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Published on: February 9, 2021
Propofol-induced uric acid crystals: A case of cloudy urine
Alexandra Baumgarten1, Mark Newton1,2
1Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA.
Insights
Propofol, an anesthetic, can cause side effects. A case study found uric acid crystals in a child's urine after propofol infusion, highlighting a rare adverse event in pediatric anesthesia.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Pediatric Nephrology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Propofol is a widely used intravenous anesthetic agent for intraoperative and intensive care unit settings.
- Commonly known adverse effects include apnea, hypotension, and bradycardia.
- Rarer adverse sequelae of intravenous anesthetics in pediatric populations are underreported.
Observation:
- A case report details a thirteen-year-old male patient.
- The patient received a short-duration propofol infusion.
Findings:
- The patient incidentally developed uric acid crystals in his urine post-propofol administration.
- This represents a potential, albeit rare, adverse finding associated with propofol use in children.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of monitoring for uncommon adverse events in pediatric patients receiving propofol.
- Further investigation may be warranted to understand the mechanism and incidence of propofol-induced uric acid crystalluria in children.
- Clinicians should be aware of this potential sequela when managing pediatric anesthesia.
Abstract:
Propofol is an intravenous anesthetic agent commonly used intraoperatively as well as in the intensive care unit. Known short-term effects of propofol can include apnea, hypotension, and bradycardia. In children, the rarer adverse sequelae of intravenous anesthetics have received little attention. We present the case of a thirteen-year-old male who incidentally developed uric acid crystals in his urine following a short-duration propofol infusion.
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