The Dangers of Inappropriate use of Propofol in the Tragic Demise of Michael Jackson

The Dangers of Inappropriate use of Propofol in the Tragic Demise of Michael Jackson

LONDON, August 26/PRNewswire/ -- Following the tragic death of Michael Jackson and the recent news that
high levels of the potent anaesthetic propofol were found in his body, the
fans of Michael Jackson, the worldwide media and probably the whole world who
loved his music, are wondering how this could possibly happen. Media
attention has focused on the role of a physician whom is likely to have
prescribed and administered it.

When Dr Malcolm VandenBurg (http://www.malcolmvandenburg.co.uk), a
leading private medical specialist and pharmaceutical physician whom has
helped anaesthetists addicted to anaesthetic, was asked why propofol may have
been given, he replied:

"I really do not understand this unless there are factors that we are not
aware of, it is beyond belief that a registered, qualified doctor would use
this powerful anaesthetic in a domestic situation to help a patient sleep,
however much the patient insisted upon it.

"When used appropriately, propofol is a widely used and useful
anaesthetic agent which is used to induce anaesthesia prior to operations and
major procedures. It has, in appropriate hands and in appropriate conditions,
a very acceptable risk benefit ratio. However, when used in an inappropriate
setting, it may and has on occasions, been lethal.

"Propofol is an agent which has many affects on the body other than its
ability to safely put patients to sleep for operative procedures in hospitals
or sedated in intensive care units. It may stop patients breathing, it may
lower blood pressure, it may slow the heart to a point where it may stop and
it may cause the heart to go into abnormal rhythms which prevents the heart
from pumping blood round the body. It may also alter the salts and chemicals
in the blood adversely. Due to this it needs to be given by highly trained
personnel in controlled settings where heart rate, heart rhythm, blood
pressure, breathing and the constituents of the blood can be carefully
monitored and where there are appropriate facilities to reverse any unwanted
dangerous or life threatening situations.

"It is hard to see how in someone's personal home this could be possible.
Unluckily, it is also a drug which may be addictive and has been abused by a
few people.

"In my experience, it is mainly abused by a small number of healthcare
professionals whom have access to it and initially use it to help them sleep
due to tiredness from long working hours. As it is so active, the individuals
may crave its use again to help them sleep and also for other effects which
some have described as euphoria and even hallucinations. It has to be
stressed that it is very dangerous to do this and one of the potentially
serious consequences of all the exposure that propofol is having, is that it
may be tried by sensation seeking individuals. They should be firmly warned
not to do this. There may be even a case for it becoming a controlled drug."

Dr Malcolm VandenBurg (http://www.malcolmvandenburg.co.uk) has registered
many drugs for the pharmaceutical industry in Europe and America including
another anaesthetic agent and is aware of the ways that such drugs are used
safely in hospitals; his warning should be well heeded and respected.

He has also delivered seminars to over 3,000 healthcare professionals
through his seminars with Gael Lindenfield entitled 'Positive Under Pressure'
(http://www.positiveunderpressure.com) (the book by the same name published
by Avenue Books *) and has come into contact with and assisted some
anaesthetists addicted to both inhaled anaesthetic gases and intravenous
drugs, such as propofol.

Dr VandenBurg (http://www.malcolmvandenburg.co.uk) comments, "It appears
to be a drug in which the addictive cycle is hard to break."

He has also given many medico legal opinions on prescription medicines
and illegal drugs to the criminal, civil and family courts, including high
profile cases of murder. In particular, one of his expertises is in the
adverse effects of the benzodiazepine type drugs, many of which are alleged
to have been found to be associated with this case. In particular, a drug
called midazolam, which he comments, "That text books warn have very additive
effects when used with propofol. The combination of the two are additive, if
not synergistic and can severely depress respiration."

Websites: http://www.malcolmvandenburg.co.uk

http://www.positiveunderpressure.com

Source: Dr Malcolm VandenBurg

For further information contact: Kim Sale, +44-208-449-9942, Email: editorsale@aol.com. Dr VandenBurg's professional contact is: Dr Malcolm VandenBurg BSc MBBS MISMA FCP FFPM FRCP, 26 Christchurch Hill, London, NW3 1LG, Tel: +44-207-435-9386, Mob: +44-7850-049-134, Email: consultrum@hotmail.com

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