Decreased rates of hypoglycemia following implementation of a comprehensive computerized insulin order set and titration algorithm in the inpatient setting

Objectives: More than one-third of hospitalized patients have hyperglycemia. Despite evidence that improving glycemic control leads to better outcomes, achieving recognized targets remains a challenge. The objective of this study was to evaluate the implementation of a computerized insulin order set and titration algorithm on rates of hypoglycemia and overall inpatient glycemic control.

Methods: A prospective observational study evaluating the impact of a glycemic order set and titration algorithm in an academic medical center in non-critical care medical and surgical inpatients. The initial intervention was hospital-wide implementation of a comprehensive insulin order set. The secondary intervention was initiation of an insulin titration algorithm in two pilot medicine inpatient units. Point of care testing blood glucose reports were analyzed. These reports included rates of hypoglycemia (BG < 70 mg/dL) and hyperglycemia (BG >200 mg/dL in phase 1, BG > 180 mg/dL in phase 2).

Results: In the first phase of the study, implementation of the insulin order set was associated with decreased rates of hypoglycemia (1.92% vs 1.61%; p < 0.001) and increased rates of hyperglycemia (24.02% vs 27.27%; p < 0.001) from 2010 to 2011. In the second phase, addition of a titration algorithm was associated with decreased rates of hypoglycemia (2.57% vs 1.82%; p = 0.039) and increased rates of hyperglycemia (31.76% vs 41.33%; p < 0.001) from 2012 to 2013.

Conclusions: A comprehensive computerized insulin order set and titration algorithm significantly decreased rates of hypoglycemia. This significant reduction in hypoglycemia was associated with increased rates of hyperglycemia. Hardwiring the algorithm into the electronic medical record may foster adoption.     

Determinants of mortality in patients with advanced cirrhosis after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunting

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) placement is effective in the treatment of complications of portal hypertension. This study evaluated the predictors of mortality in a group of cirrhotic patients with advanced liver disease after placement of TIPS. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of all patients undergoing TIPS placement over a 21/2-year period was undertaken. RESULTS: Fifty-six patients had TIPS placement for variceal hemorrhage, 49 for refractory ascites, and 24 for hepatic hydrothorax (total, 129). Of 21 variables available before TIPS placement, variceal hemorrhage requiring emergent TIPS placement (relative risk [RR], 37.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 5.4-259) and bilirubin concentration > 3.0 mg/dL (RR, 5.4; 95% CI, 1.4-10.2) were independent predictors of 30-day mortality. Variceal hemorrhage requiring emergent TIPS placement (hazard ratio [HR], 5.1, 95% CI, 2. 2-9.1), alanine aminotransferase level > 100 IU/L (HR, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.2-5.5), bilirubin level > 3.0 mg/dL (HR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.1-4.6), and pre-TIPS encephalopathy unrelated to bleeding (HR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.2-4.8) independently predicted death during the follow-up period. A model was developed that separated the patients into 3 groups with significantly different survival rates. CONCLUSIONS: A clinical index consisting of 4 pre-TIPS variables can reliably predict outcome after TIPS.     

Study of trainer/trainee workload with special reference to the care of the elderly

A study of the workload of trainers and their trainees in general practice, was undertaken throughout East Anglia. Thirty trainer/trainee pairs returned data over a two-week period and follow-up information was obtained from five pairs, eight months later. A simple encounter form was used.

Trainee workloads were found to be similar to those of earlier studies, though there was considerable variation between the workloads. Trainees had little experience with elderly patients, and there was a lack of teamwork between members of the practices in providing care for the elderly.