[Anesthetic induction of children with high concentrations of sevoflurane]

Abstract

The induction and intubation with high concentrations of sevoflurane (4% or 6.4%) were investigated in 180 children with ages ranging from 1 to 6yr 12m. Average induction time (duration between the start of induction and loss of consciousness) with 4% sevoflurane was 56 sec and that with 6.4% was 47 sec. Eight patients out of 90, to whom 4% sevoflurane was applied, could not be intubated due to closure of vocal cord, cough or closure of mouth. The most serious side effect was convulsion during induction, of which incidence was 6% of all patients, and occurred more frequently with 6.4% sevoflurane. The convulsion spread from hand on one side to all over the body, and disappeared spontaneously within 30 sec. There was no significant side effect in cardiovascular system, such as hypotension, arrhythmia or bradycardia. In conclusion, smooth intubation was possible without use of muscle relaxants with high concentrations of sevoflurane. This can be one of the choices for induction of children, though there is a possibility of occurrence of convulsion.