Propofol pharmacokinetics in children with biliary atresia

We studied the pharmacokinetics of an i.v. bolus dose of propofol 2.5-3.0 mg kg-1 in eight children (age 4-24 months) with biliary atresia and in six control (ASA I) children (age 11-43 months). Blood samples were obtained for 4 h after administration of propofol. Blood concentrations of propofol were measured by high pressure liquid chromatography. Systemic clearance of propofol (CI) and volume of distribution at steady state (Vss) showed a highly significant correlation with body weight. Propofol CI and Vss, normalized for body weight, were similar in children with biliary atresia (mean 37.5 (SD 8.3) ml min-1 kg-1 and 3.5 (1.6) litre kg-1, respectively) compared with control children (38.7 (6.8) ml min-1 kg-1 and 2.4 (0.8) litre-1 kg-1, respectively). We conclude that in children with biliary atresia the pharmacokinetics of propofol are similar to those of healthy children.