The distribution volume of propofol reflects physiological changes in body composition during childhood

Background: Propofol is a highly lipophylic compound and therefore exhibits rapid distribution from blood into subcutaneous fat and the central nervous system with subsequent return into the blood. During paediatric life, there are progressive changes in body composition with subsequent effects on the distribution volume at steady state (Vss) of lipophylic compounds. Methods: Newly collected observations following intravenous bolus administration of propofol in preterm and term neonates (n=9) were combined with pharmacokinetic estimates in toddlers (n=12) and young children (n=10). Data were reported by median a…