Performance of the Dexcom G6 Continuous Glucose Monitoring System During Cardiac Surgery Using Hypothermic Extracorporeal Circulation.

OBJECTIVE: Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) may be challenged by extreme conditions during cardiac surgery using hypothermic extracorporeal circulation (ECC). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We evaluated the Dexcom G6 sensor in 16 subjects undergoing cardiac surgery with hypothermic ECC, of whom 11 received deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA). Arterial blood glucose, quantified by the Accu-Chek Inform II meter, served as reference. RESULTS: Intrasurgery mean absolute relative difference (MARD) of 256 paired CGM/reference values was 23.8%. MARD was 29.1% during ECC (154 pairs) and 41.6% immediately after DHCA (10 pairs), with a negative bias (signed relative difference: -13.7%, -26.6%, and -41.6%). During surgery, 86.3% pairs were in Clarke error grid zones A or B and 41.0% of sensor readings fulfilled the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 15197:2013 norm. Postsurgery, MARD was 15.0%. CONCLUSIONS: Cardiac surgery using hypothermic ECC challenges the accuracy of the Dexcom G6 CGM although recovery appears to occur thereafter.

Multimodal prehabilitation for major surgery in elderly patients to lower complications: protocol of a randomised, prospective, multicentre, multidisciplinary trial (PREHABIL Trial).

INTRODUCTION: The global volume of surgery is growing and the population ageing, and economic pressure is rising. Major surgery is associated with relevant morbidity and mortality. Postoperative reduction in physiological and functional capacity is especially marked in the elderly, multimorbid patient with low fitness level, sarcopenia and malnutrition. Interventions aiming to optimise the patient prior to surgery (prehabilitation) may reduce postoperative complications and consequently reduce health costs. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This is a multicentre, multidisciplinary, prospective, 2-arm parallel-group, randomised, controlled trial with blinded outcome assessment. Primary outcome is the Comprehensive Complications Index at 30 days. Within 3 years, we aim to include 2×233 patients with a proven fitness deficit undergoing major surgery to be randomised using a computer-generated random numbers and a minimisation technique. The study intervention consists of a structured, multimodal, multidisciplinary prehabilitation programme over 2-4 weeks addressing deficits in physical fitness and nutrition, diabetes control, correction of anaemia and smoking cessation versus standard of care. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The PREHABIL trial has been approved by the responsible ethics committee (Kantonale Ethikkomission Bern, project ID 2020-01690). All participants provide written informed consent prior to participation. Participant recruitment began in February 2022 (10 and 8 patients analysed at time of submission), with anticipated completion in 2025. Publication of the results in peer-reviewed scientific journals are expected in late 2025. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04461301.

Fully Closed-Loop Insulin Delivery in Patients Undergoing Pancreatic Surgery.

The central role of pancreas in glucose regulation imposes high demands on perioperative glucose management in patients undergoing pancreatic surgery. In a post hoc subgroup analysis of a randomized controlled trial, we evaluated the perioperative use of subcutaneous (SC) fully closed-loop (FCL; CamAPS HX) versus usual care (UC) insulin therapy in patients undergoing partial or total pancreatic resection. Glucose control was compared using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) metrics (% time with CGM values between 5.6 and 10.0 mmol/L and more). Over the time of hospitalization, FCL resulted in better glucose control than UC with more time spent in the target range 5.6-10.0 mmol/L (mean [standard deviation] % time in target 77.7% ± 4.6% and 41.1% ± 19.5% in FCL vs. UC subjects, respectively; mean difference 36.6% [95% confidence interval 18.5-54.8]), without increasing the risk of hypoglycemia. Findings suggest that an adaptive SC FCL approach effectively accommodated the highly variable insulin needs in patients undergoing pancreatic surgery. Clinical trials registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04361799.

Refeeding Syndrome: A Critical Reality in Patients with Chronic Disease.

Malnutrition is one of the most frequent metabolic challenges in the population of chronically ill patients. This results in increased administration of nutritional therapy in inpatient settings, which poses the risk of side effects, in particular, the development of refeeding syndrome. If not managed accordingly, it leads to a significant rise in morbidity and mortality. However, despite its importance, evidence-based recommendations on the management of refeeding syndrome are largely lacking, and only a few randomized controlled trials have been conducted. In light of this, the aim of this review is to raise awareness of refeeding syndrome in chronically ill patients by critically reviewing recent literature and providing a short overview as well as diagnosis and treatment algorithms of this underreported metabolic condition. In summary, recent findings suggest undergoing risk assessment and stratification for every patient receiving nutritional therapy. According to this, adaptation of energy and fluid support during the replenishment phase should be implemented in the nutritional therapy for patients at high risk. Additionally, continuous monitoring should take place, and appropriate actions should be initiated when necessary.