Intensive insulin therapy in postoperative intensive care unit patients: A decision analysis

Abstract

Rationale: Intensive insulin therapy (IIT) may reduce mortality in mechanically ventilated postoperative patients. Objectives: To assess the risks and benefits of IIT in different institutions. Design: Retrospective, blinded-to-outcome selection of patient cohorts from four hospitals. Methods: Selection of a cohort of patients with clinical features similar to those reported in a recent study of IIT and of all mechanically ventilated postoperative patients from each hospital. Retrieval of information on glucose control. Assessment of risks and benefits and final outcomes. Measurements and Main Results: We selected 783 consecutive patients with similar clinical and demographic features to the..