Is acute severe asthma a risk factor for the propofol infusion syndrome?

Abstract

Propofol infusion syndrome (PRIS) is a rare but potentially fatal syndrome observed more commonly in young obese men receiving high dose (usually >4mg/kg/hr) or long term (>48 hrs) propofol. It can cause metabolic acidosis, renal failure, rhabdomyolysis, hyperkalemia, and cardiac failure. We report a case of possible PRIS in a 24-year-old obese Hispanic man admitted for acute severe asthma who developed PRIS in less than 12 hours on lower doses of propofol (3 mg/kg/hr tapered within 3 hrs) while on concurrent corticosteroids. Patients with acute asthma and subclinical myopathy may be at increased risk for propofol toxicity and need careful monitoring if this drug is used for sedation.