Triglyceride Levels in the Blood after Anesthesia with Target-Controlled Infusion of Propofol for Brachial Plexus Surgeries in Adults: A Comparison between Conventional Propofol (LCT Propofol) and Newer Formulation of Propofol (MCT-LCT Propofol)

Background: This study compares the impact of Medium chain-long chain triglyceride (MCT-LCT) Propofol and Long Chain Triglyceride Propofol on blood triglyceride (TG) levels in patients undergoing brachial plexus repair surgery. The study also investigates the effects of these drugs on postoperative recovery and overall patient well-being. Methods: The study included fifty patients aged 18-60 scheduled for brachial plexus repair between July 2016 and July 2018. Patients were randomly assigned to two sets: Set LP received 1% LCT Propofol, while Set MP was given MCT-LCT Propofol using TCI-pumps. Blood samples for TG level determination were collected before anesthesia induction, after concluding the infusion, 4 hours after stopping infusion and on day 1 post surgery. Results: Both sets showed a significant increase in TG levels above baseline, with a higher increase observed in the LCT Propofol set (P value = 0.014). After 4th hr of infusion, TG levels significantly decreased only in the MCT-LCT Propofol set (P value= 0.001), with levels lower than those in the LCT Propofol set (P value= 0.021). Conclusion: Prolonged infusion of LCT and MCT-LCT Propofol (1%) resulted in elevated TG levels. However, the increase in TG levels was lower with MCT-LCT Propofol. No significant ill effects were observed.