SERUM-LIPID AND GLUCOSE-CONCENTRATIONS WITH A PROPOFOL INFUSION FOR CARDIAC-SURGERY

Objective: To document changes in serum lipids and glucose with a prop ofol infusion technique for cardiac surgery. Design: Prospective cohor t. Setting: University teaching hospital. Participants: 22 elective ca rdiac surgical patients. Interventions: Frequent venous blood sampling . Measurements and Main Results: Serum lipids and glucose were measure d at 10 time periods perioperatively, from preinduction until 4 hours post-cardiopulmonary bypass. Plasma propofol concentrations were also measured in 10 of these patients, There was a significant increase in glucose (P < 0.0005) and decreases in cholesterol (P < 0.0005), high-d ensity lipoprotein (P = 0.004), and low-density lipoprotein (P < 0.000 5); there was no significant change in triglycerides (P = 0.39). The p ropofol infusion resulted in acceptable plasma levels throughout the p rocedure and allowed early extubation in the intensive care unit, afte r a mean (SD) of 7.14 (5.9) hours. There was a strong correlation betw een triglyceride and propofol levels at most time periods (r = 0.38 to 0.98). Conclusions: This study demonstrates that a propofol infusion technique does not result in elevation of serum lipids and supports it s increased popularity in maintenance of anesthesia for cardiac surger y. Copyright (C) 1995 by W.B. Saunders Company