PROPOFOL PHARMACOKINETICS IN CHILDREN WITH BILIARY ATRESIA

We studied the pharmacokinetics of an i.v. bolus dose of propofol 2.5-3.0 mg kg(-1) in eight children (age 4-24 months) with biliary atresia and in six control (ASA I) children (age 11-43 months). Blood samples were obtained for 4 h after administration of propofol. Blood concentrations of propofol were measured by high pressure liquid chromatography. Systemic clearance of propofol (Cl) and volume of distribution at steady state (V-ss) showed a highly significant correlation with body weight. Propofol Cl and V-ss, normalized for body weight, were similar in children with biliary atresia (mean 37.5 (SD 8.3) ml min(-1) kg(-1) and 3.5 (1.6) litre kg(-1), respectively) compared with control children (38.7 (6.8) ml min(-1) kg(-1) and 2.4 (0.8) litre(-1) kg(-1), respectively). We conclude that in children with biliary atresia the pharmacokinetics of propofol are similar to those of healthy children.