Many of us are now using propofol for sedation in our critically ill patients
Although a great drug, it is important to be aware of "propofol infusion syndrome" (PIS)
Risk factors for PIS include young age, severe CNS or pulmonary illness, and exogenous catecholamine administration
Clinical features include: unexplained metabolic acidosis, rhabdomyolysis, hyperlipidemia, hepatomegaly, and cardiovascular instability
Pearl: It is reported that the development of coved ST elevations in V1-V3 (similar to Brugada syndrome) may be the first sign of cardiac instability with PIS
References
Kam PCA, Cardone D. Propofol infusion syndrome. Anaesthesia 2007;62:690-701.
