[Use of Diprivan in burn patients]

The use of propofol should be avoided in the first 48 hours after a burn injury, as a major haemodynamic instability characterizes this period. For excision and/or grafting, propofol is mainly used as an induction agent. Maintenance of anaesthesia requires higher doses, often in the range of 15 mg.kg-1.h-1, and varying with each patient and the stage of the burn. Propofol is most appropriate in anaesthesia for dressing changes, considering the repetition of the procedures, interfering least with enteral nutrition and the quality of recovery, considered as essential. Combined with alfentanil or fentanyl, the dose of propofol is titrated to obtain the desired effect, from a simple sedation with patient co-operation to total anaesthesia.