[Effect of Disoprivan (propofol) on the circulation and oxygen consumption of the brain and CO2 reactivity of brain vessels in the human].

The effects of Disoprivan on cerebral blood flow (CBF), cerebral oxygen consumption, and CO2-reactivity of the cerebral vessels were studied in 11 male patients between 49 and 63 years of age who were about to undergo coronary artery bypass surgery. Mean perfusion pressure was decreased by 25% under anaesthesia by 0.2 mg/kg per minute Disoprivan, but remained within the ranges of autoregulation. CBF decreased by 51% and cerebral vascular resistance (CVR) increased by 55% following a 36% decrease in cerebral oxygen consumption which was associated with a decrease in neuronal activity in the EEG. Hyperventilation led to a 25% further decrease in CBF due to a 43% increase in CVR while cerebral oxygen consumption remained unchanged. Hypoventilation was followed by a 67% increase in CBF and a 44% decrease in CVR cerebral oxygen consumption was decreased by 38%. This study shows that the reactivity of the cerebral vessels to changes in paCO2 is well maintained under Disoprivan.