Kidney Function

SINCE THE Leuven Trial in 2001 in which van den Berghe et al reported a head turning 46% reduction in mortality from the application of an intensive insulin treatment (IIT) regimen in critically ill patients, especially surgical patients, reports of subsequent trials have been inconsistent. Despite the profound inconsistencies, both the American Diabetes Association and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists have repeatedly published guidelines encouraging IIT regimens. Bellomo and Egi, in a 2005 editorial responding to the runaway express train-like deployment of this therapy, raised the following concerns regarding the Leuvin Trial: (1) it was not blinded; (2) subjects were predominantly cardiac surgery patients; (3) patients were administered the equivalent of 2 to 3 L of...