A case of delayed emergence after propofol anesthesia: Genetic analysis

This case report describes a 71-year-old woman who experienced unusual delayed emergence from propofol, which lasted for 3 hours and resulted in admission to the intensive care unit. Because genetic variations of propofol-metabolizing enzymes are proposed to be causal factors, we explored genetic polymorphisms of cytochrome P450 2B6 (CYP2B6) and uridine 5'-diphospho-glucuronosyltransferase 1A9 (UGT1A9). Suggested high-risk factors (advanced age, CYP2B6 516 G/T, and UGT1A9 1399 C/C) were observed in this case of delayed propofol metabolism. Therefore, genetic variants involved in propofol metabolism should be considered in unexplained delayed emergence.