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The performance of Bispectral Index in children during equi-MAC halothane vs. sevoflurane anaesthesia

T Taivainen1, J Klockars, A Hiller

  • 1Helsinki University Hospital, Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Tampere, Finland. tomi.taivainen@hus.fi

European Journal of Anaesthesiology
|July 26, 2008
PubMed

Insights

In pediatric anesthesia, halothane resulted in higher Bispectral Index (BIS) values than sevoflurane during maintenance. Caution is advised when interpreting BIS scores in children due to significant individual variations.

Area of Science:

  • Anesthesiology
  • Pediatric Anesthesia
  • Neurophysiology

Background:

  • The Bispectral Index (BIS) is less reliable for monitoring general anesthesia depth in children compared to adults.
  • Understanding BIS performance with different anesthetic agents in pediatric patients is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the performance of the Bispectral Index (BIS) during halothane versus sevoflurane anesthesia in children.
  • To investigate the association between excitation during induction and BIS changes in pediatric patients.

Main Methods:

  • Twenty children (3-15 years) received either halothane or sevoflurane for anesthesia induction and maintenance.
  • Anesthesia was standardized using equipotent doses of volatile agents, nitrous oxide, and remifentanil infusion.
  • Excitation was defined as involuntary muscular movements during induction.

Main Results:

  • Sevoflurane induction led to faster BIS depression than halothane.
  • Excitation during sevoflurane induction coincided with increased BIS values in 2 out of 3 affected children.
  • During maintenance (1 MAC), BIS values were significantly higher with halothane (57±7) than sevoflurane (47±9).

Conclusions:

  • Halothane anesthesia in children is associated with higher BIS values compared to sevoflurane at 1 MAC.
  • Significant individual variability in BIS scores was observed in both groups.
  • Interpretation of pediatric BIS data requires caution due to observed limitations.
Abstract

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