British Journal of Anaesthesia 1992; 68: 64-67 INDUCTION DOSE-RESPONSE OF PROPOFOL IN

The induction dose requirements of propofol were compared in three age groups in 300 unpre-medicated healthy Chinese children: group A, younger than 2 yr (n = 48); group B, 2-5 yr (n = 117); group C, 6-12 yr (n = 135). Patients in each group were allocated randomly to receive one of eight doses of propofol (1.2. 1.4. 1.6, 1.8, 2.0, 2.2, 2.4 and 2.6mgkg~1). ED ^ and ED ^ for loss of eyelash reflex (LER) and acceptance of face mask (AFM) were determined using probit analysis. ED^ and EDgg for both LER and AFM were greatest in group A, less in B and smallest in C; EDX (AFM) for groups A, B and C were 2.88 (2.55-3.36), 2.53 (2.31-2.86), and2.20 (2.02-2.46) mg kg'', respec-tively. This probably represented their effective induction dose. The incidence of apnoea was dose related, but not pain on injection