Effects of propofol ('Diprivan') on histamine release, immunoglobulin levels and activation of complement in healthy volunteers.

This randomized study compared the effects of the emulsion formulation of propofol with those of the Cremophor-containing agent Althesin. Plasma histamine concentration, immunoglobulin levels, total complement C3 and complement C3 conversion were measured prior to and following induction of anaesthesia in 32 male volunteers with either 2 mg/kg propofol or 0.05 ml/kg Althesin. In only one volunteer, in the Althesin group, was an increase in plasma histamine to a value greater than 1 ng/ml associated with a relatively large increase over the base line value. Cutaneous signs, such as flushing, did not correlate with the plasma concentrations of histamine. No changes consistent with a propensity to produce anaphylactoid reactions could be seen from measurements of immunoglobulin levels, complement C3 or plasma histamine concentration in the propofol treated subjects.

RCT Entities:   Population Interventions Outcomes