Use of continous glucose monitoring in post cardiac surgical patients

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    A PILOT STUDY TO ASSESS THE SAFETY AND RESOURCE UTILISATION OF CONTINUOUS INTRAVENOUS GLUCOSE MONITORING IN POST CARDIAC SURGICAL PATIENTS

  • IRAS ID

    136233

  • Contact name

    Nigel Scawn

  • Contact email

    nigel.scawn@lhch.nhs.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

  • Research summary

    The aim of this study is to explore whether tight control of blood glucose within normal range is achievable and safe with a device that continually measures blood sugar concentration. This is of great importance as it is well known that poor control of blood glucose has many detremental effects. The pilot study will be conducted on 100 sequential patients undergoing cardiac surgery at Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, and will involve the measurement of blood glucose immediately prior to surgery and for 72 hours intra and post-operatively. These blood samples are taken from a small cannula inserted into the patient’s vein, which is attached to a device called GlucoClear which displays the result. The sampled blood is then returned to the patient. This device is manufactured by Edwards Lifesciences and is already licensed for use in the normal clinical environment.
    The main aim of the study is to demonstrate that maintenance of blood glucose within normal limits is easily achievable, defined as having at least 90% of recorded values within the reference range of 4.4 - 8.0 mmol/L. By the avoidance of very low or high blood glucose measurements we also aim to demonstrate improvements in patient care, including a reduction in patient length of stay, incidence of complications such as renal failure and infection, and a potential reduction in mortality rate. By reducing the rate of many of these complications, we also hope to show a potential economical benefit by the use of continual blood glucose monitoring.

  • REC name

    North West - Liverpool Central Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    13/NW/0611

  • Date of REC Opinion

    23 Sep 2013

  • REC opinion

    Further Information Favourable Opinion