Increase in plasma glucagon, a factor in hyperglycemia, is related to neurological outcome in postcardiac-arrest patients

Aim of the studyIn postcardiac-arrest (PCA) patients, hyperglycemia is a factor reflecting an unfavorable outcome, and might be caused by the inflammation and stress of “sepsis-like” syndrome. In this study, plasma glucagon, a representative glycogenolytic and gluconeogenic hormone, was measured and assessed the correlation for neurological outcome in PCA patients.MethodsThis study was a retrospective, single-medical-center analysis, conducted in the intensive care unit of a university hospital. Twenty-four sequential PCA patients were included. Plasma samples were collected from the patients on days 1, 2, and 3 after the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). Glucagon was compared in patients with favorable and unfavorable neurological outcomes.ResultsAt all time points, plasma glucagon was significantly higher in patients with an unfavorable outcome (P < 0.05). Glucagon on day 1 had remarkable sensitivity (88.2%) and specificity (85.8%) as an indicator of outcome, and correlated with the collapse–ROSC interval, the start of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)–ROSC interval, and the epinephrine dose during CPR.ConclusionsPlasma glucagon reflects unfavorable outcomes in PCA patients, and might be related to ischemic and reperfusion stress.