The effect of propofol temperature on pain of injection

SUMMARYPain on injection with propofol is a common problem and can be very distressing to the patient. The incidence of pain varies between 28 % and 90% in adults during induction of anesthesia and may be severe.Based on the proposed mechanism and factors associated with propofol injection pain, several methods for the prevention of pain have been tried with varying degrees of success. One of them is administered different temperature of propofol.This prospective, single-blind, randomised clinical study was approved by the Faculty Medical Ethics Committee and informed consent was obtained from the patient. The study was undertaken 300 patients (ASA Class I and II), aged 18 ?65 years, who presented for elective surgery under general anesthesia.Patient were randomly allocated to one of three groups.1.Cold group [n=100]: Cold ?04-10 oC? Propofol 2,5 mg/kg, ( n=50 female{group IK}, n=50 male {group IE})2.Operating room temperature group[n=100]: Operating room temperature group ?18-26 oC? Propofol 2,5 mg/kg, (n=50 female{group IIK}, n=50 male{group IIE})3.Body temperature group [n=100]: Body temperature group ?34-38 oC? Propofol 2,5 mg/kg, ( n=50 female{group IIIK}, n=50 male {group IIIE})There were no difference between the groups with respect to age, weight and gender.On arrival in the operating room, a 20 G cannula was inserted into a vein on the dorsum of the patient?s hand. After monitorisation, noninvasive blood pressure (systolic, diastolic and mean), heart rate, peripheric oxygen saturation was recorded just prior to induction and at 1minute intervals for 3 minutes. Total dose of propofol was injected in one minute.In conclusion, it appears that the use of propofol at 04-10 oC may provide a simple and safe method of reducing the incidency of pain on injection without using another pharmacologic agent.Key words: Propofol, temperature of propofol, pain of injection