Initial Blood Glucose Can Predict the Outcome of OP Poisoning

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Many studies have examined the mechanisms of impaired glucose homeostasis after organophosphate (OP) exposure, however no study has evaluated the clinical utility of blood glucose measurements in patients with OP poisoning. The current study was conducted to evaluate the initial glucose level at presentation and the glycemic variables during the first 3 days after admission as a predictor of mortality. METHODS: This retrospective observational case series included 228 patients with a history of OP poisoning. Among other clinical data, information on the initial glucose level at presentation and mean glucose level, delta glucose level, and the presence of a hypoglycemic event during the first 3 days of admission, was collected. RESULTS: Survivors had lower initial glucose levels at presentation and glucose variability during the first 3 days of admission compared to non-survivors. The frequency of hypoglycemic events was higher in non-survivors. In multivariate analysis, the initial glucose level (> 233 mg/dl) was an independent predictor of mortality, along with age. CONCLUSION: The initial glucose level at presentation can be helpful in prediction of mortality in cases of OP intoxication at bedside. The physician should pay attention to patients with a glucose level >233 mg/dl at presentation after ingestion of OP.