Hyperlipidemias: Fudickar A

Fudickar A, Bein B. · Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany. · Minerva Anestesiol. · Pubmed #19412155 links to  free full text

Abstract: Propofol infusion syndrome (PRIS) is defined as acute bradycardia progressing to asystole combined with lipemic plasma, fatty liver enlargement, metabolic acidosis with negative base excess >10 mmol l(-1), rhabdomyolysis or myoglobinuria associated with propofol infusion. The purpose of this review was to provide a new update of reported case reports and to describe recent retrospective studies and animal research relevant for the pathophysiology and clinical presentation of PRIS. New case reports of PRIS have confirmed previously identified risk factors, and have also further revealed the incidence of PRIS in patients previously not estimated to be at risk for this syndrome. Retrospective studies contributed new evidence to the incidence of PRIS and development of PRIS even at propofol doses commonly used for surgical anesthesia. An animal study confirmed potential pathophysiological pathways and showed new organ manifestations possibly associated with propofol infusion. Further clinical and experimental evidence has confirmed the existence of PRIS as a rare but highly lethal complication of propofol use not limited to prolonged use of propofol. PRIS has to be kept in mind if propofol is used for anesthesia or sedation. Recommendations for the limitation of propofol use have to be adhered to. Early warning signs must prompt immediate cessation of propofol infusion and adequate treatment.

Fudickar A, Bein B, Tonner PH. · Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany. · Curr Opin Anaesthesiol. · Pubmed #16829722 No free full text.

Abstract: PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Propofol infusion syndrome is a rare but often fatal syndrome, characterized by lactacidosis, lipaemic plasma and cardiac failure, associated with propofol infusion over prolonged periods of time. As propofol is used worldwide, knowledge of propofol infusion syndrome is essential for all anaesthesiologists and intensive care physicians. This review will provide an update on reported cases, and describe recent findings relevant to the pathophysiology and clinical presentation of propofol infusion syndrome. RECENT FINDINGS: Case reports of propofol infusion syndrome have contributed new pathophysiological evidence. Reported cases of similar syndromes may represent initial propofol infusion syndrome, and may help to identify further risk factors such as low carbohydrate supply and early warning signs such as lactacidosis. Newly identified gene defects mimicking propofol infusion syndrome may elicit the underlying genetic susceptibility. Recommendations for the limitation of propofol use have been devised by various institutions. SUMMARY: Propofol infusion syndrome must be kept in mind as a rare but highly lethal complication of propofol use, not necessarily confined to the prolonged use of propofol. Dose limitations must be adhered to, and early warning signs such as lactacidosis should lead to the immediate cessation of propofol infusion.