Propofol anaesthesia and metabolic acidosis in children

Onur Ozlü1, H Asuman Ozkara, Senay Eris

  • 1Department of Anesthesia, Ankara Children Hospital, Ankara, Turkey. onurozluttnet.net.tr

Paediatric Anaesthesia
|January 22, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Short-term propofol anesthesia in children did not cause significant acidemia or affect liver and heart enzyme levels. Postoperative triglyceride levels were higher with propofol compared to halothane.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Anesthesiology
  • Biochemistry
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Investigating the impact of propofol infusion anesthesia on pediatric acid-base balance and key enzyme levels.
  • Assessing biochemical markers in children undergoing short-term anesthesia.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effects of propofol versus halothane anesthesia on acid-base status.
  • To compare liver and myocardial enzyme levels between propofol and halothane anesthesia in children.

Main Methods:

  • Randomized study of 36 children (3-12 years) into propofol (P) and halothane (H) groups.
  • Propofol group received 3 mg/kg IV induction and 10-20 mg/kg/hr maintenance.
  • Halothane group received thiopental induction and 2-3% halothane maintenance; blood samples collected at multiple time points.

Main Results:

  • No significant differences in lactate dehydrogenase, creatine phosphokinase, AST, ALT, or cholesterol between groups.
  • Propofol group showed significantly higher postoperative triglyceride levels (P < 0.05).
  • Propofol group exhibited significantly lower pH levels post-anesthesia (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

  • Short-term propofol anesthesia in healthy children does not lead to significant acidemia.
  • Propofol did not cause notable alterations in hepatic or myocardial enzyme levels.
  • Elevated triglycerides were observed post-propofol, warranting further investigation.
Abstract

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