title: Refractory hypoglycemia secondary to topical salicylate intoxication.
abstract: We describe a case of severe refractory hypoglycemia secondary to topical salicylate intoxication. A 72-year-old man with psoriasis and end-stage renal disease was treated with a topical cream containing 10% salicylic acid. The patient presented with encephalopathy and subsequently developed hypoglycemia refractory to infusions of large amounts of glucose. A serum salicylate concentration was elevated at 3.2 mmol/L. Emergent hemodialysis was accompanied by rapid lowering of serum salicylate concentration and resolution of refractory hypoglycemia. Salicylate is well absorbed across normal and diseased skin. Salicylate markedly impairs gluconeogenesis and increases glucose utilization, resulting in hypoglycemia. To our knowledge, this is the first article on hypoglycemia due to the application of topical salicylate.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center, Phoenix, Ariz. 85006.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Raschke
authors.forename: P A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Arnold-Capell
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Richeson
authors.forename: S C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Curry
mesh_terms: D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000368:Aged; D003221:Confusion / Q000139:chemically induced; D005943:Gluconeogenesis / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D007003:Hypoglycemia / Q000139:chemically induced*; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000150:complications; D008297:Male; D009779:Occlusive Dressings; D009824:Ointments; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012459:Salicylates / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000506:poisoning*; D020156:Salicylic Acid; D012869:Skin Absorption
chemical_list: D009824:Ointments; D012459:Salicylates; D020156:Salicylic Acid