Severe propylene glycol toxicity secondary to use of anti-epileptics

Am J Ther. 2014 Jul-Aug;21(4):e106-9. doi: 10.1097/MJT.0b013e31824c407d.

Abstract

Propylene glycol toxicity presenting as high anion gap metabolic acidosis and osmolar gap has been extensively reported in literature, and most of them are secondary to intravenous lorazepam infusion. However, propylene glycol is used as a solvent in a number of medications that are frequently utilized in critical care setting, and hence one should be aware that the toxicity is possible from a variety of medication. Phenobarbital and phenytoin are one of those, and we hereby report a novel case of propylene glycol toxicity secondary to phenobarbital and phenytoin infusion in a patient with refractory status epilepticus. Furthermore, our patient had end-stage renal disease, which we think could have been an important precipitating factor for the toxicity. Because most of the symptoms from propylene glycol toxicity can mimic sepsis-which is very common in critical care unit patients-this life threatening scenario could be easily missed. Regular monitoring of osmolar gap is an easily available intervention in the at risk patients.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acidosis / chemically induced*
  • Anticonvulsants / administration & dosage
  • Anticonvulsants / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Kidney Failure, Chronic / complications*
  • Middle Aged
  • Osmolar Concentration
  • Phenobarbital / administration & dosage
  • Phenobarbital / therapeutic use
  • Phenytoin / administration & dosage
  • Phenytoin / therapeutic use
  • Propylene Glycol / adverse effects*
  • Propylene Glycol / chemistry
  • Solvents / adverse effects*
  • Solvents / chemistry
  • Status Epilepticus / drug therapy

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants
  • Solvents
  • Phenytoin
  • Propylene Glycol
  • Phenobarbital