[Effects of isoflurane administered during spontaneous ventilation in the child]

The respiratory and haemodynamic changes produced by three inspired concentrations of isoflurane (1, 1.5, and 2%) were evaluated in a healthy children (mean age 4 yrs) breathing spontaneously during anaesthesia. Isoflurane produced respiratory depression; end tidal carbon dioxide tension increased from 38.8 +/- 3.6 mmHg at 1%, to 42.6 +/- 4.3 mmHg and 48.8 +/- 4.9 mmHg at 1.5 and 2% respectively. Respiratory frequency was not modified at the different inspired concentrations of isoflurane. Heart rate and arterial pressure decreased after induction of anaesthesia with isoflurane and remained at the same level throughout the study.