Pink Urine Syndrome: A Combination of Insulin Resistance and Propofol

Abstract

Pink urine syndrome is mostly seen in patients treated with propofol anesthesia. The pink color is attributed to the presence of large concentrations of uric acid (and pigment), which is excreted in large amounts when propofol is given. We describe a case of propofol-induced pink urine syndrome and perform a comprehensive, evidence-based review. We discuss prior case studies already published in the literature as we speculate on the pathophysiology and how it translates to a clinically relevant entity. Keywords: acid-base equilibrium, biological, insulin resistance, oxidative stress, pigments, propofol, uric acid