Articles Vol. 67 No. 7 26/07/2026

HYPOGLYCEMIA AND ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS IN THE SURGICAL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT

Nguyen Hai Ha Trang1,2, Luu Quang Thuy1,2, Nguyen Duy Gia3,4, Nguyen Huu Hoang5,6
1 Viet Duc University Hospital
2 Bệnh viện Hữu nghị Việt Đức
3 Hanoi Medical University
4 Trường Đại học Y Hà Nội
5 Hanoi French Hospital
6 Bệnh viện Việt Pháp Hà Nội
DOI: 10.52163/yhc.v67i7.5943
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Keywords
Hypoglycemia, insulin, continuous renal replacement therapy, surgical intensive care.
Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of hypoglycemia in patients admitted to the surgical intensive care unit (ICU) and to identify risk factors associated with hypoglycemia.

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 1098 patients treated in the Intensive Care Unit 2 at Viet Duc University Hospital from April 2024 to May 2025. Among them, 33 patients experienced at least one episode of hypoglycemia confirmed by venous blood glucose testing. Associated factors were analyzed using statistical tests and multivariable regression analysis.

Results: Hypoglycemia occurred in 3% of ICU patients, of whom 33.3% had severe hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia following insulin administration was observed in 48.5% of cases. The mean ICU length of stay among patients with hypoglycemic events was 16.75 days, with a mortality rate of 63.6%. Most patients with hypoglycemia had renal failure, required mechanical ventilation, and received vasopressor support. Continuous renal replacement therapy was significantly associated with an increased risk of hypoglycemia (OR = 2.83; 95% CI: 1.41-5.71; p ≈ 0.0024).

Conclusion: Hypoglycemia occurred in 3% of surgical ICU patients and was frequently associated with insulin use and critical illness. Continuous renal replacement therapy was identified as a significant risk factor for hypoglycemia.

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