title: Propofol: effective dose and induction characteristics in unpremedicated children.
abstract: The induction dose, induction characteristics, and cardiovascular and respiratory effects of propofol were studied in 90 unpremedicated children 3-12 yr old. Propofol in a dose of 1-3 mg.kg-1 was injected in an antecubital vein over 10-30 s. Successful induction was defined by loss of eyelash reflex occurring within 50 s of the conclusion of propofol injection and followed by subsequent acceptance of face mask without excessive movement. The effective dose of propofol resulting in loss of eyelash reflex in 50% (ED50) and 95% (ED95) of children were 1.3 (1.1-1.4) and 2.0 (1.7-2.6) mg.kg-1 (95% confidence interval). The corresponding ED50 and ED95 for a successful induction that included acceptance of face mask were 1.5 (1.3-1.7) and 2.3 (2.1-3.0), respectively. There was a 6.6% incidence of mild to moderate pain on injection and a 12.7% incidence of involuntary movement. Apnea (cessation of breathing greater than 20 s) was seen in 21% of patients. Blood pressure decreased by more than 20% of baseline value in 48% of patients who received halothane (1-3%) after the bolus injection of propofol. It is concluded that propofol is an effective induction agent in children. A dose of 2.5-3.0 mg.kg-1 is recommended to ensure a smooth transition to an inhalational maintenance technique. The use of antecubital veins is associated with a low incidence of pain on injection.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesiology, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, D.C. 20010.
authors.forename: R S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Hannallah
authors.forename: S B
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Baker
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Casey
authors.forename: W A
authors.initials: WA
authors.lastname: McGill
authors.forename: L M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Broadman
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Norden
mesh_terms: D000771:Anesthesia, Intravenous; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006439:Hemodynamics / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D011229:Preanesthetic Medication; D015742:Propofol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D012119:Respiration / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D015742:Propofol