RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Recording and response to hyperglycaemia in patients presenting with infective exacerbations of COPD
JF European Respiratory Journal
JO Eur Respir J
FD European Respiratory Society
SP P2075
VO 42
IS Suppl 57
A1 Cressida Lorimer
A1 Noor Zaina Zafarulla
A1 Mark Jackson
YR 2013
UL http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/42/Suppl_57/P2075.abstract
AB It is established that acute hyperglycaemia confers a poorer prognosis on a range of illnesses including myocardial infarction and stroke. Recent studies have suggested a similar effect in patients admitted with exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (Baker, EH et al Thorax 2006 Apr;61(4):284-9).The aim was to assess the quality of blood sugar (BM) recording in patients with exacerbations of COPD. If the BM ≥ 7 we studied how this affected length of admission and if treatment was given.We performed a prospective audit on patients with known COPD, admitted with an infective exacerbation. Data was collected on an initial 19 patients. Regular recording of BMs on the drug chart was then initiated and a further 20 patients sampled. Comparison was made with local guidelines.View this table:Patient demographicsRound 1: 12 patients (63%) started steroids on admission. 6 (50%) had a daily BM chart. 4 of these patients had an untreated BM recording ≥ 7.Round 2: 17 patients (85%) started steroids on admission. 16 (94%) had a daily BM chart. 15 (94%) of these patients had a BM recording ≥ 7. 3 of these patients were treated with insulin.View this table:Average length of stay (days)Recording of BMs for patients on steroids is vital. Initial monitoring of glycaemic status in these patients was inadequate but following institution of standardised monitoring 94% were demonstrated to have episodes of hyperglycaemia. This audit supports studies showing longer hospital stays for patients with untreated high BMs during their admission.