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.

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