Fish or chips?

Cell membranes are not simply barriers separating intracellular from extracellular space. Rather, they represent a dynamic high-turnover system that adapts to current demands. During inflammation, prostaglandins and leukotrienes are formed from membrane-derived phospholipids.

Propofol in a medium- and long-chain triglyceride emulsion: pharmacological characteristics and potential beneficial effects.

Unlabelled: Hypertriglyceridemia is a possible unwanted effect during long-term propofol sedation while using a formulation containing long-chain triglycerides (LCT) from soybean oil. The use of propofol formulated in a solvent consisting of medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) and LCT might reduce the risk. Because a new solvent may affect the pharmacological profile of propofol, in this prospective, randomized, controlled, and double-blinded study we compared the pharmacodynamic and kinetic characteristics of propofol diluted in MCT/LCT fat solution with those of propofol formulated in LCT fat emulsion.

Progressive electroencephalogram frequency deceleration despite constant depth of propofol-induced sedation.

Objective: To investigate a possible time-dependent effect of propofol sedation on electroencephalographic activity, we analyzed the electroencephalogram frequency behavior while keeping patients at a constant level of sedation.

Design: Prospective, controlled trial.

Setting: Intensive care unit of a university hospital.