Anti-inflammatory effects of perioperative intensive insulin therapy during cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass

Purpose Recent studies have reported that controlling blood glucose with insulin can suppress systemic inflammation. In the present study, we evaluated how perioperative intensive insulin therapy (IIT) influences the inflammatory response in an artificial pancreas during cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. Methods We randomly divided the patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass into two groups: an IIT group ( n = 13) and a conventional treatment (CT) group ( n = 12). For the IIT group, blood glucose control was initiated with an artificial pancreas at initiation of surgery. Blood glucose was maintained at 100 mg/dl until 24 h postoperatively. Blood samples were collected to determine changes in serum cytokine levels over time. Results Patients’ characteristics did not differ significantly between groups. Blood glucose levels were significantly higher in the CT group after surgery. Serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, and high-mobility group box 1 were higher in the CT group than in the IIT group. Conclusions Use of IIT in the artificial pancreas during the perioperative period signifiantly decreased the inflammatory response. Moreover, we did not find evidence of hypoglycemia in those treated with IIT. This suggests that use of IIT in an artificial pancreas can be safe and effective for critically ill patients.