Sinus node recovery function is relatively well preserved under halothane anaesthesia in children

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of halothane on sinus node recovery time (SNRT). Nine children with congenital heart disease scheduled for cardiac catherization were studied. After the routine procedure, the sinus node was paced at rates of 120, 150 and 180 beats per minute. SNRTs were measured with control conditions and under 1 MAC halothane anaesthesia. The absolute SNRT was standardized and expressed as '%SNRT' and 'Corrected SNRT (CSNRT)'. CSNRT was slightly prolonged by halothane (P = 0.042), while the %SNRT was not significantly prolonged. We conclude that the recovery function of the sinus node is relatively well preserved under 1 MAC halothane in children.