Background: Patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and hyperglycemia are at an increased mortality risk. A rapidly obtained optimized glycemic control without inducing hypoglycemia is important. We evaluated the accuracy of a microdialysis catheter (CMA 64 IView, CMA Microdialysis AB, Solna, Sweden) to monitor glucose levels in patients in the coronary care unit (CCU).
Methods: Fourteen patients admitted to the CCU with ACS (n = 11) or heart failure (n = 3) had a venous microdialysis catheter applied for 3 days. Glucose levels were measured simultaneously in plasma and microdialysis fluid at eight time points for 1 h each day.
Results: The overall congruence between the two measurements of blood glucose was acceptable except in four patients in whom the microdialysis measurements were too low. No obvious relationship between site of the catheter, body composition, blood pressure, diagnosis, or medical treatment and discrepant values was detected.
Conclusions: These initial experiences are promising and motivate further research to improve the microdialysis technique. In future studies longer periods of recordings should be included to disclose technical problems.