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Minimum alveolar concentration of desflurane in patients older than 65 yr

M I Gold1, D Abello, C Herrington

  • 1University of Miami School of Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Florida 33125.

Anesthesiology
|October 1, 1993
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

The minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) of desflurane is lower in older adults (65+ years) compared to younger adults. Adding nitrous oxide further reduces desflurane MAC in this geriatric population.

Area of Science:

  • Anesthesiology
  • Geriatric Medicine
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • The minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) of desflurane decreases with age.
  • Previous studies show reduced MAC for other inhaled anesthetics in older adults.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the MAC of desflurane in adults aged 65 years and older.
  • To compare desflurane MAC with and without nitrous oxide in geriatric patients.

Main Methods:

  • Thirty-nine surgical patients (aged 65+) were enrolled, divided into desflurane/oxygen and desflurane/nitrous oxide/oxygen groups.
  • MAC was determined using a crossover method after steady-state end-tidal desflurane concentrations.
  • Patients received no premedication, induction agents, opioids, or neuromuscular blockers for intubation.

Main Results:

  • MAC of desflurane/oxygen was 5.17 ± 0.6%.
  • MAC of desflurane/nitrous oxide/oxygen was 1.67 ± 0.4%.

Conclusions:

  • Geriatric patients exhibit a lower MAC for desflurane, with or without nitrous oxide, than younger adults.
  • These findings align with established data for other inhaled anesthetic agents in the elderly.

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