Can Serum Glucose Level in Early Admission Predict Outcome in Patients with Severe Head Trauma?

BACKGROUND: Traumatic brain injury is a major general health concern. This study aims to evaluate a possible relationship between the serum level of glucose during admission and the outcome of patients with severe traumatic brain injury. METHODS: In this prospective study, 80 patients with severe traumatic brain injury were recruited from the emergency department of Urmia Imam Khomeini Hospital. Serum level of glucose was measured at the time of admission and its correlation was investigated with the Glasgow Coma Scale score (on admission, 24 hours, 48 hours, and 1 week later, and at discharge) and Glasgow Outcome Score. In addition, the value of admission serum glucose was compared between deceased and discharged patients. RESULTS: Eighty patients with severe head trauma, 71 men (88%) and 9 women (11.2%) with a mean age of 31.71 +/- 15.66 years, were enrolled into the study. The in-hospital mortality rate was 25% (n = 20). There was no significant correlation between serum glucose level and Glasgow Coma Scale score (at different intervals) or Glasgow Outcome Score. The mean serum level of glucose was comparable between deceased and discharged patients (186.10 +/- 51.36 vs. 187.98 +/- 76.03 mg/dL, respectively; P = 0.91). CONCLUSIONS: Admission serum glucose is not a significant indicator of outcome in patients with severe head trauma.