Induction dose-response of propofol in unpremedicated children

Abstract

The induction dose requirements of propofol were compared in three age groups in 300 unpre-medicated healthy Chinese children: group A, younger than 2 yr (n = 48); group B, 2-5 yr (n = 117); group C, 6-12 yr (n = 135). Patients in each group were allocated randomly to receive one of eight doses of propofol (1.2, 1.4, 1.6, 1.8, 2.0, 2.2, 2.4 and 2.6 mg kg-1J). ED50 and ED95 for loss of eyelash reflex (LER) and acceptance of face mask (AFM) were determined using probit analysis. ED50 and ED95 for both LER and AFM were greatest in group A, less in B and smallest in C; ED95 (AFM) for groups A, B and C were 2.88 (2.55-3.36). 2.53 (2.31-2.86), and2.20 (2.02-2.46) mg kg-1, respectively. This probably represented their effective induction dose. The incidence of apnoea was dose related, but not pain on injection. © 1992 British Journal of Anaesthesia.