Propofol-Related Infusion Syndrome in the Peripartum Period

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Critical Care Medicine
• Obstetrics

Background:

• Propofol is a common anesthetic agent with known potential complications.
• Propofol-related infusion syndrome (PRIS) is a rare but serious adverse effect.
• PRIS has not been previously documented in the obstetric population.

Observation:

• A 35-year-old pregnant patient underwent emergent cesarean delivery under general anesthesia.
• Postoperatively, the patient required reintubation and sedation due to respiratory distress.
• Sedation was managed with continuous propofol infusion.

Findings:

• The patient developed clinical and laboratory signs consistent with PRIS.
• These included electrocardiogram changes, elevated creatinine, creatine kinase, lipase, amylase, and triglycerides.
• This represents the first reported case of PRIS in an obstetric patient.

Implications:

• PRIS should be considered in the differential diagnosis of obstetric patients requiring mechanical ventilation and sedation.
• Early recognition and management of PRIS are crucial in this population.
• This case highlights the importance of vigilance for rare complications of common anesthetic agents in obstetrics.