Correlation between Triglyceride-Glucose Index and length of intensive care unit stay in sepsis

Abstract

Aims: The aim of this study is to retrospectively evaluate the impact of the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index on mortality and length of stay in septic patients in a tertiary intensive care unit. Methods: This retrospective, descriptive cohort study diagnosed with sepsis. The study involved 208 patients. The primary aim was to assess the prognostic value of TyG for predicting mortality at 28 days following hospital admission in these patients. In addition, the study evaluated ICU all-cause mortality as a primary endpoint, with secondary endpoints encompassing the length of ICU stay. Results: The prognostic value of the TyG in predicting mortality among sepsis patients was assessed using ROC curve analysis. The analysis yielded an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.798 (95% confidence interval: 0.729–0.867, p<0.001), indicating good discriminatory ability. An optimal cut-off value of 9.10 was identified, which provided a sensitivity of 82% and a specificity of 75% for mortality prediction. In the multivariate model, HbA1c and TyG index also retained their independent associations with mortality (HbA1c: OR: 1.65, 95% CI: 1.25–2.18, p=0.002; TyG index: OR: 2.20, 95% CI: 1.40–3.40, p=0.001) and prolonged ICU stay (HbA1c: OR: 1.35, 95% CI: 1.05–1.75, p = 0.020; TyG index: OR: 1.75, 95% CI: 1.15–2.68, p=0.010). The TyG index, an indicator of insulin resistance, demonstrated a strong association with prolonged ICU stay (OR: 1.80, 95% CI: 1.20–2.70, p=0.004). These results support the potential utility of the TyG index as a valuable biomarker for risk stratification in sepsis patients. Conclusion: Our study reveals that the TyG index holds potential as a biomarker for forecasting mortality and extended ICU stays in sepsis patients. Given its simplicity and cost-effectiveness, the TyG index could potentially be incorporated into clinical practice to guide management decisions in sepsis.

Keywords

• Triglyceride-glucose index
• sepsis
• insulin resistance
• mortality

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