The Incidence of Propofol-Induced Hypertriglyceridemia and Identification of Associated Risk Factors

Propofol, Triglycerides, and Acute Pancreatitis: A Multicenter Epidemiologic Analysis

Rationale: Propofol is one of the first-line sedative-hypnotic agents for critically ill adults requiring mechanical ventilation. Although propofol can elevate triglyceride levels, and the latter is a risk factor for pancreatitis, the association between propofol and acute pancreatitis is unclear. Objectives: We sought to determine the clinical impact and potential associations between propofol infusion, hypertriglyceridemia, and acute pancreatitis. Methods: This is an observational multicenter study of adults (⩾18 yr old) who were admitted to an intensive care unit, who required mechanical ventilation and received continuous propofol infusion for at least 24 hours. The primary outcomes were the frequency of hypertriglyceridemia (>400 mg/dl) and acute pancreatitis. Further analyses were done to determine the clinical impact of elevated triglyceride levels (i.e., sedation changes) and risk factors for pancreatitis development. Results: Of 11,828 patients included, 33.2% (n = 3,922) had triglyceride levels measured, of whom 21.7% (n = 851) had hypertriglyceridemia at 4.5 days (SD = 6.8) after propofol initiation. Of those still requiring sedation, 70.4% (n = 576/818) received alternative sedatives after developing hypertriglyceridemia. Pancreatitis occurred in 1.2% of patients (n = 47/3,922) and was more frequent in those with hypertriglyceridemia (3.2%, 27/851; vs. 0.7%, 20/3,071; P < 0.001). After adjustment for potential confounding variables, each 100 mg/dl increase in triglyceride levels was associated with an 11% increase in risk of pancreatitis. Propofol dose was not associated with pancreatitis development. Conclusions: Acute pancreatitis is uncommon in patients receiving propofol infusion, and it occurs over a wide range of triglyceride levels, indicating a multifactorial pathophysiology. Hypertriglyceridemia frequently prompts the use of alternative sedatives. Further study is needed to determine how to best monitor and treat hypertriglyceridemia in critically ill patients receiving propofol infusion.

Incidence of Hypertriglyceridemia in Patients on Propofol, Clevidipine, or Both

BACKGROUND

Propofol and clevidipine (PC) are commonly used in the treatment of critically ill patients. While both medications are lipid emulsions, there is limited evidence concerning the incidence of hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) when these agents are used individually or concurrently.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to determine the effects of propofol, clevidipine, or concurrent PC on triglycerides (TGs) and related outcomes in critically ill adults.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study conducted at an academic medical center. Patients were included if they received ≥24 hours of continuous propofol and/or clevidipine. Excluded were those without TG levels after ≥24 hours of infusion, baseline HTG, acute pancreatitis at admission, or receiving total parenteral nutrition with lipids. The primary outcome was incidence of HTG (defined as a TG level >400 mg/dL). Secondary outcomes included median and peak TG levels, hospital length of stay, intensive care unit length of stay, total lipid infused, time to peak TG level, peak lipase level, and development of pancreatitis.

RESULTS

In total, 190 patients were studied: 109 in the propofol group, 50 in the clevidipine group, and 31 in the PC group. Incidence of HTG was similar (19 [17.4%] vs 6 [12%] vs 4 [12.9%] patients, P = 0.6246). Peak and median TG levels were similar for propofol, clevidipine, and PC groups (216 mg/dL vs 189.5 mg/dL vs 205 mg/dL, P = 0.7069; 177 mg/dL vs 185.5 mg/dL vs 177 mg/dL, P = 0.6791).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

There was a similar incidence of HTG in all groups. The results of this study suggest that the concurrent use of PC should not modify the frequency of TG level monitoring.

A Comparison of Midazolam and Propofol for Deep Sedation in Patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Requiring Neuromuscular Blocking Agents

Purpose: The optimal agent for deep sedation in patients undergoing continuous infusion (CI) neuromuscular blocking agent (NMBA) use for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is unknown. The purpose of this study is to compare the efficacy and safety of propofol and midazolam in ARDS patients requiring CI NMBA. Methods: A multi-center, retrospective study was performed in mechanically ventilated (MV) adult patients requiring CI NMBA for management of ARDS. The primary outcome was to compare the time to liberation from MV in patients sedated with propofol vs midazolam. Results: In the 109 patients included, there was no difference in time to MV liberation with propofol as compared to midazolam (121 hr [Interquartile range (IQR) 67 195] vs 98 hr [IQR 48, 292], P = .72). Median time to sedation emergence after NMBA discontinuation was shorter in patients receiving propofol (12.9 hr [IQR 19.8, 72.5] vs 31.5 hr [IQR 6.4, 34.6], P < .01). There were no significant differences in time to therapeutic sedation, ICU stay, mortality, and adverse events. Conclusion: Propofol may be an effective and safe alternative to midazolam for patients undergoing CI NMBA for ARDS. Additionally, patients receiving propofol may have a quicker return to light sedation after NMBA discontinuation.

Impact of Pharmacist Monitoring of Serum Triglycerides for Critically Ill Patients Receiving Propofol

Background: Elevated serum triglycerides due to the use of propofol for sedation in the ICU is associated with adverse effects and serum triglyceride monitoring may be improved by pharmacists. Objective: To determine if there was improvement in serum triglyceride monitoring in ICU patients receiving propofol for sedation after implementation of a pharmacist-driven triglyceride monitoring protocol. Methods: This was a single-center pre-post-intervention retrospective cohort study. The protocol was implemented on January 10 2019. Data were collected over 1 year, and patients were divided between those started on propofol before and after protocol implementation. Results: There were 412 patients included in the final analysis with no significant differences between groups. There was a significant increase in the number of patients who had a triglyceride concentration obtained after protocol implementation (31.1% pre-vs 64.0% post-protocol; P < .001). For patients on propofol greater than 24 h, there was a significant increase in baseline triglyceride concentration obtained (7.6% pre-vs 15.1% post-protocol; P = .043). More instances of elevated triglyceride concentrations were identified by pharmacists than other providers (9 vs 5; P < .001). Time between propofol being ordered and first triglyceride concentration ordered was shorter (.86 days pre-protocol vs .71 days post-protocol; P = .064), but not statistically significant. Conclusion: Implementation of a pharmacist-driven protocol in the ICU increased the number of serum triglyceride levels obtained for patients receiving propofol for sedation. Pharmacists can improve triglyceride monitoring in patients receiving propofol and future studies should investigate the impact on outcomes.

Acute Kidney Injury and Chronic Kidney Disease and Their Impacts on Prognosis among Patients with Severe COVID-19 Pneumonia: An Expert Center Case-Cohort Study

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is associated with substantial mortality. In this case-control study, we analyzed the impacts of AKI and chronic kidney disease (CKD) on outcomes in a group of 323 patients with severe COVID-19. The correlation of clinical and laboratory data with AKI and CKD was also analyzed. Methods: A retrospective case-control study was conducted among AKI, CKD, and normal kidney function (NKF) groups hospitalized in a COVID-19 center in 2021. Results: AKI patients had higher in-hospital mortality (55.2 vs. 18.8%, p < 0.001), more frequent transfers from the HDU to ICU (57.5 vs. 12.9%, p < 0.001), and prolonged hospital stays (15.4 ± 10.7 vs. 10.7 ± 6.7 days, p < 0.001) compared to the NKF group. AKI was a predictor of death (OR 4.794, 95%CI: 2.906-7.906, p < 0.001). AKI patients also had broader lung parenchymal involvement and higher inflammatory markers compared to the NKF group. Patients with prior CKD had higher in-hospital mortality compared to the NKF group (64.0 vs. 18.8%, p < 0.001, OR 4.044, 95%CI: 1.723-9.490, p = 0.013); however, transfers from the HDU to ICU were not more frequent (16.0 vs. 12.9%, p = 0.753). Conclusions: AKI among COVID-19 patients was correlated with more ICU transfers, higher morbidity, and greater markers of severe disease. Patients with CKD had a higher mortality; however, the rate of ICU transfer was not substantially higher due to their poor prognosis.

Efficacy and Safety of Ciprofol Sedation in ICU Patients Undergoing Mechanical Ventilation: A Multicenter, Single-Blind, Randomized, Noninferiority Trial

OBJECTIVES

To determine the effectiveness and safety of ciprofol for sedating patients in ICUs who required mechanical ventilation (MV).

DESIGN

A multicenter, single-blind, randomized, noninferiority trial.

SETTING

Twenty-one centers across China from December 2020 to June 2021.

PATIENTS

A total of 135 ICU patients 18 to 80 years old with endotracheal intubation and undergoing MV, who were expected to require sedation for 6-24 hours.

INTERVENTIONS

One hundred thirty-five ICU patients were randomly allocated into ciprofol ( n = 90) and propofol ( n = 45) groups in a 2:1 ratio. Ciprofol or propofol were IV infused at loading doses of 0.1 mg/kg or 0.5 mg/kg, respectively, over 4 minutes ± 30 seconds depending on the physical condition of each patient. Ciprofol or propofol were then immediately administered at an initial maintenance dose of 0.3 mg/kg/hr or 1.5 mg/kg/hr, to achieve the target sedation range of Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (+1 to -2). Besides, continuous IV remifentanil analgesia was administered (loading dose: 0.5-1 μg/kg, maintenance dose: 0.02-0.15 μg/kg/min).

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Of the 135 patients enrolled, 129 completed the study. The primary endpoint-sedation success rates of ciprofol and propofol groups were 97.7% versus 97.8% in the full analysis set (FAS) and were both 100% in per-protocol set (PPS). The noninferiority margin was set as 8% and confirmed with a lower limit of two-sided 95% CI for the inter-group difference of -5.98% and -4.32% in the FAS and PPS groups. Patients who received ciprofol had a longer recovery time ( p = 0.003), but there were no differences in the remaining secondary endpoints (all p > 0.05). The occurrence rates of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) or drug-related TEAEs were not significantly different between the groups (all p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Ciprofol was well tolerated, with a noninferior sedation profile to propofol in Chinese ICU patients undergoing MV for a period of 6-24 hours.

Propofol-Associated Hypertriglyceridemia in Adults With Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome on Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

The incidence and risk factors for propofol-associated hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) in patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) have not been evaluated. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence and risk factors for propofol-associated HTG in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) on ECMO. This retrospective, cohort study included 167 adults admitted to a medical intensive care unit (ICU) from July 1, 2013 to September 1, 2021, who received 24 hours of concurrent propofol and ECMO therapy. The primary outcome was the incidence of propofol-associated HTG. Secondary outcomes included HTG risk factors, time to development and resolution of HTG, and incidence of pancreatitis. HTG occurred in 58 (34.7%) patients. Patients with HTG had longer durations of ECMO (19 vs. 13 days, p < 0.001), longer ICU length of stay (26.5 vs. 23 days, p = 0.002), and higher in-hospital mortality (51.7 vs. 34.9%, p = 0.047). Baseline sequential organ failure assessment score was associated with an increased risk of developing HTG (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.19, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.09-1.30; p < 0.001). Propofol-associated HTG occurred in one-third of patients receiving ECMO for ARDS. Higher baseline illness severity and ECMO duration were associated with an increased risk of propofol-associated HTG.

Propofol infusion syndrome as a cause for CRRT circuit malfunction: a case report with literature review

Background

Propofol is commonly used for sedation in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). When administered in high doses and for a prolonged time, it can cause a rare but hazardous complication: Propofol Infusion Syndrome (PRIS). Along with other findings, PRIS can cause lipemia and clotting of the Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT) circuit.

Case presentation

A 62-year-old woman admitted to the ICU after an acute ischemic stroke was sedated with Propofol for neuroprotection. On the sixteenth day of infusion (mean daily dose: 4 mg/kg/h), she presented with hyperlactatemia (7.7 mg/dL), acute kidney injury, metabolic acidosis (pH: 7.23 / HCO3–: 12.2 mEq/L), hyperkalemia (6.9 mEq/L), and hypotension requiring high doses of norepinephrine. CRRT and corticosteroids were initiated. After 15 min of CRRT, the blood in the circuit had a milky color, and the therapy was interrupted because of high transmembrane pressure, despite adequate anticoagulation with heparin. Laboratory tests showed hypertriglyceridemia (782 mg/dL), increased transaminases, and creatine phosphokinase (5008 U/L), suggesting the rare and fatal PRIS.

Conclusion

There is no established guideline for treating PRIS other than early discontinuation of Propofol and supportive care. Although CRRT is an important tool in managing PRIS, hypertriglyceridemia can cause circuit malfunction. Clinical hypervigilance and serial monitoring in at-risk patients are advised to minimize potentially lethal complications.

Triglyceride Concentrations and Their Relationship to Sedation Choice and Outcomes in Mechanically Ventilated Patients Receiving Propofol

Rationale: Propofol is a first-line sedative agent in the intensive care unit (ICU) but may be associated with hypertriglyceridemia and pancreatitis. To date, the relationship between propofol-induced hypertriglyceridemia and pancreatitis, as well as clinician responses to propofol-induced hypertriglyceridemia, have not been comprehensively studied. Objectives: To assess the incidence of hypertriglyceridemia and pancreatitis in patients receiving continuous propofol infusions in the ICU and to describe the association between hypertriglyceridemia and the use of nonpropofol continuous sedative infusions. Methods: This was a retrospective observational cohort study conducted at three urban academic hospitals within a single health system. Findings were additionally validated using the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care-IV (MIMIC-IV) database containing data from a separate tertiary care hospital. Mechanically ventilated adult patients who received a continuous propofol infusion between 2016 and 2021 were included. The primary exposure was serum triglyceride concentration, and hypertriglyceridemia was defined as a triglyceride concentration greater than 400 mg/dl. Outcomes included new-onset pancreatitis as well as receipt of midazolam, dexmedetomidine, or ketamine after the triglyceride measurement. The incidence of pancreatitis was compared between groups using a Fisher's Exact test. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the association between dichotomized triglyceride concentration and alternative sedative use. Results: In the primary cohort of 7,037 patients, 1,724 (24.5%) had one or more triglyceride concentration measured. Of these, 1,365 (79.2%) had a maximum concentration of less than 400 mg/dl, and 359 (20.8%) had a maximum concentration of greater than 400 mg/dl. Compared with patients with low triglyceride concentrations, patients with high triglyceride concentrations were more likely to receive a continuous infusion of midazolam (37.0% vs. 16.4%; adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 3.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.2-4.4; P < 0.01), ketamine (22.8% vs. 6.9%; aOR, 3.5; 95% CI, 2.3-5.3; P < 0.01), and dexmedetomidine (57.7% vs. 46.6%; aOR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.1-2.0; P < 0.01). Rates of midazolam infusion increased as triglyceride concentrations exceeded 500 mg/dl. Forty-four (0.6%) patients developed pancreatitis after propofol initiation, of which 4 (9.1%) were considered related to propofol-associated hypertriglyceridemia. Findings were similar in the MIMIC-IV cohort. Conclusions: Propofol-associated hypertriglyceridemia is relatively common in mechanically ventilated ICU patients who have triglycerides measured. Pancreatitis related to propofol-associated hypertriglyceridemia is rare. Patients who develop hypertriglyceridemia while receiving propofol are more likely to receive continuous infusions of other sedatives.

An intravenous anesthetic drug-propofol, influences the biological characteristics of malignant tumors and reshapes the tumor microenvironment: A narrative literature review

Malignant tumors are the second leading cause of death worldwide. This is a public health concern that negatively impacts human health and poses a threat to the safety of life. Although there are several treatment approaches for malignant tumors, surgical resection remains the primary and direct treatment for malignant solid tumors. Anesthesia is an integral part of the operation process. Different anesthesia techniques and drugs have different effects on the operation and the postoperative prognosis. Propofol is an intravenous anesthetic that is commonly used in surgery. A substantial number of studies have shown that propofol participates in the pathophysiological process related to malignant tumors and affects the occurrence and development of malignant tumors, including anti-tumor effect, pro-tumor effect, and regulation of drug resistance. Propofol can also reshape the tumor microenvironment, including anti-angiogenesis, regulation of immunity, reduction of inflammation and remodeling of the extracellular matrix. Furthermore, most clinical studies have also indicated that propofol may contribute to a better postoperative outcome in some malignant tumor surgeries. Therefore, the author reviewed the chemical properties, pharmacokinetics, clinical application and limitations, mechanism of influencing the biological characteristics of malignant tumors and reshaping the tumor microenvironment, studies of propofol in animal tumor models and its relationship with postoperative prognosis of propofol in combination with the relevant literature in recent years, to lay a foundation for further study on the correlation between propofol and malignant tumor and provide theoretical guidance for the selection of anesthetics in malignant tumor surgery.

Integrated omics analysis revealed the Tinospora cordifolia intervention modulated multiple signaling pathways in hypertriglyceridemia patients-a pilot clinical trial

Purpose

Hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) is strongly associated with the various types of disease conditions and evolving as epidemics. Hence, it is important to identify molecules that lower the triglyceride and chylomicron levels. Tinospora cordifolia is an illustrious Ayurveda drug, has proved juvenile and immunomodulatory properties.

Methods

Twenty four (24) patients having >499 mg/dL TG and 130-230 mg/dL of cholesterol were randomized and given 100 mL/day (~3.0 g) water extract of T. cordifolia (TCE) for 14 days. Basal parameters were analyzed before and after TC intervention to analyzed primary outcomes. Further, unbiased metabolomics and proteomics profiling was explored to assess the efficacy of TCE in HTG patients.

Results

TCE intervention decreased the levels of triglycerides, and VLDL to 380.45 ± 17.44, and 31.85 ± 5.88, and increased the HDL levels to 47.50 ± 9.05 mg/dL significantly (p < 0.05). Metabolomics analysis identified the significant alteration in 69 metabolites and 72 proteins in plasma of HTG patients. TCE intervention reduced the level of isoprostanes, ROS, BCAA, and fatty acid derivatives, significantly. The annotation databases, Metboanalyst predicted Akt and Rap1 signaling, and ECM-receptor interaction is the most affected in HTG patients. TCE intervention normalized these events by increasing the peroxisome biogenesis and modulating Akt and Rap1 signaling pathway.

Conclusion

T. cordifolia intervention suppresses the baseline in HTG patients. Omics analysis showed that TCE intervention modulates the Akt and Rap signaling, and peroxisome biogenesis to control the cellular switches and signaling pathways. Hence, TCE can be used as a supplement or alternate of standard drugs being used in the management of HTG.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40200-022-00985-6.

Efficacy and Safety of HSK3486 for Anesthesia/Sedation in Patients Undergoing Fiberoptic Bronchoscopy: A Multicenter, Double-Blind, Propofol-Controlled, Randomized, Phase 3 Study

BACKGROUND

Fiberoptic bronchoscopy is a complex procedure with the need for sufficient patient anesthesia/sedation while maintaining safety. This trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetics of HSK3486 during fiberoptic bronchoscopy.

METHODS

This multicenter, double-blind, randomized, non-inferiority, parallel-group phase 3 trial was conducted in patients who underwent fiberoptic bronchoscopy. Patients randomly received HSK3486 0.4 mg/kg (N = 134) or propofol 2.0 mg/kg (N = 133). The primary efficacy endpoint was the successful rate of fiberoptic bronchoscopy, and secondary efficacy endpoints included successful induction of anesthesia/sedation, duration, time to being fully alert, and time to patient discharge. Safety assessments and drug concentrations were also measured.

RESULTS

A total of 267 patients completed fiberoptic bronchoscopy, with a success rate of 100% and a 95% confidence interval of - 2.8 to 2.8% for the difference between the groups, which met the predesigned criteria of > - 8%, confirming the non-inferiority of anesthesia/sedation produced by HSK3486 compared to propofol. Among the secondary efficacy endpoints, only time to full alertness (median 8.50 vs. 6.00 min, P = 0.012) and time to discharge (median 13.00 vs. 9.87 min, P = 0.002) were slightly longer in the HSK3486 group. The incidence of adverse events was significant lower in the HSK3486 group (52.6 vs. 76.5%, P < 0.001) mainly because of less pain on injection (4.4 vs. 39.4%, P < 0.001) compared to the propofol group. HSK3486 had a similar terminal elimination half-life as propofol.

CONCLUSIONS

HSK3486 exhibited non-inferiority anesthesia/sedation compared to propofol in patients undergoing fiberoptic bronchoscopy, and had a good safety profile with a lower incidence of pain on injection.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT04111159, registered on 1 October 2019.

The Safety of Continuous Infusion Propofol in Mechanically Ventilated Adults With Coronavirus Disease 2019

BACKGROUND

Propofol is commonly used to achieve ventilator synchrony in critically ill patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), yet its safety in this patient population is unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the safety, in particular the incidence of hypertriglyceridemia, of continuous infusion propofol in patients with COVID-19.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study at 1 academic medical center and 1 affiliated teaching hospital in New York City. Adult, critically ill patients with COVID-19 who received continuous infusion propofol were included. Patients who received propofol for <12 hours, were transferred from an outside hospital while on mechanical ventilation, or did not have a triglyceride concentration obtained during the infusion were excluded.

RESULTS

A total of 252 patients were included. Hypertriglyceridemia (serum triglyceride concentration ≥ 400 mg/dL) occurred in 38.9% of patients after a median cumulative dose of 4307 mg (interquartile range [IQR], 2448-9431 mg). The median time to triglyceride elevation was 3.8 days (IQR, 1.9-9.1 days). In the multivariable regression analysis, obese patients had a significantly greater odds of hypertriglyceridemia (odds ratio = 1.87; 95% CI = 1.10, 3.21). There was no occurrence of acute pancreatitis. The incidence of possible propofol-related infusion syndrome was 3.2%.

CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE

Hypertriglyceridemia occurred frequently in patients with COVID-19 who received propofol but did not lead to acute pancreatitis. Elevated triglyceride concentrations occurred more often and at lower cumulative doses than previously reported in patients without COVID-19. Application of these data may aid in optimal monitoring for serious adverse effects of propofol in patients with COVID-19.

Safety and efficacy of ciprofol vs propofol for sedation in intensive care unit patients with mechanical ventilation: a multi-center, open label, randomized, phase 2 trial

Background:

Ciprofol (HSK3486; Haisco Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd., Chengdu, China), developed as a novel 2,6-disubstituted phenol derivative showed similar tolerability and efficacy characteristics as propofol when applicated as continuous intravenous infusion for 12 h maintenance sedation in a previous phase 1 trial. The phase 2 trial was designed to investigate the safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetic characteristics of ciprofol for sedation of patients undergoing mechanical ventilation.

Methods:

In this multicenter, open label, randomized, propofol positive-controlled, phase 2 trial, 39 Chinese intensive care unit patients receiving mechanical ventilation were enrolled and randomly assigned to a ciprofol or propofol group in a 2:1 ratio. The ciprofol infusion was started with a loading infusion of 0.1–0.2 mg/kg for 0.5–5.0 min, followed by an initial maintenance infusion rate of 0.30 mg·kg⁻¹·h⁻¹, which could be adjusted to an infusion rate of 0.06 to 0.80 mg·kg⁻¹·h⁻¹, whereas for propofol the loading infusion dose was 0.5–1.0 mg/kg for 0.5–5.0 min, followed by an initial maintenance infusion rate of 1.50 mg·kg⁻¹·h⁻¹, which could be adjusted to 0.30–4.00 mg·kg⁻¹·h⁻¹ to achieve −2 to +1 Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale sedation within 6–24 h of drug administration.

Results:

Of the 39 enrolled patients, 36 completed the trial. The median (min, max) of the average time to sedation compliance values for ciprofol and propofol were 60.0 (52.6, 60.0) min and 60.0 (55.2, 60.0) min, with median difference of 0.00 (95% confidence interval: 0.00, 0.00). In total, 29 (74.4%) patients comprising 18 (69.2%) in the ciprofol and 11 (84.6%) in the propofol group experienced 86 treatment emergent adverse events (TEAEs), the majority being of severity grade 1 or 2. Drug- and sedation-related TEAEs were hypotension (7.7% vs. 23.1%, P = 0.310) and sinus bradycardia (3.8% vs. 7.7%, P = 1.000) in the ciprofol and propofol groups, respectively. The plasma concentration-time curves for ciprofol and propofol were similar.

Conclusions:

ciprofol is comparable to propofol with good tolerance and efficacy for sedation of Chinese intensive care unit patients undergoing mechanical ventilation in the present study setting.

Trial registration:

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04147416.

Spinal fusion with motor evoked potential monitoring using remimazolam in Alström syndrome: A case report

RATIONALE

Alström syndrome is a rare genetic disorder characterized by obesity, diabetes mellitus, cardiomyopathy, and liver dysfunction. Further, scoliosis, a common symptom of Alström syndrome, often requires surgical intervention for functional impairments. Motor evoked potential (MEP) monitoring and other electrophysiological tests are essential when performing surgery for functional scoliosis. However, there are few reports on how to maintain general anesthesia in Alström syndrome. Here, we describe a patient with Alström syndrome who underwent surgery for scoliosis under general anesthesia with remimazolam and MEP monitoring.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 17-year-old woman (height, 140 cm, weight, 64.5 kg) diagnosed with Alström syndrome was scheduled for a posterior spinal fusion for functional scoliosis. Other associated comorbidities of Alström syndrome present were dilated cardiomyopathy, type 2 diabetes mellitus, obesity (body mass index, 32.1 kg/m2), amblyopia (light perception), and hearing impairment (speech awareness threshold 50 dBHL in each ear).

DIAGNOSES, INTERVENTIONS, AND OUTCOMES

Posterior spinal fusion was planned for functional scoliosis. While investigating the dilated cardiomyopathy, transthoracic echocardiography showed global wall hypokinesis, with 45% left ventricular ejection fraction. The left ventricle was dilated, with left ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic diameters of 55 and 42 mm, respectively. This finding along with the hypertriglyceridemia associated with Alström syndrome led us to conclude that propofol should be avoided. Thus, we induced general anesthesia using remimazolam. MEP monitoring was performed, and the patient experienced no motor impairments during the surgery.

LESSONS

Myocardial and hepatic dysfunction determine the prognosis of patients with Alström syndrome. Thus, anesthesia that preserves liver function should be selected in such cases. In patients with hypertriglyceridemia, propofol should be avoided, and using remimazolam, an ultrashort-acting benzodiazepine, may be appropriate. In this case, reviewing the Patient State Index with SedLine allowed us to perform MEP monitoring uneventfully, and the posterior spinal fusion was completed without any motor impairment.

Lipoprotein concentration in patients requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), a relevant technology for patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) or acute cardiac failure (ACF), is a frequent cause of systemic inflammatory response syndrome. During sepsis, HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) and LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) concentrations decrease, and an association between low lipoprotein levels and poor outcomes was reported. There are no data from patients undergoing ECMO. The goal of this study was to characterize the lipoprotein profiles of ICU patients requiring ECMO. All consecutive patients admitted for ARDS or ACF requiring ECMO were prospectively included. Daily lipoprotein levels and short-term prognosis outcome were assessed. 25 patients were included. On admission, lipoprotein concentrations were low, under the reference values ([HDL-C] = 0.6[0.4–0.8]mmol/L;[LDL-C] = 1.3[1.0–1.7]mmol/L). A statistically significant rise in lipoproteins overtime was observed during the ICU stay. We found no relationship between lipoproteins concentrations and mortality on Day-28 (p = 0.689 and p = 0.979, respectively). Comparison of surviving patients with non-surviving patients did not reveal any differences in lipoproteins concentrations. Stratification between septic and non-septic patients demonstrated that septic patients had lower lipoproteins concentrations on admission (HDL-C: 0.5[0.3–0.6]mmol/l vs 0.8[0.6–0.9]mmol/l, p = 0.003; LDL-C: 1.1[0.9–1.5]mmol/l vs 1.5[1.3–2.6]mmol/l; p = 0.012), whereas these two groups were comparable in terms of severity and outcomes. HDL-C concentrations during ICU hospitalization were also significantly lower in the septic group than in the non-septic group (p = 0.035). In conclusion, Lipoprotein concentrations are low in patients requiring ECMO but are not associated with poor outcomes. The subpopulation of septic patients had lower lipoprotein levels overtime, which reinforces the potential key-role of these particles during sepsis.