Dysglycaemia in Ebola virus disease: a retrospective analysis from the 2018 to 2020 outbreakResearch in context

Abstract

Summary: Background: Ebola virus disease (EVD) is associated with multisystem organ failure and high mortality. Severe hypoglycaemia is common, life-threatening, and correctable in critically ill patients, but glucose monitoring may be limited in EVD treatment units. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of patients admitted to EVD treatment units in Butembo and Katwa, Eastern DRC. Glucose measurements were done using a handheld glucometer at the bedside or using the Piccolo xpress Chemistry Analyzer on venous samples. Findings: 384 patients (median age 30 years (interquartile range, IQR, 20–45), 57% female) and 6422 glucose measurements (median 11 per patient, IQR 4–22) were included in the analysis. Severe hypoglycaemia (≤2.2 mmol/L) and hyperglycaemia (>10 mmol/L) were recorded at least once during the ETU admission in 97 (25%) and 225 (59%) patients, respectively. A total of 2004 infusions of glucose-containing intravenous solutions were administered to 302 patients (79%) with a median cumulative dose of 175g (IQR 100–411). The overall case fatality rate was 157/384 (41%) and was 2.2-fold higher (95% CI 1.3–3.8) in patients with severe hypoglycaemia than those without hypoglycaemia (p = 0.0042). In a multivariable Cox proportional hazards model, periods of severe hypoglycaemia (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 6.2, 95% CI 3.2–12, p < 0.0001) and moderate hypoglycaemia (aHR 3.0, 95% CI 1.9–4.8, p < 0.0001) were associated with elevated mortality. Interpretation: Hypoglycaemia is common in EVD, requires repeated correction with intravenous dextrose solutions, and is associated with mortality. Funding: This study was not supported by any specific funding.

Keywords

• Ebola virus
• Hypoglycaemia
• Hyperglycaemia
• Mortality
• Dysglycaemia