E.C.G changes during halothane and enflurane anaesthesia for E.N.T. surgery in children

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Anesthesiology
• Cardiology
• Otolaryngology

Background:

• Adenoidectomy and adenotonsillectomy are common pediatric surgical procedures.
• Anesthesia can influence cardiac electrophysiology, particularly in children.
• Understanding ECG changes during these procedures is crucial for patient safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare electrocardiogram (ECG) changes in pediatric patients undergoing adenoidectomy or adenotonsillectomy.
• To evaluate the effects of halothane versus enflurane anesthesia on cardiac rhythm and QT interval.
• To assess the impact of specific anesthetic agents and surgical procedures on ECG parameters.

Main Methods:

• A comparative study involving 152 children undergoing adenoidectomy or adenotonsillectomy (T + A).
• Patients were anesthetized using either halothane or enflurane.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG) parameters, including rhythm, bundle branch block, and QT interval, were monitored and compared.

Main Results:

• Junctional rhythm occurred in 4-16% (adenoidectomy) and 11-33% (T + A) of children.
• Bundle branch block was observed in 4% of children under halothane anesthesia, particularly with thiopentone and T + A.
• QT interval prolongation was noted after thiopentone and thiopentone/suxamethonium, and significantly with enflurane anesthesia, but not halothane.

Conclusions:

• Anesthetic choice (halothane vs. enflurane) impacts ECG findings in pediatric adenoidectomy/adenotonsillectomy.
• Halothane is associated with a higher incidence of bundle branch block, while enflurane may prolong the QT interval.
• Pre-anesthetic QT interval duration may predict aberrant conduction during anesthesia.