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Title: Propofol Infusion Syndrome

Category: Critical Care

Keywords: propofol (PubMed Search)

Posted: 5/7/2008 by Mike Winters, MBA, MD (Updated: 7/21/2026)

Propofol Infusion Syndrome

  • Many of us are now using propofol for sedation in our critically ill patients
  • Although a great drug, it is important to be aware of "propofol infusion syndrome" (PIS)
  • Risk factors for PIS include young age, severe CNS or pulmonary illness, and exogenous catecholamine administration
  • Clinical features include: unexplained metabolic acidosis, rhabdomyolysis, hyperlipidemia, hepatomegaly, and cardiovascular instability
  • Pearl: It is reported that the development of coved ST elevations in V1-V3 (similar to Brugada syndrome) may be the first sign of cardiac instability with PIS

References

Kam PCA, Cardone D. Propofol infusion syndrome. Anaesthesia 2007;62:690-701.


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