Death related to propofol use in an adult patient

Objective: To report an adult trauma patient fatality related to propofol administration. Design: Retrospective case review. Setting: Trauma intensive care unit (ICU) in a level one trauma center. Patient: An 18-yr-old man involved in a motor vehicle crash. Interventions: Treatment for multiple trauma injuries and propofol sedation. Measurements and Main Results: Posttrauma ICU monitoring was performed. The patient developed cardiac arrhythmia, metabolic acidosis, and cardiac failure, which resulted in death. Conclusion: Death related to propofol infusion can occur in adults as well as in pediatric patients.