Abstract
Objective: To analyze the evidence available in the literature on glycemic control as a preventive measure for surgical site infection (SSI) in spine surgeries. Methods: Integrative review developed with the selection of primary articles in the databases of Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System on-line (MEDLINE), Virtual Health Library (VHL) and in the Periodical Portal of the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Level Personnel (CAPES) using the descriptors: Glycemic control, wound infection, spine, spine surgery, surgical site infection and hemoglobin A1c. Results: Results showed hyperglycemia as an independent risk factor for SSI in patients undergoing spine surgery. The A1c level has been associated with SSI infection, and the risk becomes higher as the A1c level increases. Diabetes Mellitus has been shown to be a significant independent predictor for SSI. Final considerations: Perioperative hyperglycemia, regardless of the condition of Diabetes Mellitus, is related to the occurrence of SSI. The lack of parameters as to the ideal glycemic level was observed, which points to the necessity of new studies capable of guiding this gap.