Haematological and biochemical changes during anaesthesia with propofol ('Diprivan')

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Pharmacology
• Surgical Research

Background:

• Propofol is a widely used anesthetic agent.
• Its effects on hemostasis and neuroendocrine stress response require thorough investigation.
• Understanding these effects is crucial for patient safety during surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the influence of propofol emulsion on blood coagulation and fibrinolysis.
• To assess the neuroendocrine responses to surgery under propofol anesthesia.
• To compare these effects with Althesin anesthesia.

Main Methods:

• A comparative study involving 12 patients receiving propofol and 10 patients receiving Althesin.
• Both anesthetic regimens supplemented 67% nitrous oxide in oxygen for body surface surgery.
• Blood samples were analyzed for coagulation, fibrinolysis, hemoglobin, hematocrit, white blood cell count, platelet count, blood glucose, and plasma cortisol levels at different time points.

Main Results:

• No significant changes in coagulation or fibrinolytic indices were observed in either group.
• Both groups showed a significant decrease in hemoglobin and a rise in blood glucose post-induction.
• Propofol specifically led to a fall in hematocrit, while plasma cortisol levels decreased initially and then returned to baseline.

Conclusions:

• Propofol emulsion anesthesia does not significantly impact blood coagulation or fibrinolysis.
• Transient hematological and metabolic changes, including decreased hemoglobin and increased blood glucose, occur during propofol anesthesia.
• The observed decrease in plasma cortisol requires further investigation into its underlying mechanisms.