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Published on: September 24, 2020
Microbial growth in propofol formulations with disodium edetate and the influence of venous access system dead space
1Department of Anaesthesiology, Tokyo Women's Medical University, School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan. tom96@ka2.so-net.ne.jp
Abstract:
Propofol formulated in lipid supports microbial growth. We hypothesised that propofol with disodium edetate would suppress microbial growth more than propofol without disodium edetate. We examined bacterial growth in vitro and bacterial survival in the dead space of different venous access systems. Bacteria in propofol with disodium edetate (Diprivan; AstraZeneca, London, UK) and without disodium edetate (1% Propofol inj. 'Maruishi'; Maruishi Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd, Osaka, Japan) survived and grew in the dead space of the venous access systems, although propofol with disodium edetate suppressed bacterial growth more than propofol without. Disodium edetate is effective in retarding microbial growth. However, for prevention of healthcare-associated infections, medical professionals should maintain strict aseptic precautions when handling propofol, use disodium edetate-containing formulations, and should consider using venous access systems without dead space.
Insights
Propofol, an anesthetic, can support bacterial growth. Adding disodium edetate to propofol helps suppress this microbial growth, reducing infection risk in healthcare settings.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Microbiology
- Infection Control
Background:
- Lipid formulations of propofol are known to support microbial proliferation.
- Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are a significant concern in clinical practice.
- Venous access systems can harbor microorganisms in their dead spaces.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of disodium edetate on microbial growth in propofol formulations.
- To compare bacterial survival and growth in venous access systems with different propofol formulations.
Main Methods:
- In vitro assessment of bacterial growth in propofol with and without disodium edetate.
- Evaluation of bacterial survival within the dead space of various venous access devices.
Main Results:
- Bacteria were found to survive and proliferate in the dead space of venous access systems, regardless of propofol formulation.
- Propofol containing disodium edetate demonstrated a greater suppression of bacterial growth compared to propofol without disodium edetate.
- Disodium edetate exhibited efficacy in retarding microbial proliferation.
Conclusions:
- Disodium edetate is effective in mitigating microbial growth in propofol formulations.
- Strict aseptic techniques, use of disodium edetate-containing propofol, and utilization of dead-space-free venous access systems are recommended to prevent HAIs.
