Persistent Hyperglycemia increases death risk in Non-Diabetics with Intracerebral Hemorrhage

In this five-year international, multicenter, open-labelled, randomized study, the researchers determined moderate and severe hyperglycemia based on serum glucose levels ≥140 mg/dL—<180 and ≥180p mg/dL, respectively, measured at baseline, 24, 48, and 72 hours. They further determined persistent hyperglycemia as 2 consecutive (24 hours apart) serum glucose levels. They evaluated the relationship between moderate and severe hyperglycemia and death or disability (defined by modified Rankin Scale score of 4–6) at 90 days in the overall cohort and in groups defined by preexisting diabetes.

Key findings of the study:

• Upon multivariate analysis, the researchers found that both moderate (odds ratio, 1.8) and severe (odds ratio, 1.8) hyperglycemia were associated with higher 90-day death or disability after adjusting for Glasgow Coma Scale score, hematoma volume, presence or absence of intraventricular hemorrhage, hyperlipidemia, cigarette smoking, and hypertension.
• Among the patients without preexisting diabetes, they noted that both moderate (odds ratio, 1.8) and severe (odds ratio, 2.0) hyperglycemia were associated with 90-day death or disability after adjusting for above mentioned potential confounders.
• However, they found that the patients with preexisting diabetes, moderate and severe hyperglycemia were not associated with 90-day death or disability.

The authors concluded, "Persistent hyperglycemia, either moderate or severe, increased the risk of death or disability in nondiabetic patients with intracerebral hemorrhage."

For further information:

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1161/STROKEAHA.121.034928