Variations in glycerol kinetics in Reye's syndrome

Glycerol kinetics and adverse affects were studied in nine patients with Reye's syndrome. Glycerol was given by continuous infusion over 2 hr, half over the first 0.5 hr and the remainder over the next 1.5 hr. The dose was adjusted to keep intracranial pressure less than or equal to 15 mmHg. At steady state, serial blood samples were collected during glycerol infusion and analyzed by an enzymatic assay specific for glycerol. At 0.75 to 1.75 gm/kg/2 hr glycerol doses, the serum levels ranged from 1.48 to 5.83 mg/ml. Total body clearance ranged from 1.99 to 5.1 ml/kg/min. Glycerol clearance was not related to serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), or serum ammonia levels. Glycerol provided effective control of intracranial pressure in all patients. Temporary elevation of serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and presence of hemolysis in two patients, appeared to be related to glycerol.