Shahnawaz Hassan Gardezi, Azhar Saeed.
Hypoglycemia; a predictor of mortality in patients of hepatic failure
Professional Med J Oct - Dec 2007;14(4):537-43.
Nishtar Hospital, Multan

Objectives: The objectives of the study were to find out the incidence of hypoglycemia in patients of hepatic failure belonged to fulminant variety or decompensated cirrhosis variety, to compare different variables and to study the effects of hypoglycemia in these patients on mortality. Setting: Medical Units Nishtar Hospital, Multan. Period: September 2001 to September 2002 Material and methods: For this purpose, 100 hospitalized and diagnosed patients of hepatic failure were included regardless of etiology. Patients with diabetes mellitus, doubtful diagnosis and children < 12 were excluded. A RBS sample on presentation was taken and RBS < 80 mg/dl was defined as hypoglycemia. Results: Out of 100 cases, 39 were found to have hypoglycemia and among them more were of fulminant hepatic failure variety. It was concluded that hypoglycemia was a feature of severe hepatocellular failure and blood sugar level should be checked frequently, corrected and maintained promptly. Conclusion: It is recommended that in f uture more and more details should be sought from the patients e.g. use of indigenous drugs and other co-morbid conditions coexisting at the same time so that more strong guidelines are established as a gold standard in the management of these hypoglycemic patients suffering from hepatic failure.

Category: Internal Medicine
Keywords: Fulminant Hepatic Failure. Cirrhosis. Glucose. Hypoglycemia. Hepatitis.

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