Target-controlled infusion with propofol for sedation in elderly patients undergoing epidural anesthesia

Objective: To assess the effect of target-controlled infusion with propofol for sedation in elderly patients undergoing epidural anesthesia.Methods: ASAⅠ-Ⅱ patients,undergoing elective surgery under epidural anesthesia were studied.They were assigned to two groups according to age:the elderly group(65 to 80 years),the non-elderly group(18 to 55 years).Both were 20 patients.After anesthesia effect was confirmed and hymodynamics was stable,TCI with propofol was given.Target sedation level was OAA/S grade 3.The hymodynamics after sedation and the time reaching OAA/S grade 3 target were recorded.The concentration of propofol,accumulated dose of propofol and time to target sedation level were observed.Results: There was no significant correlation in hymodynamics between two groups.The target concentration of propofol and accumulated dose in elderly group were lower than those in non-elderly group(P<0.001).Time to target sedation level in elderly group was shorter than that in adult group.Conclusions: Target concentration of propofol,accumulated dose of propofol and time to target sedation level should be paid attention to when target-controlled infusion with propofol is used for sedation in elderly patients undergoing epidural anesthesia.