P Jolliet1, X Leverve, C Pichard. 1. Medical ICU Division, University Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland. jolliet@cmu.unige.ch
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To describe a case of acute hepatic steatosis due to excessive administration of glucose in the setting of massive insulin overdose, a complication which is rapidly and completely reversible if glucose infusion is rapidly tapered. DESIGN: Case report, clinical. SETTING: Intensive care unit, university hospital. PATIENT: A single patient admitted to the ICU. INTERVENTION: Intravenous glucose after insulin overdose. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: On the 3rd day, increases in transaminase (ASAT 420 IU/l, ALAT 610 IU/l), bilirubin (147 mmol/l) and lactate (6.8 mmol/l), a decrease in arterial pH (7.32) and slightly increased liver size on ultrasound examination suggested acute hepatic steatosis. Clinical and laboratory abnormalities resolved rapidly after discontinuation of excessive glucose infusions (1,400 g/day for 3 days). CONCLUSIONS: Very large amounts of glucose after massive insulin overdose are potentially dangerous. Even though the fear of hypoglycemia-induced neurologic damage should be a constant preoccupation in this situation, glucose administration should be titrated on closely monitored blood glucose levels.
OBJECTIVE: To describe a case of acute hepatic steatosis due to excessive administration of glucose in the setting of massive insulin overdose, a complication which is rapidly and completely reversible if glucose infusion is rapidly tapered. DESIGN: Case report, clinical. SETTING: Intensive care unit, university hospital. PATIENT: A single patient admitted to the ICU. INTERVENTION: Intravenous glucose after insulin overdose. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: On the 3rd day, increases in transaminase (ASAT 420 IU/l, ALAT 610 IU/l), bilirubin (147 mmol/l) and lactate (6.8 mmol/l), a decrease in arterial pH (7.32) and slightly increased liver size on ultrasound examination suggested acute hepatic steatosis. Clinical and laboratory abnormalities resolved rapidly after discontinuation of excessive glucose infusions (1,400 g/day for 3 days). CONCLUSIONS: Very large amounts of glucose after massive insulin overdose are potentially dangerous. Even though the fear of hypoglycemia-induced neurologic damage should be a constant preoccupation in this situation, glucose administration should be titrated on closely monitored blood glucose levels.
Authors: Agustín Ramos-Prol; Maribel del Olmo-García; Antonia Pérez-Lázaro; María Caballero-Soto; María Argente-Pla; Beatriz León-de Zayas; Juan Francisco Merino-Torres Journal: Endocrine Date: 2010-10-23 Impact factor: 3.633