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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 28, 2026

Optogenetic Activation of Afferent Pathways in Brain Slices and Modulation of Responses by Volatile Anesthetics

Optogenetic Activation of Afferent Pathways in Brain Slices and Modulation of Responses by Volatile Anesthetics

Published on: July 23, 2020

Is There a Relationship between Hyperkalemia and Propofol?

Ju-Hyun Lee¹, Young-Sun Ko, Hyun-Jong Shin

¹Department of Internal Medicine, Hanyang University Guri Hospital, Guri, Korea.

Electrolyte & Blood Pressure : E & BP

|October 15, 2011

Summary

Propofol, a common anesthetic, may cause severe hyperkalemia leading to cardiac arrest. This case highlights a potential link between propofol administration and life-threatening hyperkalemia, emphasizing the need for further investigation.

Keywords:

heart arrest hyperkalemia propofol propofol infusion syndrome

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 28, 2026

Optogenetic Activation of Afferent Pathways in Brain Slices and Modulation of Responses by Volatile Anesthetics

Optogenetic Activation of Afferent Pathways in Brain Slices and Modulation of Responses by Volatile Anesthetics

Published on: July 23, 2020

Area of Science:

Anesthesiology
Toxicology
Cardiology

Background:

Propofol is a widely used intravenous anesthetic agent.
Cardiopulmonary arrest is a critical medical emergency.
Hyperkalemia is a condition characterized by elevated potassium levels in the blood.

Observation:

A 29-year-old female experienced sudden cardiopulmonary arrest immediately after a 100 mg intravenous bolus of propofol during a dilatation and curettage procedure.
The patient presented to the emergency room with severe hyperkalemia (9.1 mEq/L) and ventricular fibrillation.
Despite successful resuscitation and conversion to sinus rhythm, the patient unfortunately expired.

Findings:

Severe hyperkalemia induced by propofol was strongly suspected as the cause of death, given the temporal association and absence of other identified causes.
Literature review indicated that propofol-induced hyperkalemia is not well-documented.

Implications:

This case suggests a potential causal relationship between propofol administration and severe hyperkalemia.
Further research is warranted to explore the mechanisms and incidence of propofol-induced hyperkalemia.
Clinicians should be aware of this potential adverse effect of propofol, especially in susceptible individuals.