Effects of propofol on human microcirculation
M Koch1, D De Backer, J L Vincent
1Department of Anaesthesiology, Erasme University Hospital, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Route de Lennik 808, B-1070 Brussels, Belgium.
British Journal of Anaesthesia
|July 26, 2008
Summary
Propofol anesthesia in healthy individuals was found to reduce capillary blood flow, despite stable systemic hemodynamics. These microcirculatory alterations resolved after propofol infusion ceased.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Critical Care Medicine
- Microcirculation Research
Background:
- Microvascular alterations are implicated in organ dysfunction in critically ill patients.
- Propofol is known to decrease vascular tone and induce hypotension.
- The microcirculatory effects of propofol in healthy humans remain largely unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of propofol on the sublingual microcirculation in healthy humans.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, open-label trial involving 15 patients undergoing anesthesia with propofol for transvaginal oocyte retrieval.
- Sublingual microcirculation was assessed using orthogonal polarization spectral imaging before, during, and after propofol infusion.
Main Results:
- Propofol administration led to a 9.1% decrease in total microvascular density (P<0.05).
- The density of perfused capillaries significantly reduced by 16.7% (P<0.05), while venular density remained unchanged.
- Systemic hemodynamic and oxygenation variables showed no significant changes during propofol infusion.
Conclusions:
- Propofol infusion during anesthesia in humans reduces capillary blood flow.
- Microcirculatory alterations observed during propofol administration were reversible, resolving within 3 hours post-infusion.
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