S. Inoue et al., Propofol as a continuous infusion during cardiopulmonary bypass does not affect changes in serum free fatty acids, EUR J ANAES, 18(2), 2001, pp. 113-117
Perioperative myocardial infarction or ischaemia is a potential consequence
of cardiac surgery and elevated free fatty acids can increase the severity
of myocardial ischaemic damage. We investigated perioperative changes in s
erum free fatty acids, and other serum lipids, as a consequence of using pr
opofol infusions for cardiac surgery during cardiopulmonary bypass. Twenty-
five patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass grafting were allo
cated to two groups. One group of 12 patients was given a continuous infusi
on of propofol and the other group of nine patients received intermittent b
oluses of midazolam as a hypnotic agent. Serum lipid concentrations were me
asured at four periods perioperatively. Changes in free fatty acid concentr
ations were similar between the two groups. Lipid concentrations related to
triglyceride in the propofol group decreased on one occasion but subsequen
tly returned to control value. On the other hand, such values in the midazo
lam group remained lower than control values. Propofol is not a contraindic
ation as an anaesthetic for cardiac surgery in respect of concern regarding
the effects of free fatty acids.