J Korean Acad Fam Med.  2007 Jul;28(7):542-546.

Value of the Vital Sign in Hypoglycemia Presenting Mental Change on Prehospital Management

• Cho SH
• Kim CW

Abstract

Background: The clinical guideline for prehospital blood glucose measurement in hypoglycemia presenting with mental change has not been sure, maybe it has depended on individual decision. Therefore we was going to find out whether the difference of the vital sign between hypoglycemia and non hypoglycemia can give important message or not.
Methods
Retrospective study was carried out from Jan 2004 to Dec 2005. The patients with mental change were divided into hypoglycemic group and non hypoglycemic group. Then we compared the difference of vital sign (Blood pressure, respiration rate, heart rate) based on paramedic run reports and medical records.
Results
66 person in hypoglycemic group were aged 60.92+/-16.90 on average. And 67 person in non hypoglycemia were 58.53+/-16.58. The difference of blood pressure, respiration rate is not significantly but only body temperature makes significant difference(P=0.014). Furthermore it was inclined that the lower body temperature was more likely in hypoglycemia(P<0.001). Compared with over 36.0degrees C, probability of hypoglycemia in less than or equal to 36.0degrees C of temperature was more (OR: 54.28, 95% CI: 18.956~155.464).
Conclusion
The body temperature gives more significant information in Prehospital blood glucose measurements for hypoglycemic patients with mental change is not absolutely, but recommended in less than 36.0degrees C.

Keyword

prehospital; hypoglycemia; body temperature

MeSH Terms

Allied Health Personnel
Blood Glucose
Blood Pressure
Body Temperature
Heart
Humans
Hypoglycemia*
Medical Records
Respiratory Rate
Retrospective Studies
Vital Signs*
Blood Glucose