[Pharmacokinetics of propofol and ketamine during and after total intravenous anesthesia with propofol, fentanyl and ketamine for pediatric patients].

Pharmacokinetics of propofol and ketamine during propofol-fentanyl-ketamine (PFK) anesthesia for pediatric surgery was studied. Plasma levels of propofol (Pp) were maintained approximately at 2.5 micrograms.ml-1 during surgery. Fifteen minutes after the cessation of propofol infusion, Pp decreased to 1.5 micrograms.ml-1. Plasma levels of ketamine (Pk) were maintained at 150-200 ng.ml-1 during the surgery. After the cessation of ketamine infusion, Pk decreased as quickly as Pp. Pk values at 15 minutes and 120 minutes after the cessation of the infusion were 93 ng.ml-1, 24 ng.ml-1, respectively. On the other hand, plasma norketamine (Pn) levels increased gradually during surgery and stayed at 100-150 ng.ml-1 after the end of ketamine infusion to play an important role in post-operative sedation and pain relief. In conclusion, pharmacokinetics of propofol and ketamine in pediatric patients was similar to that in adult patients. PFK anesthesia can be used safely for pediatric as well as for adult patients.