Propofol pharmacokinetics in children with biliary atresia

Abstract

We studied the pharmacokinetics of an i.v. bolus dose of propofol 2.5-3.0 mg kg-1 in eight children (age 4-24 months) with biliary atresia and in six control (ASA I) children (age 11-43 months). Blood samples were obtained for 4h after administration of propofol. Blood concentrations of propofol were measured by high pressure liquid chromatography. Systemic clearance of propofol (Cl) and volume of distribution at steady state (V(ss)) showed a highly significant correlation with body weight. Propofol Cl and V(ss), normalized for body weight, were similar in children with biliary atresia (mean 37.5 (SD 8.3) ml min-1 kg-1 and 3.5 (1.6) litre kg-1, respectively) compared with control children (38.7 (6.8) ml min-1 kg-1 and 2.4 (0.8) litre-1 kg-1, respectively). We conclude that in children with biliary atresia the pharmacokinetics of propofol are similar to those of healthy children.