Propofol sedation in a pediatric intensive care unit: A retrospective pilot cohort study from a developing country

Propofol is a sedative agent with a rapid onset and short duration of action. Its use in critically ill children remains limited, particularly in resource‑constrained settings. The objective of this study was to describe preliminary observations of propofol infusion in a pediatric intensive care unit (ICU) in a developing country. We present a retrospective pilot cohort study of all patients receiving propofol between June 2022 and July 2024. Data included demographics, dosing, duration, concomitant therapies, and laboratory parameters. We describe thirty‑one patients who received 39 infusions. Median maximum dose was 4.4 mg/kg/h (interquartile range [IQR] 3.5–5), and median duration was 7 days (IQR 3–9). All patients were mechanically ventilated. Approximately one‑third required initiation or escalation of vasopressors after propofol initiation. No cases met the criteria for propofol infusion syndrome. This pilot study provides preliminary data on propofol use in a pediatric ICU in a resource‑limited setting. Findings are exploratory and hypothesis‑generating. Larger, prospective studies are needed to establish safety and effectiveness.