Hyperglycemia has been associated with increased in-hospital morbidity and mortality for multiple medical and surgical conditions. In a study by Zerr, et al (1997), the risk of infection was significantly higher for patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) if blood glucose levels were elevated. Furthermore, Zerr, et al (2001), demonstrated that the incidence of deep wound infections in diabetic patients undergoing cardiac surgery was reduced by controlling mean blood glucose levels below 200mg/dL in the immediate postoperative period. Latham, et al (2001), found that hyperglycemia in the immediate postoperative phase increases the risk of infection in both diabetic and nondiabetic patients and the higher the level of hyperglycemia, the higher the potential for infection in both patient populations. A study conducted in Leuven, Belgium (Van den Berghe, 2001), demonstrated that intensive insulin therapy not only reduced overall in-hospital mortality but also decreased blood stream infections, acute renal failure, red cell transfusions, ventilator support, and intensive care. Hyperglycemia is a risk factor that, once identified, could minimize adverse outcomes for cardiac surgical patients.

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• American Association for Thoracic Surgery
• Infectious Diseases Society of America

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