Clinical characteristics, triggers and mortality rate in the development of the propofol infusion syndrome: a meta-analysis of case reports

Abstract

Propofol acts as central nervous system depressant, activating receptors of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), inhibiting N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor and modulating the calcium influx. It is widely used for performing anesthesia or to provide sedation in Intensive Care Units. The syndrome of continuous infusion of propofol has been reported to be related to high doses and prolonged administration. Although the clinical symptoms are well defined (bradycardia, metabolic acidosis and rhabdomyolysis), contributing to the onset of the syndrome factors are not fully elucidated. In addition, it presents with high lethality. The research project will be conducted in the Department of Anesthesiology and Systematic Reviews Unit of the Faculty of Medicine of Botucatu / UNESP - Botucatu-SP. A systematic review, in accordance with the methodology of the Cochrane Collaboration will be held, in order to map all identified randomized controlled trials in major databases to evaluate the contributing factors such as exposure time, duration, or clinical conditions that may be associated with the syndrome (cardiac, hepatic, renal, neurological, etc.). The following databases will be searched: Pubmed, CENTRAL (the Cochrane Library), Embase and Lilacs. The data collection and analysis will be performed by three reviewers, independently, that will select potential studies.