Dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) induced serum hyperosmolality

We describe a patient who received intravenous dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) (as part of an experimental protocol) to control increased intracranial pressure. The patient died of a brain abscess. She developed extreme serum hyperosmolality from the DMSO with the osmolality peaking at 717 mosmol/kg. DMSO may induce extreme serum hyperosmolality and should be utilized cautiously.