Influence of hemorrhage on propofol pseudo-steady state concentration

BACKGROUND: A small induction dose has been recommended in cases of hemorrhagic shock. However, the influence of hemorrhage on the amplitude of plasma propofol concentration has not yet been fully investigated during continuous propofol infusion. The authors hypothesized that the effect of hemorrhage on plasma propofol concentration is variously influenced by the different stages of shock. METHODS: After 120 min of steady state infusion of propofol at a rate of 2 mg x kg(-1) x h(-1), nine instrumented immature swine were studied using a stepwise increasing hemorrhagic model (200 ml of blood every 30 min until 1 h, then additional stepwise bleeding of 100 ml every 30 min thereafter, to the point of circulatory collapse). Hemodynamic parameters and plasma propofol concentration were recorded at every step. RESULTS: Before total circulatory collapse, it was possible to drain 976 +/- 166 ml (mean +/- SD) of blood. Hemorrhage of less than 600 ml (19 ml/kg) was not accompanied by a significant change in plasma propofol concentration. At individual peak systemic vascular resistance, when cardiac output and mean arterial pressure decreased by 31% and 14%, respectively, plasma propofol concentration increased by 19% of its prehemorrhagic value. At maximum heart rate, when cardiac output and mean arterial pressure decreased by 46% and 28%, respectively, plasma propofol concentration increased by 38%. In uncompensated shock, it increased to 3.75 times its prehemorrhagic value. CONCLUSIONS: During continuous propofol infusion, plasma propofol concentration increased by less than 20% during compensated shock. However, it increased 3.75 times its prehemorrhagic concentration during uncompensated shock.