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A Death Associated with Possible Propofol Infusion Syndrome

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Abstract

Propofol, an intravenously administered, centrally acting sedative/hypnotic, is a popular medication for anesthesia and sedation due to rapid onset, controllability and short recovery time. Prolonged propofol infusions, (>48 h) with elevated doses (>67 mcg/kg/min) may result in a rare but fatal condition known as the Propofol Related Infusion Syndrome (PRIS). This is a case of severe metabolic acidosis and refractory hyperkalemia in a 53 year old female with polytrauma on a continuous propofol infusion that was associated with fatal outcome.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Trauma Fellow, State Trauma Unit, Royal Perth Hospital, Wellington Street, Perth, Western Australia

    Nikhil Agrawal

  2. FRACS, State Director Trauma Services, Royal Perth Hospital, Wellington Street, Perth, Western Australia

    Sudhakar Rao

  3. MBBS, State Trauma Unit, Royal Perth Hospital, Wellington Street, Perth, Western Australia

    Roshan Nair

Authors
  1. Nikhil Agrawal
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  2. Sudhakar Rao
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  3. Roshan Nair
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Correspondence to Nikhil Agrawal.

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Agrawal, N., Rao, S. & Nair, R. A Death Associated with Possible Propofol Infusion Syndrome. Indian J Surg 75 (Suppl 1), 407–408 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12262-012-0754-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12262-012-0754-7

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