Single-breath Vital Capacity Rapid Inhalation Induction in Children: 8% Sevoflurane Versus 5% Halothane

Background: The authors compared the speed of induction of anesthesia with sevoflurane with and without nitrous oxide with the speed of halothane and nitrous oxide using a single-breath vital capacity induction.

Methods: With informed parental consent, 51 healthy unpremedicated children aged 5-12 yr were randomized to inhale a single breath of one of three gas mixtures: 8% sevoflurane in 66% nitrous oxide, 8% sevoflurane in oxygen, or 5% halothane in 66% nitrous oxide. A blinded observer recorded the times to loss of the eyelash reflex, return of conjugate gaze, the presence of airway reflex responses, involuntary movement, and hemodynamic responses.

Results: Forty-two children completed the study. The times (mean +/- SD) to loss of the eyelash reflex with sevoflurane/nitrous oxide, 38+/-8 s, and for sevoflurane-oxygen, 34+/-12 s, were less than that with halothane-nitrous oxide, 58+/-17 s (P < 0.01). Movement occurred less frequently during sevoflurane than during halothane anesthesia (P < 0.05). The times to return of conjugate gaze and the incidence of airway reflex responses were similar among the groups. The incidence of dysrhythmias in the sevoflurane groups was less than that in the halothane group (P < 0.01).

Conclusions: Induction of anesthesia with a single breath of 8% sevoflurane with or without 66% nitrous oxide is more rapid than with 5% inspired halothane with 66% nitrous oxide in children. The incidence of movement and dysrhythmias during a single-breath induction with sevoflurane are less than they are with halothane.