[Hyperglycemia in the initial phase of cerebral vascular complication. Index of bad prognosis].

The short-term prognostic value of hyperglycemia in acute stroke has been evaluated from the results of the first year of activity of the Stroke Registration unit in Dijon. In 188 patients admitted to hospital for acute hemiplegia blood glucose levels were measured on admission and daily for 7 days thereafter, and a CT scan was performed within a fortnight. Mortality was significantly higher in hyperglycemic patients (more than 2 g of glucose per litre) than in normoglycemic patients. In hyperglycemic patients the increase in blood glucose level was correlated with the initial disturbances of consciousness, the severity of hemiplegia and the presence at CT of an haemorrhage or an infarct with oedematous reaction. Thus, hyperglycemia in acute stroke is related to the severity of the cerebral damage. As a factor of bad prognosis, it is as sensitive as disturbances of consciousness or severe brain lesions at CT.