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Updated: Jun 22, 2026

A Swine Burn Model for Investigating the Healing Process in Multiple Depth Burn Wounds
Published on: February 23, 2024
Propofol clearance and volume of distribution are increased in patients with major burns
Tae-Hyung Han1, David J Greenblatt, J A Jeevendra Martyn
1Department of Anesthesia, 5937 JPP, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Carver College of Medicine, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA. anthony-han@uiowa.edu
Abstract:
Propofol pharmacokinetics were examined in 17 adults with major burns during the hyperdynamic convalescent phase. Eighteen nonburned surgical patients served as controls. After a 2-mg/kg intravenous dose of propofol, blood samples were collected at multiple time points. Noncompartmental methods were used to calculate the pharmacokinetic parameters. The following indices were higher in burns than controls: propofol clearance (64+/-17 vs 29+/-4 mL/kg/min, P<.001) and volume of distribution (8+/-3 vs 4+/-1 L/kg, P<.001). The area under the curve was smaller in burns (556+/-152 vs 1193+/-183 microg/mL h, P<.001). The higher clearance of propofol in burned patients may imply that these patients require higher doses or infusion rates of propofol to attain a target plasma concentration or pharmacodynamic effect.
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