Riassunto dello studio

Sixty adult patients with hip fractures were randomized to receive either preoperative oral carbohydrate administration (n=30) or conventional fasting (n=30) prior to surgery under combined spinal-epidural anesthesia. The primary outcome was blood glucose levels, and secondary outcomes included postoperative hyperglycemia incidence, insulin levels, blood urea levels, and measures of hunger, thirst, and anxiety. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, immediately after surgery, and 24 hours postoperatively. The results showed no significant difference in blood glucose levels between groups at any time point, but the incidence of postoperative hyperglycemia at 24 hours was significantly lower in the carbohydrate group (P=0.045). Additionally, patients in the carbohydrate group reported lower thirst and anxiety scores perioperatively. Overall, the findings suggest that preoperative oral carbohydrate administration does not prevent perioperative blood glucose increases but reduces postoperative hyperglycemia and enhances patient comfort, recommending its use to improve perioperative care quality.