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Abstract
Background: Impaired glucose metabolism due to alterations in glycogen storage, gluconeogenesis, and hormone clearance leads to hypoglycaemia in patients with liver cirrhosis. Although it is clinically significant, local estimates for the prevalence and predictors of hypoglycaemia in patients with liver cirrhosis are underreported in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs).
Objective: To assess the prevalence and severity, as well as investigate clinical predictors of hypoglycaemia in adult non-diabetic patients with liver cirrhosis.
Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Sharif Medical City Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan. A total of 131 patients aged 18-60 with a diagnosis of cirrhosis were selected. Clinical demographic data was recorded, and blood glucose concentrations were determined using standardized point-of-care testing equipment. Prevalence of hypoglycaemia was classified into mild, moderate, or severe. Chi-square statistics or t-tests, and regression analyses were utilized to identify clinical predictors.
Results: A total of 131 patients were surveyed, where 72(55%) were male, 59(45%) were female, and the mean age was 38.34±12.42 years. Hypoglycaemia was detected in 93 patients (71%), with mild being the most prevalent (45%). Significant differences were seen in the duration of cirrhosis (p = .015) and in the blood glucose concentrations for hypoglycaemia (p < .001), whereas gender, comorbidities, and Child–Pugh class were not significantly associated with hypoglycaemia.
Conclusion: Hypoglycemia is highly reported in patients with cirrhosis, especially in the situations of significant amounts of cirrhosis. Regular glucose levels should be taken into consideration in treatment plans when providing care to patients with cirrhosis in the inpatient setting to assist in earlier recognition and improved outcomes.