New research builds on previous randomized trials, including more than 2,700 patients, which reached the "startling" conclusion that IIT reduces the risk of death in critically ill patients, according to lead author Dr.Schetz of University of Leuven, Belgium.Those studies, one group of patients received IIT, with insulin given continuously to maintain normal glucose levels.Other group received conventional insulin therapy, in which blood glucose levels are allowed to rise above normal.Dr.And colleagues re-analyzed the trial data, focusing on differences in the rates of acute kidney injury (AKI) between the two treatment groups.Kidney injury is amon and seriousplication among patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU).Occurs in five to 30 percent of patients, with death rates exceeding 40 percent.Showed that AKI developed in 4.Of patients assigned to IIT,pared to 7.Of those receiving conventional insulin therapy.Reduction in AKI was greatest when glucose levels remained within the normal range.Insulin therapy was more effective in protecting against AKI in patients admitted to the ICU after surgery (surgical ICU),pared to critically ill patients who did not undergo surgery (medical ICU).Can be explained by the fact that IIT is a preventive strategy that cannot heal damage that is already present," explains Dr."The medical ICU patients were much sicker to begin with and may have already had kidney damage.Many years, the medicalmunity has considered high blood sugar levels in critically ill patients-called "stress diabetes"-as a beneficial reaction of the body to ensure adequate energy supply to the organs during severe illness.Research grew out of studies led by Dr.Van den Berghe, exploring the hormonal changes induced by critical illness.Trials found that strict glucose control with IIT reduced the risk of death in both surgical and medical ICU patients.Of organ failure were also lower with IITpared to conventional insulin therapy.Van den Berghe is a co-author of the new study.The new analysis builds on these results by confirming that IIT reduces the risk of AKI in critically ill patients, especially after surgery.Finding is especially important, because intensive insulin therapy is the first medical treatment that has been clearly shown to protect the kidney of critically ill patients," Dr. More research is needed to clarify how IIT acts to protect the kidneys-whether by preventing direct kidney damage caused by high blood sugar, or through indirect effects.Of the mechanism, Dr.Concludes, "Since AKI is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, the goal should be to prevent its development.Dr.Berghe via the Catholic University of Leuven received an unrestricted research grant from Novo Nordisk.The ASN is a not-for-profit organization of 10,500 physicians and scientists dedicated to the study of nephrology andmitted to providing a forum for the promulgation of information regarding the latest research and clinical findings on kidney diseases.# # # Contact: Shari Leventhal: 202-416-0658, sleventhal@asn-online.RESULTS ARCHIVE 2008: 2007: 2006: MORE NEWS RESOURCES All Services Recent Searches Recently Approved Join Drugs to see what benefits you can get by joining our .The most popular,prehensive, and up-to-date source of drug information online.Advice on more than 24,000 prescription drugs and over-the-counter medicines for consumers and professionals .10 Searches In The Pipeline - - - - - - - - - - - The drugs drug database is powered by MicromedexTM, Facts &parisonsTM and MultumTM.Data last updated 8 January 2008.Read more Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium (amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium) tablet, film coated [lek pharmaceuticals inc.]
Get more The association between statins and cancer incidence in a veterans population
