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Neurocritical Care

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01-08-2008 | PRACTICAL PEARL

Propylene Glycol Toxicity Complicating Use of Barbiturate Coma

Authors: Kathleen A. Bledsoe, Andreas H. Kramer

Published in: Neurocritical Care | Issue 1/2008

Abstract

Introduction

Barbiturate coma is a necessary medical therapy in certain instances, such as the treatment of refractory status epilepticus or severe intracranial hypertension, but its use is often wrought with serious complications. Potential complications include hemodynamic instability, respiratory depression, and immunosuppression with frequent nosocomial infections. High doses of barbiturates may also lead to the accumulation of propylene glycol, the vehicle used in the intravenous formulations of both pentobarbital and phenobarbital, thereby yielding another less-recognized complication of therapy.

Results

We present a case of propylene glycol toxicity associated with the use of high-dose intravenous pentobarbital and phenobarbital during the treatment of refractory status epilepticus.

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Title: Propylene Glycol Toxicity Complicating Use of Barbiturate Coma
Authors: Kathleen A. Bledsoe
Andreas H. Kramer
Publication date: 01-08-2008
Publisher: Humana Press Inc
Published in: Neurocritical Care / Issue 1/2008
Print ISSN: 1541-6933
Electronic ISSN: 1556-0961
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12028-008-9065-z

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Propylene Glycol Toxicity Complicating Use of Barbiturate Coma

Abstract

Introduction

Results

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction

Results

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