title: Is there a role of a small dose of propofol in the treatment of laryngeal spasm?
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Propofol has been found to depress the laryngeal reflexes. We studied whether this property could be utilized to relieve laryngeal spasm.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study was conducted over a period of 3 years, and included children aged 3-10 years, ASA status I and II. Most of the children were undergoing minor surgical procedures, under general anaesthesia with Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA trade mark ) and caudal epidural analgesia.
  
  
  RESULTS
  During this period, 20 patients developed laryngeal spasm on removal of the LMA at the end of surgery. Initially, they all were treated with 100% O2, with gentle positive pressure ventilation. Out of 20 patients, seven responded well with 100% O2 and gentle positive pressure ventilation. The remaining 13 were treated with a small dose of propofol (0.8 mg.kg-1 body weight). Laryngeal spasm was relieved successfully in 10 patients and three patients required intubation to improve their oxygenation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Propofol in a small dose (0.8 mg.kg-1 body weight) was a useful drug to relieve laryngeal spasm in most children (76.9%) following the removal of the LMA. Because it was not found to be effective in all patients, succinylcholine still has a role to play in critical conditions. However, we recommend propofol as a suitable alternative for relieving laryngeal spasm in situations where succinylcholine is contraindicated.
mesh_terms: D000768:Anesthesia, General; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D017214:Laryngeal Masks / Q000009:adverse effects*; D007826:Laryngismus / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D010102:Oxygen Inhalation Therapy; D011175:Positive-Pressure Respiration; D015742:Propofol / Q000008:administration & dosage*
chemical_list: D015742:Propofol