[Interaction of halothane and PGE1 on ICG excretion]

We performed ICG-test during surgery to study the effect of halothane on ICG excretion in humans. We also evaluated the effect of PGE1 on ICG excretion concomitantly used during halothane anesthesia. A significant decrease in ICG clearance occurred in the patients who received only halothane to reduce the systolic arterial pressure (SAP) to 70% of the preoperative value. The reduction in SAP induced by PGE1 together with halothane, however, did not decrease the ICG clearance rate. We conclude that halothane may decrease the hepatic blood flow, but PGE1 may neutralize the effect of halothane, and maintain the hepatic blood flow in man.