Research Article

Association between HbA1c levels and clinical outcomes in patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass grafting

Volume: 19 Number: 1 January 16, 2026
EN TR

Association between HbA1c levels and clinical outcomes in patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass grafting

Abstract

Purpose: Several studies have indicated that elevated HbA1c levels may increase adverse postoperative outcomes in cardiac surgery. However, the consistency of this relationship remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of preoperative HbA1c levels on postoperative clinical outcomes in patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Materials and methods: A total of 169 patients who underwent elective, primary, isolated CABG under cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) between January 2022 and January 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into three groups based on their preoperative HbA1c levels: Group I (<5%), Group II (5-6.5%), and Group III (>6.5%). Demographic characteristics, preoperative risk factors, operative details, and postoperative complications were recorded. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between HbA1c levels and postoperative outcomes such as atrial fibrillation, sternal wound infection, and chest tube drainage. Results: The prevalence of diabetes mellitus (82.1%) and peripheral arterial disease (32.8%) was significantly higher in Group III (p<0.05). Postoperative complications, including sternal wound infection (p=0.036), atrial fibrillation (p=0.006), and higher 24-hour drainage volume (p=0.01), were more frequent in this group. HbA1c >6.5% was an independent predictor of sternal wound infection (OR:3.81; 95% CI:1.25-11.5) and atrial fibrillation (OR:2.25; 95% CI:1.17-4.32). Additionally, HbA1c positively correlated with drainage volume (r=0.172, p=0.026) and erythrocyte suspension usage (r=0.201, p=0.01). Conclusion: High preoperative HbA1c levels are associated with increased risk of postoperative complications. HbA1c may serve as a valuable predictor of adverse outcomes, and optimizing glycemic control before surgery could improve prognosis.

Keywords

Ethical Statement

There is no conflict of interest.

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Cardiovascular Surgery

Journal Section

Research Article

Early Pub Date

October 1, 2025

Publication Date

January 16, 2026

Submission Date

June 20, 2025

Acceptance Date

July 5, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 19 Number: 1

APA
Durmaz, D., & Özen, M. (2026). Association between HbA1c levels and clinical outcomes in patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass grafting. Pamukkale Medical Journal, 19(1), 37-44. https://doi.org/10.31362/patd.1721919
AMA
1.Durmaz D, Özen M. Association between HbA1c levels and clinical outcomes in patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass grafting. Pam Med J. 2026;19(1):37-44. doi:10.31362/patd.1721919
Chicago
Durmaz, Duygu, and Mert Özen. 2026. “Association Between HbA1c Levels and Clinical Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Isolated Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting”. Pamukkale Medical Journal 19 (1): 37-44. https://doi.org/10.31362/patd.1721919.
EndNote
Durmaz D, Özen M (January 1, 2026) Association between HbA1c levels and clinical outcomes in patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass grafting. Pamukkale Medical Journal 19 1 37–44.
IEEE
[1]D. Durmaz and M. Özen, “Association between HbA1c levels and clinical outcomes in patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass grafting”, Pam Med J, vol. 19, no. 1, pp. 37–44, Jan. 2026, doi: 10.31362/patd.1721919.
ISNAD
Durmaz, Duygu - Özen, Mert. “Association Between HbA1c Levels and Clinical Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Isolated Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting”. Pamukkale Medical Journal 19/1 (January 1, 2026): 37-44. https://doi.org/10.31362/patd.1721919.
JAMA
1.Durmaz D, Özen M. Association between HbA1c levels and clinical outcomes in patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass grafting. Pam Med J. 2026;19:37–44.
MLA
Durmaz, Duygu, and Mert Özen. “Association Between HbA1c Levels and Clinical Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Isolated Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting”. Pamukkale Medical Journal, vol. 19, no. 1, Jan. 2026, pp. 37-44, doi:10.31362/patd.1721919.
Vancouver
1.Duygu Durmaz, Mert Özen. Association between HbA1c levels and clinical outcomes in patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass grafting. Pam Med J. 2026 Jan. 1;19(1):37-44. doi:10.31362/patd.1721919

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