Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 9, 2026
12:08
Improving IV Insulin Administration in a Community Hospital
Published on: June 11, 2012
Propofol-induced hyperamylasaemia in a general intensive care unit
S Nanas1, E Angelopoulos, S Tsikriki
1First Critical Care Department, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University, Evangelismos Hospital, Athens, Greece. snanas@cc.uoa.gr
Anaesthesia and Intensive Care
|December 19, 2007
Summary
Propofol sedation in intensive care unit (ICU) patients is linked to a higher incidence of hyperamylasemia, a marker of pancreatic injury. Monitoring amylase levels in these patients is recommended.
Area of Science:
- Critical Care Medicine
- Pharmacology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Hyperamylasemia, elevated serum amylase levels, can indicate pancreatic dysfunction.
- Propofol is a commonly used sedative in intensive care units (ICUs).
- The relationship between propofol administration and hyperamylasemia requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence of hyperamylasemia in intensive care unit patients receiving propofol.
- To determine if propofol infusion is associated with biochemical evidence of pancreatic injury.
- To assess the need for amylase level monitoring in propofol-sedated patients.
Main Methods:
- A study was conducted on 172 consecutive general ICU patients staying over 24 hours.
- Patients with pre-existing conditions causing elevated amylase or on medications affecting amylase levels were excluded.
- Thirty eligible patients received continuous propofol infusion for sedation; 14 served as a control group.
Main Results:
- Of 30 patients receiving propofol, 16 (53%) developed hyperamylasemia (125-466 IU/l) after 2-9 days.
- The incidence of hyperamylasemia in the propofol group was significantly higher than in the 14 control patients (14%, P = 0.021).
- Liver and kidney function remained normal in all observed patients.
Conclusions:
- Continuous propofol infusion in ICU patients is associated with biochemical evidence of pancreatic injury.
- Hyperamylasemia in propofol-treated patients appears to be a direct effect of the sedative.
- Monitoring of serum amylase levels is warranted in intensive care unit patients sedated with propofol.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Parenteral Anesthetics: Overview
Intravenous anesthetics are drugs administered parenterally to induce anesthesia or sedation. Propofol is a widely used agent formulated as a 1% emulsion in soybean oil, glycerol, and egg phosphatide. It induces rapid anesthesia primarily due to its rapid distribution from the bloodstream to target tissues and is metabolized in the liver. However, it can cause significant pain on injection and hypertriglyceridemia. Fospropofol, a water-based prodrug of propofol, lacks these adverse effects.
01:24General Anesthesia: Overview
Anesthesia is a medical procedure that uses drugs for CNS suppression to enable painless surgeries and procedures. The selection of anesthetics is influenced by their pharmacokinetic properties, side effects, and patient characteristics. Various types of anesthesia include general, local, regional, spinal, and inhalational.
General anesthesia induces unconsciousness in the whole body, while the others target specific areas or sensations. It is administered to minimize adverse effects, maintain...
General anesthesia induces unconsciousness in the whole body, while the others target specific areas or sensations. It is administered to minimize adverse effects, maintain...
01:21Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State
Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State, or HHS, is a serious and life-threatening complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is characterized by three main features: severe hyperglycemia, profound dehydration, and elevated serum osmolality, all occurring without significant ketoacidosis.HHS typically develops in older adults or individuals with limited access to fluids. This may result from illness, cognitive impairment, or medications such as diuretics or corticosteroids. These factors reduce...
01:15Hypoglycemia and Glucagon
Without prolonged fasting, healthy individuals maintain blood glucose levels above 3.5 mM due to a well-adapted neuroendocrine counterregulatory system that effectively prevents acute hypoglycemia, a potentially life-threatening condition. The primary clinical scenarios for hypoglycemia encompass diabetes treatment, inappropriate production of endogenous insulin or insulin-like substances by tumors, and the use of glucose-lowering agents in non-diabetic individuals. Notably, hypoglycemia in the...
01:14SBAR II: Application of SBAR
SBAR is an effective communication tool used by healthcare professionals to communicate patient information accurately. SBAR stands for Situation, Background, Assessment, and Recommendation. For a better understanding, an example is given below.
SBAR Report from a Nurse to a Health Care Provider
S: "Hello, Dr. Smith. This is Jane, RN, from the Med Surg unit. I am calling to tell you about Ms. White in Room 210, who is experiencing increased pain and redness at her incision site. Her recent...
SBAR Report from a Nurse to a Health Care Provider
S: "Hello, Dr. Smith. This is Jane, RN, from the Med Surg unit. I am calling to tell you about Ms. White in Room 210, who is experiencing increased pain and redness at her incision site. Her recent...
01:25Acute Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Acute pancreatitis is the sudden inflammation of the pancreas caused by the early activation of digestive enzymes, leading to the autodigestion of pancreatic tissue. This results in local inflammation and, in severe cases, systemic complications.EtiologyUnderstanding the underlying causes is crucial, as identifying the etiology guides treatment and anticipates complications. Acute pancreatitis can be triggered by various factors, typically grouped into the following clinical categories.Biliary...