Blood glucose levels associated with increased bleeding after TBI.
Coagulopathy is a disorder in which blood is unable to clot properly, resulting in increased bleeding. Coagulopathy after a moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a relatively common occurrence, and can negatively impact recovery.
Recently, researchers proposed that high levels of blood glucose (hyperglycemia) may be related to an increased risk of coagulopathy. Hyperglycemia is considered a traumatic stress response to the injury, and can negatively affect outcome if it becomes persistent. The researchers examined neurosurgical records over a four-year period to determine 1) if there was an association with coagulopathy and hyperglycemia, and 2) at what blood sugar level does the risk for coagulopathy increase?
They found that serum glucose of greater than 151 mg dl -1 at admission was significantly associated with coagulopathy occurrence. Clinicians can use this guideline to administer early intervention to those at risk.
Admission glucose and coagulopathy occurrence in patients with traumatic brain injury. Brain Injury. (April 2014).