Impact of fasting plasma glucose levels on duration of hospitalization, recurrence and mortality of acute cerebral infarction

Objective To investigate the impact of fasting plasma glucose level on duration of hospitalization, recurrence and mortality rate of acute cerebral infarction. Methods A retrospective study was conducted in 974 patients with acute cerebral infarction admitted during February 1996 and December 2006. Fasting plasma glucose, lipid profile, and blood pressure were measured. Time of hospital stay was recorded. Disease recurrence and complications were followed up. Multiple linear regression analysis, Logistic regression analysis, Chi–square test, and Kruskal–Wallis test were used for data analysis. Results The recurrence, duration of hospitalization, and mortality rate of the patients with acute cerebral infarction were positively correlated with fasting plasma glucose level at admission. The mortality rate was increased to 50.00% when fasting plasma glucose≥11.1 mmol/L and low–density lipoprotein cholesterol≥3.5 mmol/L. The mortality rate was also increased to 33.33% or 30.00% in the participants with fasting plasma glucose≥11.1 mmol/L and diastolic blood pressure ≤80 mm Hg (1 mm Hg=0.133 kPa) or ≥100 mm Hg. Conclusions The fasting plasma glucose level may be strongly associated with during of hospitalization, disease recurrence, and mortality rate in patients with acute cerebral infarction. Plasma glucose monitoring and early intervention and treatment might be able to reduce the recurrence and mortality of cerebral infarction. Key words: Brain infarction; Blood glucose; Recurrence; Death