title: Hyperglycemia after cardiac surgery: improving a quality measure.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The Surgical Care Improvement Project #4 (SCIP#4) performance measure is used to evaluate achievement of target blood glucose control after cardiac surgery.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to identify patient characteristics and outcomes in patients undergoing cardiac surgery who met the SCIP#4 performance measure versus those who did not.
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective case-control design was used.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Preoperative hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) level and history of diabetes were 2 major risk factors for failing to meet the SCIP#4 measure. A trend toward a longer length of stay was observed, mortality was 3 times more prevalent, and renal failure was 4 times more frequent in patients who did not meet the SCIP#4 quality measure.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Not meeting the SCIP#4 measure is associated with adverse outcomes. History of diabetes and preoperative HbAIC level should be considered when evaluating strategies for managing postsurgical hyperglycemia.
authors: Lynda Stoodley is Nurse Practitioner, Cardiothoracic Surgery Program, Torrance Memorial Medical Center, 2841 Lomita Blvd, Ste 310, Torrance, CA 90505 (Lynda.stoodley@tmmc.com). Shu-Fen Wung is Associate Professor, The University of Arizona College of Nursing, Tuscon, Arizona.
authors: Lynda
authors: L
authors: Stoodley
authors: Shu-Fen
authors: SF
authors: Wung
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006943:Hyperglycemia / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D019616:Thoracic Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D001786:Blood Glucose