The effects of hyperglycemia on outcomes in surgical high-grade glioma patients

Objective: To define the glucose values associated with an increase in complication rates in post-operative brain tumor patients.

Patients and methods: Patients who underwent craniotomy for resection of WHO Grade III or IV glioma from 2011 to 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. Post-operative blood glucose values were recorded for post-operative day #0, #1, and #2. Medians were obtained and assessed for significance. Multivariate analysis was performed to assess patient demographics, pre-operative findings, steroid use, and blood glucose values with respect to post-operative complications and to 30-day readmission.

Results: 108 patients underwent craniotomy for resection of high-grade glioma and had postoperative blood glucose values documented. Median blood glucose values greater than 167 mg/dL were associated with increased serious post-operative complications, and values greater than 163 mg/dL were associated with increased 30-day readmissions.

Conclusion: Post-operative hyperglycemia in patients with high-grade gliomas places this vulnerable patient population to undue post-operative complications and readmissions, potentially delaying further treatment of their disease.