PROPOFOL-RELATED INFUSION SYNDROME IN A GERIATRIC PATIENT FOLLOWING THE USE OF PROPOFOL IN LOW DOSES AND SHORT DURATION, DURING AND AFTER CARDIAC SURGERY.

Propofol, is a potent short-acting intravenous sedative-hypnotic agent used for induction and maintainance of general anesthesia and to provide continuous sedation in the intensive care unit. Propofol-related infusion syndrome (PRIS) is a rare yet often fatal syndrome associated with the continuous infusion of propofol. It is characterized by severe metabolic acidosis, cardiac failure, bradycardia, myoglobinuria and renal failure. Hereby we present a case of PRIS which developed in a geriatric patient (74y), following coronary artery by-pass grafting and aortic valve replacement surgery in the early postoperative period. Propofol was used in low doses both intra-operatively and in the intensive care unit (ICU) postoperatively. The patient developed severe lactic acidosis, oliguria and bradycardia requiring cardiac pacing in the 6th hour postoperatively. Lactic acidosis and clinical condition improved promptly within a few hours, following the discontinuation of propofol infusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]