Propofol 1% and propofol 2% are equally effective and well tolerated during anaesthesia of patients undergoing elective craniotomy for neurosurgical procedures.
BACKGROUND
The 2% formulation of the intravenous anaesthetic agent, propofol (Diprivan), delivers half the amount of lipid compared with the original 1% formulation. This may provide an acceptable alternative for patients who have an impaired ability to metabolise lipids.


METHODS
This study was a multicentre, randomised, open comparison of parallel groups. Seventy-three adult patients undergoing elective craniotomy in neurosurgery were randomised to receive either propofol 1% (10 mg/ml) or propofol 2% (20 mg/ml) for induction and maintenance of anaesthesia.


RESULTS
Analysis of induction time (199 s, 1%; 202 s, 2%; p > 0.05) and induction dose (1.13 mg/kg, 1.12 mg/kg; p > 0.05) shows that propofol 1% and propofol 2% are pharmacodynamically equivalent. Both formulations were similar regarding overall administration rates, recovery times, haemodynamic variables and tolerability. Plasma triglyceride levels, were lower in the propofol 2% group compared with the propofol 1% group, and significantly lower (p < 0.05) from 1 to 4 hours after induction.


CONCLUSIONS
We conclude that propofol 2% is as effective and as well-tolerated as propofol 1% for anaesthesia and is an acceptable alternative to propofol 1% in patients undergoing elective craniotomy in neurosurgery. The lower lipid load suggests it may be of particular benefit to patients with disorders of lipid metabolism.
Zattoni
J
J
Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, University of Genova.
Rossi
A
A
Cella
F
F
Ori
C
C
Facco
E
E
Giron
G P
GP
Stocchetti
N
N
Chieregato
A
A
Serioli
T
T
Zuccoli
P
P
Parma
A
A
Trazzi
R
R
D000328:Adult; D000771:Anesthesia, Intravenous; D018686:Anesthetics, Intravenous / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures; D015742:Propofol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects
D018686:Anesthetics, Intravenous; D008055:Lipids; D015742:Propofol