Comparison of sevoflurane and halothane for inhalational rapid induction

The purpose of our study was to assess sevoflurane for inhalational rapid induction compared with halothane. 40 ASA I-II unpremedicated patients aged between 2168 years and planned elective operation, were randomly divided into two equal groups. Vital capacity breathing was reached to the patients and inhalational rapid induction was administrated with 8 % sevoflurane or 4 % halothane in 66 % nitrous oxide and 33 % oxygen. Time to loss of eyelash reflex, breathing frequency until loss of eyelash reflex and airway complications observed, were recorded. Blood pressure, heart rate, peripheral O2 saturation and end tidal CO2 were measured at certain interval. The patients were asked their impressions about the method in postanaesthetic period. Time to loss of eyelash reflex were found to be 44.3±13 and 64.6±16 seconds, and breathing frequency until loss of eyelash were found 4.5±2.8 and 8.2±2.8 for sevoflurane and halothane respectively. Time (p<0.01) and breathing frequency (p<0.001) were significantly different between two groups. coughing was encountered in 9 patients (45 %) with halothane while was not observed in any subjects with sevoflurane, difference was statistically significant (p<0.001). Although other airway complications were less in sevoflurane group than halothane group, these were not statistically significant. Systolic (p<0.01) and diastolic (p<0.05) blood pressures were found more elevated in halothane group compared with sevoflurane group at only measurement after tracheal intubation. We concluded that sevoflurane was superior to halothane with respect to effect rate, respiratory and haemodynamic aspects for inhalational rapid induction