[Clinical experience with ethrane anaesthesia in children (author's transl)]

There was no difference between ethrane and halothane in respect of anaesthetic technique, except that on account of its physico-chemical properties induction and recovery was quicker with ethrane. Anaesthesia with this agent is, therefore, more easily controlled. Induction in children was rapid and non-irritating. The marked muscle relaxing effects of the drug carry some risk of impaired gaseous exchange in the spontaneously breathing patient. At higher concentrations ethrane, like all inhalation anaesthetics, is liable to cause respiratory depression. The cardiovascular system remained remarkably unaffected provided induction was slow, i.e. the concentration of ethrane was not too suddenly raised. The blood chemistry appeared to be unaffected, but the electroencephalogram showed certain changes the clinical significance of which has so far not been established.