Biochemical markers in total intravenous anesthesia and propofol infusion syndrome: a preliminary study

To investigate biochemically whether total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) using propofol creates a risk for Propofol Infusion Syndrome (PRIS).

Forty patients scheduled for thyroid gland surgery were randomly assigned into Group T or C and premedicated 30 min before operation. Group T received remifentanyl hydrochloride, propofol infusion following anesthesia induction with propofol, vecuronium bromide and intubation. Group C received remifentanyl hydrochloride infusion, 1-1.5 MAC desflurane inhalation following anesthesia induction with thiopental, vecuronium bromide and intubation. Patients were respired 50% O2-air mixture. Blood gas, potassium, lactic acid, CK-MB, myoglobin, troponin I, total carnitine, triglyceride, creatinine concentrations were determined before operation, at intraoperative hour-2, postoperative hour-6.

There were no significant differences between groups in potassium, lactic acid CK-MB, myoglobin, total carnitine or creatinine levels. Triglyceride level at intraoperative hour-2 increased in Group T, decreased at postoperative hour-6. Troponin I was higher in Group C than Group T at intraoperative hour-2 (p < 0.05). No asystole, bradycardia, arrhythmia, hypotension or change in urine color was detected.

The present biochemical findings suggest that TIVA using propofol is safe.