Glucose variability in intensive care unit

Hyperglycemia is significantly associated with increased mortality in critically ill patients and then, strict control of blood glucose (BG) concentration is important. Lowering of BG levels with intensive insulin therapy (IIT) was recommended in order to improve patient outcomes. But recently, some recent prospective trials failed to confirm the initial data, showing conflicting results (significantly increased mortality with IIT, more hypoglycemic episodes). So there is no consensus about efficiency and safety of IIT. Significant associations between glucose variability and mortality have been confirmed by several recent studies. A difference in variability of BG control could explain why the effect of IIT varied from beneficial to harmful. Managing and decreasing this BG variability could be an important goal of BG control in critically ill patients. Clinicians hare to consider definitions, physiopathology and impacts of glucose variability, in order to improve patient outcomes. (C) 2012 Published by Elsevier Masson SAS on behalf of the Societe francaise d'anesthesie et de reanimation (Sfar).