Information loss over time defines the memory defect of propofol: A comparative response with thiopental and dexmedetomidine Journal Article
| Authors: | Veselis, R. A.; Reinsel, R. A.; Feschenko, V. A.; Johnson, R. Jr |
| Article Title: | Information loss over time defines the memory defect of propofol: A comparative response with thiopental and dexmedetomidine |
| Abstract: | Background: Sedative-hypnotic drugs impair memory, but details regarding the nature of this effect are unknown. The influences of propofol, thiopental, and dexmedetomidine on the performance of a task that isolates specific components of episodic memory function were measured. Methods: Working (1 intervening item, 6 s) and long-term memory (10 intervening items, 33 s) were tested using auditory words in a continuous recognition task before and during drug administration. Eighty-three volunteer participants were randomly assigned to receive a constant target concentration of drug or placebo, producing sedative effects from imperceptible to unresponsiveness. Responsive participants were categorized as high or low performers, using a median split of long-term memory performance during drug administration. Recognition of words at the end of the study day was assessed. Results: High performers had acquisition of material into long-term memory when drug was present at the same level as placebo. Retention of this material at 225 min was significantly less for propofol (39 ± 23% loss of material) than for other drugs (17-23% loss; P < 0.01). Greater sedation hi low performers was evident in multiple measures. Memory for words presented before drug was no different from that associated with placebo for all groups. Conclusions: Lack of retention of material acquired into long-term memory during propofol administration, associated with minimal sedation, seems to define drug-induced amnesia. Sedation seems to impair the acquisition or encoding of material into long-term memory. Therefore, the putative targets of drug-induced amnesia by propofol are processes associated with retention of material in long-term memory. |
| Keywords: | adult; major clinical study; placebo; propofol; sedation; pain measurement; memory disorder; amnesia; memory disorders; task performance; electroencephalography; dexmedetomidine; thiopental; hypnotic sedative agent; reaction time; working memory; long term memory; word recognition; humans; human; male; female; priority journal; article |
| Journal Title: | Anesthesiology |
| Volume: | 101 |
| Issue: | 4 |
| ISSN: | 0003-3022 |
| Publisher: | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins |
| Date Published: | 2004-10-01 |
| Start Page: | 831 |
| End Page: | 841 |
| Language: | English |
| DOI: | 10.1097/00000542-200410000-00006 |
| PROVIDER: | scopus |
| PMCID: | PMC1404599 |
| PUBMED: | 15448514 |
| DOI/URL: | |
| Notes: | Anesthesiology -- Cited By (since 1996):29 -- Export Date: 16 June 2014 -- CODEN: ANESA -- Source: Scopus |
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