The effect of perioperative magnesium sulfate on blood sugar in patients with diabetes mellitus undergoing cardiac surgery: A double-blinded randomized study.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the perioperative effect of magnesium infusion on blood sugar level in patients with diabetes mellitus undergoing cardiac surgery.

DESIGN

This was a double-blind randomized study.

SETTING

The study was conducted at cardiac center.

PATIENTS: The study included 122 adult patients.

INTERVENTION: Group M - The patients received a continuous infusion of magnesium sulfate (without a loading dose) at 15 mg/kg/h. The infusion rate was started 20 min before induction maintained during surgery and the first postoperative 24 h. The medication was prepared by adding 5 g magnesium sulfate in 50 ml syringe. Group C - The patients received equal amount of normal saline.

MEASUREMENTS: The monitors included heart rate, mean arterial blood pressure, central venous pressure, urine output, blood levels of magnesium, sugar, and potassium.

RESULTS

The blood sugar level and the required insulin significantly decreased with Group M than Group C (P < 0.05). There were minimal changes in the potassium level in Group M, but potassium decreased in patients of Group C (P < 0.05). The amount of urine output was too much higher in Group M than Group C (P < 0.05). The pharmacological and mechanical support significantly decreased with Group M than Group C (P < 0.05). The hospital and Intensive Care Unit length of stay significantly decreased with Group M than Group C (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The magnesium sulfate produced a better-controlled effect on the blood sugar level. It decreased the requirement of insulin infusion and minimized the changes in the blood level of potassium.