Q: What is the recommended target for blood sugar control in fresh post-op cardiac surgery patients?

Answer: The Society of Thoracic Surgeons supports a target glucose of less than 180 mg/dL using intravenous insulin for at least the first 24 hours postoperatively, with a target of less than 150 mg/dL if their ICU stay exceeds 3 days because of comorbidities.

Reference:

Lazar HL, McDonnell M, Chipkin SR, Furnary AP, Engelman RM, Sadhu AR. The Society of Thoracic Surgeons practice guideline series: Blood glucose management during adult cardiac surgery. Ann Thorac Surg. Feb 2009;87(2):663-9