The effects of halothane on plasma vasopressin during cardio-pulmonary bypass

Plasma vasopressin concentrations were estimated in twelve patients undergoing cardio-pulmonary bypass for open heart surgery. In six patients anaesthesia was maintained with 66% nitrous oxide in oxygen, whilst the remaining six additionally received halothan as a vasodilator during the bypass period. Induction of anaesthesia had little effect on plasma vasopressin concentrations, whilst marked increases were seen during surgery and bypass in both groups of patients. However, in those patients receiving halothane, significantly higher concentrations were reached, a maximun b36.1 +/- 8.9 (SEM) muu/ml being seen in contrase to 15.4 +/- 2.2 muu/ml in the group receiving nitrous oxide in oxygen alone.