Abstract:

Stress-induced hyperglycemia (SHG) may occur in severe children under stress. It is currently believed that the pathogenesis of SHG is related to abnormal regulation of endocrine hormones, massive release of cytokines, and insulin resistance in critical cases. Continuous elevated blood glucose levels can cause mitochondrial dysfunction, activation of inflammatory pathways, and oxidative stress. Although the association between SHG and poor prognosis has received widespread attention in recent years, strategies to strictly control blood glucose combined with intensive insulin therapy do not seem to benefit critically ill children. In general, blood glcose not exceeding 180 mg/dL （10.0 mmol/L） is appropriate. This article reviews the progress of research on the definition, pathogenesis and harm of SHG in order to improve clinicians’ understanding.

Key words: stress hyperglycemia, critically ill, child