Effect of propofol on elevated intracranial pressure. Preliminary results.

The effects of a bolus injection of propofol on mean intracranial pressure were studied in six adult, comatose patients who had severe head injuries. Propofol 2 mg/kg was given intravenously over 90 seconds when the mean intracranial pressure reached or exceeded 25 mmHg. Arterial blood gas values, heart rate and central venous pressure remained stable at all measurements. Arterial blood pressure decreased statistically significantly (p less than 0.05) within one minute after propofol administration. The mean (SEM) intracranial pressure decreased statistically significantly (p less than 0.05) at 30 seconds and at 1 and 2 minutes, from 25 (3) to 11 (4) mmHg. The cerebral perfusion pressure decreased statistically significantly from 92 (8) mmHg at all measurements (p less than 0.05). The lowest value at 3 minutes was 50 (7) mmHg but in four patients at that time the perfusion pressure was below 50 mmHg.