A review of perioperative glucose control in the neurosurgical population.
Significant fluctuations in serum glucose levels accompany the stress response of surgery or acute injury and may be associated with vascular or neurologic morbidity. Maintenance of euglycemia with intensive insulin therapy (IIT) continues to be investigated as a therapeutic intervention to decrease morbidity associated with derangements in glucose metabolism. Hypoglycemia is a common side effect of IIT with potential for significant morbidity, especially in the neurologically injured patient. Differences in cerebral versus systemic glucose metabolism, the time course of cerebral response to injury, and heterogeneity of pathophysiology in neurosurgical patient populations are important to consider in evaluating the risks and benefits of IIT. While extremes of glucose levels are to be avoided, there are little data to support specific use of IIT for maintenance of euglycemia in the perioperative management of neurosurgical patients. Existing data are summarized and reviewed in this context.
Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA. atkinsj@uphs.upenn.edu
Joshua H
JH
Atkins
David S
DS
Smith
D000818:Animals; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D015190:Blood Glucose Self-Monitoring; D001921:Brain / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D003422:Critical Care; D016638:Critical Illness; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D006943:Hyperglycemia / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D007003:Hypoglycemia / Q000097:blood / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000175:diagnosis; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D007328:Insulin / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects; D019990:Perioperative Care; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D001786:Blood Glucose; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D007328:Insulin