Abstract :
Introduction: Halothane has been the inhalational induction agent most often used in paediatric anaesthesia as it provides smooth induction with good intubating conditions. However, it is associated with disadvantages like myocardial depression and arrhythmias. Sevoflurane having low blood-gas solubility allows for rapid induction, has less myocardial depression and its pleasant odour may make it a suitable agent of inhalational induction in children. Hence, the present study was undertaken to compare the induction and intubation characteristics of sevoflurane and halothane.
Methods: The study population consisted of 200 children aged 1-12yrs, who were randomly assigned into two groups. Group H received incremental concentrations of halothane 0.5-5% and Group S received incremental concentrations of sevoflurane 1-7%. Induction and intubation times, induction and intubation characteristics, and haemodynamics were studied.
Results: The induction and intubation times were shorter with sevoflurane compared with halothane (Group H v/s Group S; induction time 108.6 sec ± 13.3 v/s 64.2 sec ±12.7, intubation time 282.8sec ±34.1 v/s 213sec ±42.6 (P
Keyword :
Paediatric anaesthesia, Halothane, Sevoflurane, Inhalational induction, Inhalational intubation