Severe and multiple hypoglycemic episodes are associated with increased risk of death in ICU patients

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Abstract
Introduction: In a randomized controlled trial comparing tight glucose control with a computerized decision support system and conventional protocols (post hoc analysis), we tested the hypothesis that hypoglycemia is associated with a poor outcome, even when controlling for initial severity. Methods: We looked for moderate (2.2 to 3.3 mmol/L) and severe (−5 digit with no replacement). Results: A total of 2,601 patients were analyzed and divided into three groups: no hypoglycemia (n =1,474), moderate hypoglycemia (n =874, 34%) and severe hypoglycemia (n =253, 10%). Patients with moderate or severe hypoglycemia had a poorer prognosis, as shown by a higher mortality rate (36% and 54%, respectively, vs. 28%) and decreased number of treatment-free days. In the multivariable analysis, severe (odds ratio (OR), 1.50; 95% CI, 1.36 to 1.56; P =0.043) and multiple hypoglycemic events (OR, 1.76, 95% CI, 1.31 to 3.37; P P P =0.029) and multiple hypoglycemic events (46% vs. 32%, P <0.001) had a higher 90-day mortality. Conclusion: In a large cohort of ICU patients, severe hypoglycemia and multiple hypoglycemic events were associated with increased 90-day mortality. Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01002482. Registered 26 October 2009.

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