Hyperglycemia may increase deep vein thrombosis in trauma patients with lower limb fracture

Diabetes mellitus is associated with prothrombotic states and thrombotic events. This study examined the association between preoperative glucose levels and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in trauma patients undergoing surgery for lower limb fracture. Data from 1,591 patients who underwent fracture surgery between January 2017 and March 2022 at the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University were queried from institutional electronic medical records. A total study population of 1,086 patients was identified, comprising 138 patients who experienced DVT and 948 controls. The primary outcome was DVT. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed and a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was generated. Age, D-dimer level, preoperative RBC count, and preoperative glucose level were independent predictors of DVT. The two highest categories of D-dimer level (≥ 960, < 2,102; ≥ 2,102 ng/ml) increased the odds ratio for DVT by 4.215 times [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.820–9.761] and 7.896 times (95% CI 3.449–18.074), respectively, compared with the lowest reference category (< 490 ng/ml). The area under the curve (AUC) for the preoperative glucose level was 0.605. Hyperglycemia (glucose ≥ 6.1, < 7.0 mmol/l) increased the odds of DVT by 1.889-fold [95% CI (1.085–3.291); p < 0.0001] compared with euglycemia (glucose < 6.1 mmol/l). We therefore observed an association between preoperative hyperglycemia and DVT in patients with lower limb fractures. There are several modalities for controlling hyperglycemia, offering potential targets for future improvement.