Propofol in a new formulation (Propofol MCT/LCT): Effect on injection painin children

Objectives. This prospective, randomised, double-blind study was designed t o compare the incidence and intensity of pain on injection of propofol form ulated in a mixture of medium- and long-chain triglycerides, Propofol-MCT/L CT 1% (Propofol-Lipuro, B. Braun, Germany) with propofol in a commonly used emulsion of long-chain triglycerides, Propofol-LCT 1% (Disoprivan, Zeneca) in children ungergoing elective surgical procedures. Methods. After approval of the local ethics committee 40 children, aged 7-1 4 years, were enrolled in the study. Premedication was with 5-10 mg diazepa m orally one hour before induction of anesthesia. In the beginnung 20% of t he calculated dose of Propofol for induction was injected into a separate v enous cannula in a dorsal vein of the hand; patients were observed for expr essing pain spontaneously during injection patients or were asked to descri be the sensations after 10 s. Withdrawal of the arm during injection was al so noted. Results. Significantly more children reported pain on injection of propofol -LCT compared to Propofol-MCT/LCT (25% vs, 10%) and signicantly more childr en retracted their arm during injection of propofol-LCT (40% vs. 10%). Implications. Propofol-MCT/LCT 1% (Propofol-Lipuro) for induction of anesth esia produced significantly less pain on injection and significantly less d rawing back of the arm when compared to Propofol-LCT (Disoprivan). Thus, wi th respect to pain on injection Propofol-MCT/LCT appears to be superior to Propofol-LCT in children aged 7-14 years.