Iatrogenic hyperosmolality in a neonate. A case report.
An infant presented in the first week postpartum with markedly elevated serum osmolality of unknown origin. The cryptic osmols were identified as glycerol and alcohol and were traced to the contents of local phenobarbitone elixir administered to control neonatal convulsions. This report highlights the importance of recognizing the potential dangers inherent in the nominally inert components of medication and stresses the extreme care required when modifying well-established formulations.
D004338:Drug Combinations; D000431:Ethanol / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005990:Glycerol / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007232:Infant, Newborn, Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced*; D008297:Male; D012996:Solutions; D014883:Water-Electrolyte Imbalance / Q000139:chemically induced*
D004338:Drug Combinations; D012996:Solutions; D000431:Ethanol; D005990:Glycerol