Propofol as a continuous infusion during cardiopulmonary bypass does not affect changes in serum free fatty acids

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.