Increased serum bromide concentration after halothane anesthesia in man

Seven healthy male volunteers received 6.6 plus or minus 0.5 (SE) per cent-hours of halothane-oxygen anesthesia without surgery. Serum bromide concentrations increased from 0.6 plus or minus 0.1 before anesthesia to 2.9 plus or minus 0.2 mEq/l on the second day after anesthesia. On the ninth day serum bromide was still elevated to 2.5 plus or minus 0.1 mEq/l. These bromide concentrations represent psychoactive levels and may account for previously recognized prolonged changes in mood and intellectual function after halothane. Plasma and urinary fluoride concentrations did not increase significantly.