Examination of the Effects of Chromium Levels on Glucose Metabolism, Lipid Metabolism, Morbidity and Mortality Rates in Patients Followed in Intensive Care Unit

Hyperglycemia is a common risk factor in critically ill patients admitted to intensive care units; increasing hospital stay duration, morbidity/mortality rates and is associated with increased undesirable cardiovascular events, thrombosis, inflammatory changes, impaired immune functions, increased infection frequency, delayed wound healing, osmotic diuresis, fluid - electrolyte imbalances and other issues.

Dyslipidemia plays a significant role in the development of atherosclerosis and consequently cardiovascular disease.

Chromium (Cr) is a trace metal. It has been claimed that trivalent chromium is a cofactor of a low molecular weight chromium - binding substance (LMWCr; also known as chromodulin), an oligopeptide. LMWCr can enhance the action of insulin, thereby improving tissue insulin sensitivity and facilitating glucose transport into the cells. This hypothesis is supported by observations that chromium deficiency leads to an increase in blood sugar, total cholesterol and triglycerides; a decrease in high - density lipoproteins (HDL) and insulin sensitivity.

Patients aged 18 and older admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of Hacettepe University Department of Anesthesiology will be included in the study. A single blood sample (into trace element serum sample tube) will be taken from participants in the study group on the day of admission to the intensive care unit, along with routine blood tests, and samples will be taken once a week during their stay in the intensive care unit. The chromium level in the collected blood samples will be analyzed using inductively coupled plasma - mass spectrometry (ICP - MS). The laboratory results of the monitored participants will be prospectively recorded in the data collection form and in International Business Machines Statistical Product and Service Solutions (IBM SPSS).

A literature review revealed very few publications on the effects of chromium serum levels on glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism, morbidity and mortality rates; and the existing publications did not include samples of critically ill intensive care patients. With this study, the investigators aim to contribute to the national and international literature with a large sample of intensive care patients. Thus, the investigators' goal is to provide a different perspective on solving the common problems of hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia encountered in intensive care patients, aiming to reduce morbidity and mortality rates.