Brainstem auditory evoked response during propofol anaesthesia in children.

The effect of propofol on the brainstem auditory response was studied in 10 healthy children presenting for elective general surgery. A computer-controlled infusion of propofol was used to induce and maintain anaesthesia. Basal brainstem auditory evoked responses were recorded in the awake child and at different infusion rates of propofol. Significant increases in the latencies of the brainstem waves III and V and the interpeak intervals I-V and III-V were seen and were dose dependent. The changes were small and would not preclude the use of propofol anaesthesia for brainstem auditory evoked response testing in children.