Hyperglycemia in nondiabetic patients during the acute phase of stroke.
OBJECTIVE
To determine patterns of hyperglycemic (HG) control in acute stroke.


METHODS
Anonymous survey through Internet questionnaire. Participants included Latin-American physicians specialized in neurocritical care.


RESULTS
The response rate was 74%. HG definition varied widely. Fifty per cent considered it when values were >140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L). Intravenous (IV) regular insulin was the drug of choice for HG correction. One fifth of the respondents expressed adherence to a protocol. Intensive insulin therapy (IIT) was used by 23%. Glucose levels were measured in all participants at admission. Routine laboratory test was the preferred method for monitoring. Reactive strips were more frequently used when monitoring was intensive. Most practitioners (56.7%) monitored glucose more than two times daily throughout the Intensive Care Unit stay.


CONCLUSIONS
There is considerable variability and heterogeneity in the management of elevated blood glucose during acute phase of stroke by the surveyed Latin-American physicians.
Neurointensive Care Unit, Sanatorio Pasteur, Catamarca, Argentina. dagodoytorres@yahoo.com.ar
Daniel Agustin
DA
Godoy
Caridad
C
Soler
Walter
W
Videtta
Luis
L
Castillo Fuenzalida
Jorge
J
Paranhos
Marcelo
M
Costilla
Gustavo
G
Piñero
Manuel
M
Jibaja
Leonardo Jardim Vaz de
LJ
Melo
D000208:Acute Disease; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis*; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D006943:Hyperglycemia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007328:Insulin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D007843:Latin America; D020521:Stroke / Q000097:blood*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors
D001786:Blood Glucose; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D007328:Insulin