The prognostic role of hyperglycemia and glucose variability in covid-related acute respiratory distress Syndrome

AIMS: Due to heterogeneity on the prognostic role of glucose values and glucose variability in Novel Coronavirus (COVID) disease, we aimed at assessing the prognostic role for Intensive Care Unit (ICU) death of admission hyperglycaemia, peak glycemia and glucose variability in critically ill COVID patients: METHODS: 83 patients consecutively admitted for COVID-related Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) from from 1st March to 1st October 2020. RESULTS: Non survivors were older, with more comorbidities and a more severe disease. Corticosteroids were used in the majority of patients (54/83, 65%) with no difference between survivors and non survivors. Mean blood glucose values, (during the first 24 and 48 h, respectively), were comparable between the two subgroups, as well as SD 24 and CV 24. During the first 48 h, survivors showed significantly lower values of SD 48 (p < 0.001) and CV 48, respectively (p < 0.001) than non survivors. CONCLUSIONS: in consecutive COVID-related ARDS patients admitted to ICU hyperglycemia (>180 mg/dl) is more common in non survivors who also showed a significantly higher glucose variability in the first 48 h since ICU admission. Our findings point to the clinical significance of in-ICU glucose control in severe COVID patients.