Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 27, 2026

In Vitro Method to Control Concentrations of Halogenated Gases in Cultured Alveolar Epithelial Cells
04:56

In Vitro Method to Control Concentrations of Halogenated Gases in Cultured Alveolar Epithelial Cells

Published on: October 23, 2018

Single-breath vital capacity rapid inhalation induction in children: 8% sevoflurane versus 5% halothane

R C Agnor1, N Sikich, J Lerman

  • 1Department of Anaesthesia and Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Anesthesiology
|August 26, 1998
PubMed

Insights

Sevoflurane anesthesia induction in children is faster and safer than halothane. Single-breath vital capacity induction with sevoflurane, with or without nitrous oxide, offers improved speed and fewer adverse events compared to halothane.

Area of Science:

  • Anesthesiology
  • Pediatric Anesthesia
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Comparing anesthetic induction speeds is crucial for pediatric patient care.
  • Single-breath vital capacity induction offers a rapid method for administering inhaled anesthetics.
  • Sevoflurane and halothane are commonly used inhaled anesthetics in pediatric populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the speed of anesthesia induction using sevoflurane versus halothane in children.
  • To evaluate the safety profile, including movement and dysrhythmias, of sevoflurane compared to halothane during induction.
  • To assess the efficacy of single-breath vital capacity induction with sevoflurane in a pediatric cohort.

Main Methods:

  • 51 healthy children aged 5-12 years were randomized into three groups.
  • Participants inhaled a single breath of either sevoflurane with nitrous oxide, sevoflurane with oxygen, or halothane with nitrous oxide.
  • An independent observer recorded times to loss of eyelash reflex, return of gaze, airway reflexes, movement, and hemodynamic responses.

Main Results:

  • Induction was significantly faster with sevoflurane (34-38 seconds) compared to halothane (58 seconds) (P < 0.01).
  • Fewer instances of involuntary movement occurred with sevoflurane anesthesia (P < 0.05).
  • The incidence of dysrhythmias was lower in the sevoflurane groups compared to the halothane group (P < 0.01).

Conclusions:

  • Single-breath vital capacity induction with sevoflurane is more rapid than with halothane in children.
  • Sevoflurane induction is associated with a lower incidence of movement and dysrhythmias compared to halothane.
  • Sevoflurane represents a potentially safer and more efficient anesthetic option for pediatric induction.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Breath Collection from Children for Disease Biomarker Discovery06:09

Breath Collection from Children for Disease Biomarker Discovery

Published on: February 14, 2019

Halogenated Agent Delivery in Porcine Model of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome via an Intensive Care Unit Type Device09:36

Halogenated Agent Delivery in Porcine Model of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome via an Intensive Care Unit Type Device

Published on: September 24, 2020

Related Concept Videos

Respiratory Volumes and Capacities I01:26

Respiratory Volumes and Capacities I

Assessing the respiratory rate and rhythm for a complete minute is crucial for evaluating the breathing pattern. Even a minor increase in the patient's average respiratory rate, by as little as three to five breaths per minute, is an early and vital indicator of respiratory distress. Patients with a respiratory rate exceeding twenty-four breaths per minute require close monitoring to determine the physiological alterations. This careful observation is essential for prompt recognition and...
Alterations in Respiration II01:30

Alterations in Respiration II

There are numerous types of normal and abnormal respiration. Based on ventilatory movements, breathing patterns are classified as regular, deep, or shallow. Examples include Biot's breathing, Cheyne-Stokes respiration, Kussmaul's breathing, hyperventilation, and hypoventilation. Each pattern is clinically significant and aids in evaluating patients.
In Biot's breathing, the respiratory rate and depth are irregular, alternating between periods of deep gasping and apnea. Common causes include...
Respiratory Capacities01:24

Respiratory Capacities

Respiratory capacities are crucial indicators of lung function, representing the maximum amount of air an individual's respiratory system can handle during various breathing phases.
One key metric is the Inspiratory Capacity (IC), which represents the maximum amount of air that can be inhaled with full effort. IC is calculated by summing the tidal volume and inspiratory reserve volume, typically ranging from 2.4 to 3.6 liters.
The Functional Residual Capacity (FRC) represents the air in the...
Inhalational Anesthetics: Overview01:20

Inhalational Anesthetics: Overview

Inhalation anesthetics are drugs that induce general anesthesia upon inhalation. They work by increasing the sensitivity of GABAA receptors or inhibiting NMDA receptors, leading to a decrease in central nervous system activity. The depth of anesthesia can be rapidly adjusted by changing the concentration of the inhaled gas. Some common examples of inhalational anesthetics include volatile liquids like isoflurane, desflurane, sevoflurane and gases like xenon and nitrous oxide. Isoflurane, a...
Pulmonary Ventilation: Inhalation01:24

Pulmonary Ventilation: Inhalation

Pulmonary ventilation is a vital process that ensures the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs. It refers to the movement of air into and out of the lungs, enabling the body to obtain oxygen and remove waste carbon dioxide. In this article, we will explore the intricacies of pulmonary ventilation, including its underlying principles, mechanisms, and the interplay of pressures within the respiratory system.
Boyle's law becomes particularly pertinent when examining respiratory...
Respiratory Volumes and Capacities01:22

Respiratory Volumes and Capacities

The respiratory system is responsible for the intake of oxygen and the expulsion of carbon dioxide from the body. Respiratory volumes describe the volume of air in the lungs at different phases of the respiratory cycle. Tidal volume is the air breathed in and out during normal, quiet breathing. Inspiratory reserve volume is the air that can be forcefully inspired beyond the tidal volume. In contrast, expiratory reserve volume refers to the air that can be expelled from the lungs after a normal...