Postoperative blood glucose increase is associated with futile recanalization in patients with successful thrombectomy: a retrospective study

Abstract

Abstract Background Timely recognition of futile recanalization might enable a prompt response and an improved outcome in post-thrombectomy patients. This study aims to evaluate whether postoperative blood glucose increase (BGI) could act as an indicator of futile recanalization in patients receiving a successful thrombectomy. Methods This is a single-center, retrospective analysis of patients with anterior circulation large-vessel occlusion and successful thrombectomy between February 2019 and June 2022. BGI was defined as a higher level of blood glucose at the first postoperative morning than at admission. Futile recanalization was defined as patients with a modified Rankin Scale score of 3–6 at 90 days after onset. Multivariable binary logistic regression was used to assess the association of BGI with futile recanalization. Results A total of 276 patients were enrolled, amongst which 120 patients (43.5%) had BGI. Futile recanalization was more prevalent among patients with BGI compared to those without (70.0 vs. 49.4%, P = 0.001). After adjusting for potential confounders, BGI was associated with a higher likelihood of futile recanalization (adjusted OR: 2.97, 95%CI: 1.50–5.86, P = 0.002). This association was consistently observed regardless of diabetes history, occlusion site, time from symptom onset to groin puncture, or reperfusion status. Conclusion Our findings support BGI serving as an indicator of futile recanalization in patients with anterior circulation large-vessel occlusion and successful thrombectomy.