Impact of malglycemia on clinical outcomes in hospitalized patients with cancer: a review of the literature

Abstract

Purpose/objectives: To examine empirical research regarding the role of malglycemia (hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, or glycemic variability) on clinical outcomes among hospitalized patients with cancer. Data sources: Research articles were obtained from the Ovid, PubMed, and CINAHL® databases. Key words used in the search included hyperglycemia or malglycemia and neoplasm combined with venous thromboembolism, infection, or mortality. Data synthesis: Eleven research articles were examined reporting the impact of malglycemia on various outcomes, including infection, mortality or survival, length of hospital stay, and toxicity. Conclusions: Findings suggest that malglycemia may have a negative impact on outcomes for hospitalized patients with cancer. Increased rates of infection, mortality, length of stay, and toxicities, as well as decreased survival, were reported. Implications for nursing: Oncology nurses play an important role in the identification of patients with malglycemia. Early assessment and intervention for those patients can improve outcomes and quality of life.