Review: The Relationship of Hemoglobin A1c to Postoperative Surgical Risk with an Emphasis on Joint Replacement Surgery

Patients with diabetes mellitus are known to have a high risk of postoperative complications, including infections, impaired wound healing, cardiovascular events, venous thromboembolism, and mortality. Because hyperglycemia has been thought to mediate this risk, there is a clinical propensity for improving glycemic control, as assessed by hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level, prior to proceeding with elective surgery, particularly joint replacement surgery. However, it is not established whether chronic poor glycemic control, indicated by elevated HbA1c levels, predicts increased risk of postoperative complications.
Source: Journal of Diabetes and Its Complications - Category: Endocrinology Authors: Tags: Review article Source Type: research