Diabetes mellitus is a predictor for early adverse outcome after carotid endarterectomy.

PURPOSE

The aim of the study was to compare the outcome after carotid endarterectomy (CEA) in patients with and without diabetes mellitus.

METHODS

We prospectively recorded the data from patients who underwent CEA. A patient was considered diabetic when he reported the use of antidiabetic medication. De novo diagnosis of diabetes was defined as the first demonstration of a fasting glucose serum concentration >126 mg/dL or >200 mg/dL after glucose load. An early adverse outcome was defined as the occurrence of ipsilateral minor or major stroke and/or death during the 30-day postoperative period.

RESULTS

The stroke and death rate was significantly higher in diabetic patients (n = 380) compared to the controls (n = 971; 4.5% versus 1.5%, P = .002). Multivariate analysis showed a significant association between the presence of diabetes and 30-day stroke and death rate (OR 2.94, CI 1.46-5.97, P = .003).

CONCLUSIONS

Diabetic patients are at greater risk for perioperative stroke and death.