Hyperosmolality caused by percutaneously absorbed glycerin in a burned patient

Hyperosmolality complicating the management of burned patients has multiple etiologies. Sepsis, hyperglycemia, renal failure, electrolyte disturbances, shock, and substances absorbed from the burn wound may be contributing factors. Chemicals, such as propylene glycol, within bacteriostatic topicals may also lead to hyperosmolality. This report describes a patient who developed severe hyperosmolality after 5% Betadine-glycerin therapy for a 60% partial-thickness burn. Status epilepticus developed 36 hours later, and triglycerides were 9,700 mg/dl. After Betadine-glycerin was stopped the central nervous system status slowly improved but pre-seizure function was never regained.