Propofol infusion syndrome (PIS) is a rare but extremely dangerous complication associated with propofol infusion at doses higher than 4 mg/kg/hr for greater than 48 h duration. It is characterized by acute refractory bradycardia progressing to asystole and may lead to death. This article discusses the risk factors, clinical features, and management of this life-threatening syndrome. Propofol is one of the most widely used anesthetic agents in ICU.
Propofol has been associated with a number of serious adverse effects such as metabolic acidosis, cardiac asystole, myocardial failure, rhabdomyolysis, and death. Propofol Infusion Syndrome (PIS) PIS has been associated with propofol infusions at doses greater than 4 mg/kg/hr for longer than 48 h duration. It is often associated with one or more of the following: metabolic acidosis, rhabdomyolysis, hyperlipidemia, and enlarged or fatty liver.…
