[Injection pain from propofol-MCT-LCT in children. A comparison with propofol-LCT].

OBJECTIVES

This prospective, randomised, double-blind study was designed to compare the incidence and intensity of pain on injection of propofol formulated in a mixture of medium- and long-chain triglycerides, Propofol-MCT/LCT 1% (Propofol-Lipuro, B. Braun, Germany) with propofol in a commonly used emulsion of long-chain triglycerides, Propofol-LCT 1% (Disoprivan, Zeneca) in children undergoing elective surgical procedures.

METHODS

After approval of the local ethics committee 40 children, aged 7-14 years, were enrolled in the study. Premedication was with 5-10 mg diazepam orally one hour before induction of anesthesia. In the beginning 20% of the calculated dose of Propofol for induction was injected into a separate venous cannula in a dorsal vein of the hand; patients were observed for expressing pain spontaneously during injection patients or were asked to describe the sensations after 10 s. Withdrawal of the arm during injection was also noted.

RESULTS

Significantly more children reported pain on injection of propofol-LCT compared to Propofol-MCT/LCT (25% vs, 10%) and significantly more children retracted their arm during injection of propofol-LCT (40% vs. 10%).

IMPLICATIONS

Propofol-MCT/LCT 1% (Propofol-Lipuro) for induction of anesthesia produced significantly less pain on injection and significantly less drawing back of the arm when compared to Propofol-LCT (Disoprivan). Thus, with respect to pain on injection Propofol-MCT/LCT appears to be superior to Propofol-LCT in children aged 7-14 years.