Povidone-Iodine-Induced Acute Kidney Injury in a 23-Year-Old Woman: The First Clinical Case Report From the Republic of Cyprus

Povidone-iodine (PI) is considered a generally safe broad-spectrum, antiseptic substance, which is widely used in healthcare services, mostly for burn patients, in wound treatment, surgical wound irrigation, as well as for a few gynecological indications. Although it is safe, its use on mucosa can cause toxicity due to iodine absorption and the high concentration in the serum. PI toxicity is absorption depended and has been associated with severe adverse events including acute kidney injury (AKI). To our knowledge, there are only three cases of PI-induced AKI after uterine instillation in the published literature. We report a case of severe PI-induced AKI that occurred in a 23-year-old female due to iodine systemic absorption immediately post uterine instillation, in terms of infertility evaluation. The patient was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), supported with mechanical ventilation and treated with renal replacement therapy (RRT). Renal function and urine output improved and the patient was discharged from ICU. Severe adverse events may be linked to internal use, therefore, PI on mucosa should be used with extreme caution. Clinicians should be aware of iodine intoxication and possible AKI.