[Hemodynamic effects of propofol]

The new form of propofol gives the same haemodynamic effects as the old one (propofol diluted in cremophor EL). There are few experimental studies concerning the haemodynamic effects of propofol. In the dwarf pig, Glen and Turner found a fall in arterial blood pressure and peripheral resistances, whilst the heart rate and cardiac output rose. In man, studies have shown that propofol gives haemodynamic effects similar to the other intravenous anaesthetic drugs, and especially thiopentone. In subjects with a healthy heart, and for doses included between 1.5 and 2.5 mg X kg-1, propofol gave a 25 to 30% fall in arterial blood pressure. There are also a 20% fall in peripheral resistances and a small fall (10%) in cardiac output. Blood pressure returned to its initial level 3 to 5 min after the injection. The heart rate was not much changed, and rather slowed, perhaps because of central vagotonia. When propofol was used to maintain anaesthesia, either by repeat injections, or by infusion, with the patient breathing spontaneously and not undergoing painful stimuli, blood pressure and heart rate remained steady within 55 to 65% of their initial values. Propofol appeared to avoid to some extent the increase in blood pressure and heart rate seen during intubation. When propofol and fentanyl were used together, the cardiovascular effects were more pronounced than when they were used alone. Moreover, propofol appeared to limit to a large extent the hypertension due to intubation and sternotomy in patients undergoing aorto-coronary arterial graft surgery.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)