previous studies reflect reduced morbidity and mortality with intensive blood glucose control in critically ill patients. Unfortunately, implementation of such protocols has proved challenging. This study evaluated the degree of glucose control using manual paper-based vs computer-based insulin protocols in a trauma intensive care unit.


METHODS
Of 1455 trauma admissions from May 31 to December 31, 2005, a cohort of 552 critically ill patients met study entry criteria. The patients received intensive blood glucose management with IV insulin infusions. Using Fisher's exact test, the authors compared patients managed with a computerized protocol vs a paper-based insulin protocol with respect to the portion of glucose values in a target range of 80-110 mg/dL, the incidence of hyperglycemia (> or =150 mg/dL), and the incidence of hypoglycemia (< or =40 mg/dL).


RESULTS
Three hundred nine patients were managed with a manual paper-based protocol and 243 were managed with a computerized protocol. The total number of blood glucose values across both groups was 21,178. Mean admission glucose was higher in the computer-based protocol group (170 vs 152 mg/dL; p < .001, t-test). Despite this finding by Fisher's exact test, glucose control was superior in the computerized group; a higher portion of glucose values was in range 80-110 mg/dL (41.8% vs 34.0%; p < .001), less hyperglycemia occurred (12.8% vs 15.1%; p < .001), and less hypoglycemia occurred (0.2% vs 0.5%; p < .001).


CONCLUSIONS
A computerized insulin titration protocol improves glucose control by (1) increasing the percentage of glucose values in range, (2) reducing hyperglycemia, and (3) reducing severe hypoglycemia.
Dortch
Marcus J
MJ
Department of Pharmaceutical Services, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA. marcus.dortch@vanderbilt.edu
Mowery
Nathan T
NT
Ozdas
Asli
A
Dossett
Lesly
L
Cao
Hanqing
H
Collier
Bryan
B
Holder
Gwen
G
Miller
Randolph A
RA
May
Addison K
AK
D000328:Adult; D001331:Automation; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000378:metabolism*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D016638:Critical Illness / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006943:Hyperglycemia / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D007003:Hypoglycemia / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D007328:Insulin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D012121:Respiration, Artificial; D014193:Trauma Centers; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D001786:Blood Glucose; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D007328:Insulin