Propofol-Associated Hypertriglyceridemia in Adults With Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome on Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

Abstract

The incidence and risk factors for propofol-associated hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) in patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) have not been evaluated. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence and risk factors for propofol-associated HTG in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) on ECMO. This retrospective, cohort study included 167 adults admitted to a medical intensive care unit (ICU) from July 1, 2013 to September 1, 2021, who received 24 hours of concurrent propofol and ECMO therapy. The primary outcome was the incidence of propofol-associated HTG. Secondary outcomes included HTG risk factors, time to development and resolution of HTG, and incidence of pancreatitis. HTG occurred in 58 (34.7%) patients. Patients with HTG had longer durations of ECMO (19 vs. 13 days, p < 0.001), longer ICU length of stay (26.5 vs. 23 days, p = 0.002), and higher in-hospital mortality (51.7 vs. 34.9%, p = 0.047). Baseline sequential organ failure assessment score was associated with an increased risk of developing HTG (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.19, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.09-1.30; p < 0.001). Propofol-associated HTG occurred in one-third of patients receiving ECMO for ARDS. Higher baseline illness severity and ECMO duration were associated with an increased risk of propofol-associated HTG.