Target-controlled infusion of propofol induces rapid hypertriglyceridemia in healthy cats

To evaluate serum triglyceride concentrations during target-controlled infusion (TCI) of propofol in healthy cats undergoing elective orchiectomy and to investigate the relationship between cumulative propofol dose and triglyceride concentrations.

8 healthy male cats were anesthetized using propofol administered via a TCI system targeting a plasma concentration of 7 µg/mL for 45 minutes. Blood samples were collected at baseline, after premedication, immediately after induction, and at 20 and 40 minutes of infusion for determination of serum triglyceride concentrations.

Serum triglycerides increased significantly following propofol administration, with elevations detectable immediately after induction. Median concentrations were 41 mg/dL (range, 31 to 75) at baseline, 32 mg/dL (range, 20 to 99) after premedication, 128 mg/dL (range, 72 to 215) immediately after induction, 132 mg/dL (range, 106 to 227) at 20 minutes of infusion, and 143 mg/dL (range, 57 to 230) at 40 minutes of infusion. During anesthesia, 75% of the animals exceeded the reference interval for triglycerides. No significant correlation was observed between propofol cumulative doses and triglyceride concentrations.

Target-controlled propofol infusion is associated with a rapid increase in serum triglyceride concentrations in cats even during short anesthetic procedures.

Given the use of prolonged propofol infusions in veterinary anesthesia, these findings highlight the importance of considering potential changes in serum triglyceride concentrations, particularly in patients with underlying lipid or metabolic dysfunction.