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Comparison of haemodynamic changes induced by sevoflurane and halothane in paediatric patients

S Kawana1, J Wachi, M Nakayama

  • 1Department of Anesthesiology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Japan.

Insights

Sevoflurane and halothane have similar hemodynamic effects in children. Sevoflurane showed a higher heart rate increase than halothane at 2 MAC, but both anesthetic agents were comparable otherwise.

Area of Science:

  • Anesthesiology
  • Pediatric Anesthesia
  • Cardiovascular Physiology

Background:

  • Halothane has been a standard anesthetic for children, but sevoflurane is increasingly used.
  • Understanding the comparative hemodynamic effects is crucial for patient safety.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the hemodynamic effects of sevoflurane and halothane at 1 and 2 Minimum Alveolar Concentration (MAC) in pediatric patients.

Main Methods:

  • Thirty-eight children (1-6 years) were randomized into four groups: sevoflurane (S1, S2) and halothane (H1, H2) at 1 and 2 MAC.
  • Hemodynamic parameters including mean blood pressure (mBP), stroke volume index (SVI), heart rate (HR), and cardiac index (CI) were measured using impedance cardiometry.

Main Results:

  • Mean blood pressure and stroke volume index decreased similarly across all groups.
  • Heart rate increased in sevoflurane groups (S1, S2) and halothane 2 MAC (H2), but not halothane 1 MAC (H1).
  • The heart rate increase in S2 was significantly higher than in H2. Cardiac index showed a non-significant trend towards decrease in all groups.

Conclusions:

  • Sevoflurane exhibits comparable hemodynamic depressant effects to equipotent halothane concentrations in children.
  • A notable difference was the greater heart rate increase with sevoflurane at 2 MAC compared to halothane.

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