Elevated glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) is a risk marker in coronary artery bypass surgery

Abstract

Objective. To evaluate if glycosylated haemoglobin 1 (HbA_1c) was associated with increased risk of infection and mortality after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Design. Prospective observational study. Preoperative HbA_1c concentrations were correlated to outcome in patients followed for an average of 3.5 years after CABG. Results. HbA_1c was ≥6% in 68% of 161 patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and in 3% of 444 patients without DM. Superficial sternal wound infection was observed in 13.9% if HbA_1c ≥6% versus in 5.5% if 1c≥6% and in 2.1% if HbA_1c1c≥6% compared to 4.1% if HbA_1cConclusions. HbA_1c ≥6% was associated with an increased risk of postoperative superficial sternal wound infections and a trend for higher mediastinitis rate and significantly higher mortality three years after CABG.