At the arraignment of Dr. Conrad Murray, the final coroner's report was released. An anesthesiologist consultant emphasized on the report that "There are NO reports of [propofol's] use for insomnia relief, to my knowledge," wrote Selma Calmes. Substances found in Michael Jackson's system included propofol, diazepam, lorazepam, and midazolam. The amount of propofol in his blood stream was declared enough to conduct major intra-abdominal surgery using only propofol IV anesthesia.
Besides administering propofol outside a hospital setting, the medical equipment in Michael's bedroom was practically nonexistent. An O2 cylinder was empty. There were no monitors or propofol infusion pumps available. Wrote Dr. (?) Calmes, "The only reports of its use in homes are cases of fatal abuse (first reported in 1992), suicide, murder and accident. Because of the risks associated with the drug, it should be administered only by anesthesiologists or other supervised anesthesia providers, trained to recognize respiratory or cardiac problems that can arise." Sounds like something straight out of the ASA practice guidelines.
When Dr. Murray was released on bail, the judge specifically forbade him from prescribing propofol or other sedatives. Says Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Keith L. Schwartz, "I don't want you sedating people." Ha ha. Who says judges don't have a sense of humor.
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