Hyperglycemia at admission to the intensive care unit is associated with elevated serum concentrations of interleukin-6 and reduced ex vivo secretion of tumor necrosis factor-α*

Abstract

Our main findings show that admission hyperglycemia is statistically related to distinct changes of humoral and cellular immune functions. Furthermore, elevated glucose concentrations at admission are associated with increased intensive care unit mortality rate in a medical intensive care unit. Although these data do not explain cause and effect, our results provide a strong rationale for studying the immunologic effects of strict glycemic control in the intensive care unit during the course of critical illness.