Drug-induced acute pancreatitis in children receiving chemotherapy for acute leukemia: does propofol increase the risk?

Background: The use of propofol is controversial in patients with a history of acute pancreatitis or those taking drugs, including certain chemotherapeutic drugs, that are associated with pancreatitis.

Methods: To investigate this issue, we reviewed the medical records of all children who were diagnosed with pancreatitis while receiving chemotherapy for acute leukemia during a 5-year period.

Results: A temporal relationship between propofol use and development of acute pancreatitis could not be established.

Conclusion: Propofol can be considered for general anesthesia in children who are receiving chemotherapeutic drugs that are themselves associated with acute pancreatitis or those who have a history of chemotherapy-induced pancreatitis.