Induction characteristics of immediate % 8 sevoflurane, incremental sevoflurane and halothane in pediatric anaesthesia

Abstract

We compared the efficacy and tolerance of pediatric inductions with immediate 8% sevoflurane with either incremental sevoflurane or incremental halothane, all of administered in 70% nitrous oxide and 30 % O2. Thirty-six unpremedicated children had anaesthesia induction either by immediate 8 % sevoflurane (Group I), incremental sevoflurane (Group II) or incremental halothane (Group III). Between the three groups, there were no statistically significant differences regarding acceptance of mask application times (Group I: 26.5±6.3 s, Group II: 34.1±9.8 s, Group III: 23.8±10.3 s), times to loss of eyelash reflex (Group I: 72.3±6.7 s, Group II: 81.6±11.5 s, Group III: 94.5±7.9 s), induction times (Group I: 177.0±12.4 s, Group II: 207.5±20.6 s, Group III: 169.5±13.7 s) and mask struggling scores (p>0.05). Effects on the heart rate, arterial blood pressure and oxygen saturation were similar in all groups. A number of complications were noted in all groups, although none interfered with the induction of anaesthesia. In conclusion, both in incremental and immediate sevoflurane is a suitable alternative to halothane. Based on this study, we believe that there is no advantage of, incremental use of sevoflurane as a method of anaesthesia induction in pediatric patients as compared to immediate sevoflurane medication.