The effects of consecutive day propofol anesthesia on feline red blood cells

This study investigated the potential for multiple exposures of propofol to induce oxidative injury, in the form of Heinz body production, to feline red blood cells. Anesthesia was induced in six healthy cats with propofol (6 mg/kg, intravenous [IV]) and maintained for 30 minutes with a propofol infusion (0.20 to 0.30 mg/kg/min, IV). The initial protocol was designed for each cat to receive 10 consecutive days of propofol anesthesia. All cats spontaneously breathed room air. Heart rate, respiratory rate, and indirect blood pressure were measured and recorded before and during anesthesia. Time to complete recovery after each infusion was measured and recorded. Heinz body analysis was performed before and after each day of propofol anesthesia. Based on predetermined criteria for discontinuing daily infusions, the mean number of consecutive days of propofol anesthesia was six and propofol administration did not continue beyond 7 days in any cat. Heart rate, respiratory rate, and indirect blood pressure did not change significantly during propofol anesthesia compared with awake values. Following the third consecutive day of propofol anesthesia, there was a significant increase from baseline in the mean percentage of Heinz bodies. Hemolysis was not detected in any cat. Recovery time significantly increased after the second consecutive day of propofol anesthesia compared with the first day. Five of six cats developed generalized malaise, anorexia, and diarrhea on day 5, 6, or 7, and two cats developed facial edema.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)