Korean J Crit Care Med.  2013 Aug;28(3):234-238. 10.4266/kjccm.2013.28.3.234.

Propofol-Related Infusion Syndrome in an Adult Patient Using Propofol Coma Therapy to Control Intracranial Pressure

• Park SY
• Kim EG
• Park HP

• KMID: 2227849
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4266/kjccm.2013.28.3.234

Abstract

Propofol-related infusion syndrome (PRIS) is a rare but fatal complication. Unexplained metabolic acidosis, rhabdomyolysis, hyperkalemia, myocardial dysfunction, cardiovascular collapse and acute kidney injury are the main characteristics of PRIS. Herein, we report a case of PRIS in a neurosurgical adult patient, who had received high-dose propofol continuous infusion in order to control intracranial pressure in an intensive care unit. She manifested severe metabolic acidosis, rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney injury and myocardial dysfunction. As soon as PRIS was diagnosed, propofol infusion was stopped. Conservative treatments, such as vasopressors and inotropics, continuous renal replacement therapy and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation were used to treat PRIS. However, she finally expired. This case report suggests that a great caution to PRIS is needed in a situation with high-dose propofol continuous infusion.

Keyword

intensive care unit; intracranial pressure; propofol-related infusion syndrome

MeSH Terms

Acidosis
Acute Kidney Injury
Adult
Coma
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
Humans
Hyperkalemia
Intensive Care Units
Intracranial Pressure
Propofol
Renal Replacement Therapy
Rhabdomyolysis
Propofol