Background: Understanding propofol distribution in blood is important for optimizing drug usage during TIVA. We studied changes in the propofol concentration in plasma and formed blood elements separated from blood samples taken before and after transfusion of blood cells to patients during TIVA with propofol.
Material and methods: Twelve patients were studied (ASA I–II). Propofol TIVA was performed at infusion rates of 12-9-6 mg⋅kg–1⋅h–1. Fentanyl and pancuronium bromide were administered in fractional doses. After tracheal intubation the lungs were ventilated to normocapnia with oxygen-air mixture (FiO2=0.33). Blood samples for propofol analysis were taken 5 min before and 30 min after blood cell transfusion. At that point the propofol infusion rate was 6 mg⋅kg–1⋅h–1. Propofol concentrations were measured by means of HPLC.
Results: Blood cell transfusion leads to a change in the propofol level in plasma and formed blood elements. The transfusion process lowers the ratio of the plasma propofol concentration to the propofol concentration in formed blood elements.
Conclusion: Formed blood elements show a greater ability to bind propofol after transfusion of 5–15 day erythrocytes.

Keywords: Blood Transfusion, Propofol, TIVA