title: Hyperglycaemia and cerebral oedema in a patient with a meningioma receiving dexamethasone.
abstract: Dexamethasone is prescribed routinely to reduce cerebral oedema in neurosurgical patients undergoing craniotomy for tumour and is used increasingly as an anti-emetic. Dexamethasone, however, has been shown to cause hyperglycaemia. We describe a case of hyperglycaemic crisis, cerebral oedema and death secondary to dexamethasone in a patient with a frontal meningioma. We highlight the risks of peri-operative dexamethasone and discuss the diagnosis, treatment and complications of hyperglycaemic crises and cerebral oedema.
authors.affiliation: St George's Hospital NHS Trust, London, UK.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ramessur
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Dinsmore
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Zoumprouli
mesh_terms: D000932:Antiemetics / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001929:Brain Edema / Q000139:chemically induced*; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006943:Hyperglycemia / Q000139:chemically induced*; D008579:Meningioma / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D019990:Perioperative Care / Q000009:adverse effects
chemical_list: D000932:Antiemetics; D003907:Dexamethasone