The relationship between the respiratory parameters under spontaneous breathing and effect site propofol concentrations

BACKGROUND: The prediction of the hypnotic states is useful to maintain the adequate anesthesia. During propofol anesthesia, the respiratory depression has been documented in a dose-dependent manner. Therefore, we investigated whether the respiratory depression under the spontaneous breathing reflected the estimated effect site propofol concentrations (Cp) in a dose-dependent fashion. METHODS: We enrolled 12 patients for elective lower limb surgery under combined subarachnoid anesthesia and propofol sedation. The respiratory parameters and BIS were measured at the Cp of 5 microg x ml(-1) followed by the 0.5 microg x ml(-1) decrements until the patients' movement. Effective indices to predict patients' movement were determined by receiver-operator characteristics. RESULTS: The significant correlations within a particular patient between the respiratory parameters and Cp were observed, although those were not between the patients. An EtCO2 of 53 mmHg or greater represents a clinically determinant condition for non-movement of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that the respiratory parameters during spontaneous breathing were useful indices to predict the changes in the effect site propofol concentrations and to maintain the adequate anesthetic levels.