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Minimum alveolar concentration of halothane-diethyl-ether azeotrope
S Kalman1, M Bengtsson, D Lindmark
1Department of Anaesthesiology, University Hospital, Linköping, Sweden.
Acta Anaesthesiologica Scandinavica
|April 1, 1991
Summary
The halothane-ether (HE) anesthetic mixture shows potential for emergency use. This study determined its minimum alveolar concentrations (MACs) in humans and pigs, finding synergistic effects between its components.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Pharmacology
- Veterinary Anesthesia
Background:
- The azeotropic mixture of halothane and diethyl ether (HE) presents a potential anesthetic alternative for austere environments like disaster zones or wartime.
- Determining the minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) is crucial for assessing anesthetic potency and safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the MAC of the halothane-ether (HE) azeotropic mixture in humans and pigs.
- To compare the MAC of HE with halothane alone in humans.
- To evaluate the performance of specific vaporizers and gas analyzers with the HE mixture.
Main Methods:
- Minimum alveolar concentrations (MACs) for HE were determined in 25 humans and 6 pigs.
- MAC for halothane alone was also determined in 14 humans for comparative analysis.
- Gas analyzers and vaporizers were calibrated and tested for linear performance with the HE mixture.
Main Results:
- The MAC for HE in humans (19-42 years) was 0.71 vol.% (0.21% ether, 0.50% halothane).
- The MAC for halothane in humans (19-32 years) was 0.65 vol.%.
- The MAC for HE in pigs (20-24 kg) was 0.99 vol.%, suggesting a synergistic interaction between ether and halothane.
Conclusions:
- The halothane-ether azeotropic mixture demonstrates anesthetic properties with potential synergistic effects.
- This study provides essential MAC data for HE, facilitating comparisons with other volatile anesthetic agents in various clinical scenarios.