Changes in plasma creatinine concentration after cardiac anesthesia with isoflurane, propofol, or sevoflurane: a randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND: Renal impairment often follows cardiac surgery. The authors investigated whether sevoflurane produces greater increases in plasma creatinine concentration than isoflurane or propofol after elective coronary artery surgery. METHODS: As part of maintenance anesthesia, including during cardiopulmonary bypass, patients were randomly allocated to receive one of three agents: isoflurane (n = 118), sevoflurane (n = 118), or propofol (n = 118). Fresh gas flows were 3 l/min. The preoperative plasma creatinine concentration was subtracted from the highest creatinine concentration in the first 3 postoperative days. A median maximum increase greater than 44 microM (0.5 mg/dl) was regarded as clinically important. Data were analyzed on an intention-to-treat basis. Subgroup analyses were performed on per-protocol patients and those with preoperative renal impairment (creatinine concentration > 130 microM [1.47 mg/dl] or urea > 7.7 mM [blood urea nitrogen, 21.6 mg/dl]). RESULTS: The differences between the groups were small, clinically unimportant, and not statistically significant for the primary analysis and subgroups. The proportions of patients with creatinine increases greater than 44 microM were 15% in the isoflurane group, 17% in the sevoflurane group, and 11% in the propofol group (P = 0.45). The median increases were 8 microM in the isoflurane group, 4 microM in the sevoflurane group, and 6 microM in the propofol group. The differences between the three median maximum increases were 1-4 microM (P > 0.45). In the subgroup with preoperative renal impairment, the median increases were 10 microM in the isoflurane group, 15 microM in the sevoflurane group, and 5 microM in the propofol group (P = 0.72). CONCLUSIONS: Sevoflurane did not produce greater increases in creatinine than isoflurane or propofol after elective coronary artery surgery.     

Time to tracheal extubation after coronary artery surgery with isoflurane, sevoflurane, or target-controlled propofol anesthesia: a prospective, randomized, controlled trial

OBJECTIVES: To determine if anesthesia with sevoflurane or target-controlled propofol reduced the time to tracheal extubation after coronary artery bypass graft surgery compared with isoflurane anesthesia. DESIGN: A 3-arm (isoflurane, sevoflurane, or propofol), randomized, controlled trial with patients and intensive care staff blinded to the drug allocation. SETTING: A single, tertiary referral hospital affiliated with the University of Melbourne. PARTICIPANTS: Three hundred sixty elective coronary artery surgery patients. INTERVENTIONS: Patients received either isoflurane (control group, 0.5%-2% end-tidal concentration), sevoflurane (1%-4% end-tidal concentration), or target-controlled infusion of propofol (1-8 microg/mL plasma target concentration) as part of a balanced, standardized anesthetic technique including 15 microg/kg of fentanyl. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The primary outcome was time to tracheal extubation. The median time to tracheal extubation for the propofol group was 10.25 hours (interquartile range [IQR] 8.08-12.75), the sevoflurane group 9.17 hours (IQR 6.25-11.25), and the isoflurane group 7.67 hours (IQR 6.25-9.42). Intraoperatively, the propofol group required less vasopressor (p = 0.002) and more vasodilator therapy (nitroglycerin p = 0.01, nitroprusside p = 0.002). There was no difference among the groups in time to intensive care unit discharge. CONCLUSIONS: The median time to tracheal extubation was significantly longer for the target-controlled propofol group. A significantly greater number in this group required the use of a vasodilator to control intraoperative hypertension.     

Changes in Plasma Creatinine Concentration after Cardiac Anesthesia with Isoflurane, Propofol, or Sevoflurane: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: Renal impairment often follows cardiac surgery. The authors investigated whether sevoflurane produces greater increases in plasma creatinine concentration than isoflurane or propofol after elective coronary artery surgery.

Methods: As part of maintenance anesthesia, including during cardiopulmonary bypass, patients were randomly allocated to receive one of three agents: isoflurane (n = 118), sevoflurane (n = 118), or propofol (n = 118). Fresh gas flows were 3 l/min. The preoperative plasma creatinine concentration was subtracted from the highest creatinine concentration in the first 3 postoperative days. A median maximum increase greater than 44 [mu]m (0.5 mg/dl) was regarded as clinically important. Data were analyzed on an intention-to-treat basis. Subgroup analyses were performed on per-protocol patients and those with preoperative renal impairment (creatinine concentration > 130 [mu]m [1.47 mg/dl] or urea > 7.7 mm [blood urea nitrogen, 21.6 mg/dl]).

Results: The differences between the groups were small, clinically unimportant, and not statistically significant for the primary analysis and subgroups. The proportions of patients with creatinine increases greater than 44 [mu]m were 15% in the isoflurane group, 17% in the sevoflurane group, and 11% in the propofol group (P = 0.45). The median increases were 8 [mu]m in the isoflurane group, 4 [mu]m in the sevoflurane group, and 6 [mu]m in the propofol group. The differences between the three median maximum increases were 1-4 [mu]m (P > 0.45). In the subgroup with preoperative renal impairment, the median increases were 10 [mu]m in the isoflurane group, 15 [mu]m in the sevoflurane group, and 5 [mu]m in the propofol group (P = 0.72).     

Emergence agitation in preschool children: double-blind, randomized, controlled trial comparing sevoflurane and isoflurane anesthesia

BACKGROUND: This randomized, double-blind controlled trial was conducted to determine whether the association of sevoflurane for induction and isoflurane for anesthesia maintenance resulted in a lower incidence of postoperative agitation compared with sevoflurane as single agent. METHODS: After Institute Ethics Committee's approval and parental written informed consent, 128 unpremedicated children (1-6 years), ASA I-II, scheduled for elective subumbilical surgery were enrolled. After induction with 8% sevoflurane, patients were randomly allocated to receive sevoflurane or isoflurane 1-1.5 MAC as maintenance agent. The primary endpoint of the study was the incidence of postoperative agitation defined as a screaming and crying child and/or a child that required physical restraint during emergence. RESULTS: Eighteen children were excluded because they received sedatives, analgesia or anesthesia or because of ineffective regional analgesia before randomization. Fifty-four patients receiving sevoflurane and 56 receiving isoflurane completed the study. Twenty-eight children (95% CI 38-66%) in the sevoflurane group presented with postoperative agitation compared with 18 (95% CI 20-46%) patients receiving isoflurane (P = 0.028). Fifteen minutes after awakening, 11/54 children receiving sevoflurane were agitated compared with 4/56 receiving isoflurane (P = 0.03). Thereafter, there was a gradual reduction in the incidence of postoperative agitation over time. CONCLUSIONS: The association of sevoflurane for induction and isoflurane for maintenance produced significant less postoperative agitation in preschool children receiving regional anesthesia during subumbilical surgery compared with sevoflurane for induction and maintenance.     

Part I: propofol, thiopental, sevoflurane, and isoflurane-A randomized, controlled trial of effectiveness

When compared with thiopental and isoflurane, propofol and sevoflurane are associated with a faster return to wakefulness after anesthesia. Yet their wider usage in inpatient surgery has been restrained by concerns regarding their acquisition costs and by lack of studies demonstrating improved patient outcome. We randomly allocated 453 adult surgical inpatients to one of four anesthetic regimens (thiopental-isoflurane, propofol-isoflurane, propofol induction and maintenance, or sevoflurane induction and maintenance) and measured their rate and quality of recovery. We found no significant differences in the rate and quality of recovery between groups. Propofol was associated with more pain on injection (P: < 0. 0005), but less cough during induction (P: = 0.003), and less early postoperative nausea and vomiting (P: = 0.003). We could not detect any significant advantages with propofol and sevoflurane, when compared with thiopental and isoflurane in adults undergoing elective inpatient surgery. Implications: Propofol and sevoflurane do not offer any significant advantages over thiopental and isoflurane in adults undergoing elective inpatient surgery.     

Incidence of atrial fibrillation early after cardiac surgery: can choice of the anesthetic regimen influence the incidence?

Occurrence of atrial fibrillation is a common complication after coronary surgery. This study aimed to identify the perioperative factors that are associated with its occurrence with specific attention to the possible influence of the choice of the anesthetic regimen after elective coronary surgery. A retrospective chart analysis was performed in 460 patients who underwent elective coronary artery surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass using the standard institutional anesthetic, surgical and postoperative protocols. The only difference in management was the choice of the primary anesthetic regimen. 110 patients had a total intravenous anesthesia with propofol, 90 patients had a total intravenous anesthesia with midazolam, 150 patients were anesthetized with sevoflurane and 110 patients with desflurane. The primary outcome variable was the incidence of atrial fibrillation within the first 24 postoperative hours. Atrial fibrillation occurred in 64 of the 460 patients included (13.9%). Multiple logistic regression analysis identified increased age (> 70 years), EuroSCORE > 4, prolonged CPB time (> 100 min) and need for prolonged inotropic support (> 6 hours) as the significant independent risk factors for the occurrence of postoperative atrial fibrillation. The incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation differed among the different anesthetic groups with the lowest incidence in the sevoflurane group (propofol: 17/110; midazolam: 15/90; sevoflurane: 9/150; desflurane: 23/110) (p = 0.004). This finding should be further confirmed in a prospective sufficiently powered multicenter study.     

不同全麻对非心脏手术患者术后认知功能影响的比较

目的 比较不同全麻对非心脏手术患者术后认知功能的影响.方法 拟行非心脏手术患者1000例,年龄18～60岁,ASA分级Ⅰ或Ⅱ级,采用随机数字表法,将患者随机分为5组(n=200):异氟醚+异丙酚+芬太尼组(IPF组)、异氟醚+瑞芬太尼组(IR组)、七氟醚+异丙酚+芬太尼组(SPF组)、七氟醚+瑞芬太尼组(SR组)和异丙酚+瑞芬太尼组(PR组).麻醉维持:IPF组和SPF组分别吸入1.68%异氟醚或1.71%七氟醚,TCI异丙酚,血浆靶浓度2～5 μg/ml,间断静脉注射芬太尼;IR组、SR组和PR组分别吸入1.68%异氟醚或1.71%七氟醚或TCI异丙酚,血浆靶浓度2～5 μg/ml,TCI瑞芬太尼,血浆靶浓度2～6 ng/ml.选择同期住院的非手术患者200例作为对照组(C组).于术前1 d、出麻醉恢复室时、术后1和3 d时,采用MMSE量表进行认知功能评分.于出麻醉恢复室时、术后1和3 d时,采用Z计分法评判认知功能障碍.结果 与C组比较,IPF组、IR组、SPF组、SR组和PR组出麻醉恢复室时MMSE评分降低,出麻醉恢复室时及术后1 d时认知功能障碍的发生率升高(P＜0.05);与IPF组、IR组、SPF组和PR组比较,SR组术后认知功能障碍的发生率降低(P＜0.05).结论 七氟醚复合瑞芬太尼麻醉对非心脏手术患者术后认知功能的影响较小.

Abstract：

Objective To compare the effects of methods of general anesthesia on postoperative cognitive function in patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery. Methods One thousand ASA Ⅰ or Ⅱ patients, aged 18-60 yr, undergoing non-cardiac surgery were randomly divided into 5 groups ( n = 200 each) : isoflurane + propofol + fentanyl group (group IPF); isoflurane + remifentanil group (group IR) ; sevoflurane + propofol + fentanyl group (group SPF) ; sevoflurane + remifentanil group (group SR) ; propofol + remifentanil group (group PR) . Two hundred non-operative patients served as control group (group C) . In groups IPF and SPF, anesthesia was maintained with inhalation of 1.68% isoflurane or 1.71 % sevoflurane, TCI of propofol with the target plasma concentration of 2-5 μg/ml, and intermittent iv boluses of fentanyl. In groups IR, SR and PR, anesthesia was maintained with inhalation of 1.68% isoflurane or 1.71% sevoflurane, or TCI of propofol with the target plasma concentration of 2- 5 μg/ml, and TCI of remifentanil with the target plasma concentration of 2-6 ng/ml. The patients' cognitive function was assessed using mini-mental state examination (MMSE) at 1 d before operation, while leaving postanesthesia care unit (PACU) , and at 1 and 3 d after operation. The Z score was used to identify the cognitive dysfunction as recommended by Moller while leaving PACU, and at 1 and 3 d after operation. Results Compared with group C, the MMSE score was significantly decreased while leaving PACU , and the incidence of cognitive dysfunction increased while leaving PACU and at 1 d after operation in the other groups ( P ＜ 0.05). Compared with groups IPF,IR,SPF and PR, the incidence of cognitive dysfunction was significantly increased in group SR ( P ＜ 0.05) . Conclusion General anesthesia with sevoflurane combined remifentanil exerts less effect on the postoperative cognitive function in patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery.     

Influence of anesthetic technique on early postoperative hypoxemia

In the present study we have compared the incidence and degree of hypoxemia during the early postoperative period and for the first 3 nights after operation occuring after the administration ot total intravenous anesthesia with propofol versus inhalation anesthesia with nitrous oxide and isoflurane.
We studied 50 consecutive non-obese patients, ages 25–65, ASA I-11, who were scheduled for elective cholecystectomy. Patients received randomly either total intravenous anesthesia with propofol (24 patients) or inhalation anesthesia with nitrous oxide and isoflurane (26 patients). Oxygen saturation was continously recorded on the night before surgery, for 8 hours after extubation (early postoperative period) and during the first, second and third nights after operation.
In the early postoperative period we found statistically significant higher values of mean (P<0.05) and minimum (P<0.01) SpO₂ in patients who received total intravenous anesthesia compared to patients in whom inhalation anesthesia was used. Moreover, in the early postoperative period, 4 (16.7%) patients of the intravenous anesthesia group versus 11 (42.3%) patients of the inhalation anesthesia group had at least 1 hypoxemic event (P<0.05).
We conclude that the incidence and degree of hypoxemia in the early postoperative period is significantly less when total intravenous anesthesia with propofol is used.     

Sevoflurane provides greater protection of the myocardium than propofol in patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery

BACKGROUND: Sevoflurane, like other halogenated anesthetics, has been shown to have a protective effect on the myocardium at risk after an ischemic injury. The current study tested the hypothesis that such beneficial effects, so far mainly seen in the laboratory, are reproducible in humans. METHODS: After institutional review board approval, 20 patients scheduled to undergo elective off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery were randomized to receive general anesthesia with either sevoflurane or propofol. Except for this, anesthetic and surgical management was the same in both groups. For assessing myocardial injury, troponin I and myocardial fraction of creatine kinase were determined during the first 24 postoperative hours. Systemic hemodynamic variables were measured before, during, and after completion of coronary artery bypass. RESULTS: Troponin I concentrations increased significantly more in propofol-anesthetized patients than in patients anesthetized with sevoflurane. CONCLUSION: Patients receiving sevoflurane for off-pump coronary artery surgery had less myocardial injury during the first 24 postoperative hours than patients receiving propofol. The results further support cardioprotective effects of sevoflurane.     

Comparison of the hemodynamic effects of sevoflurane anesthesia induction and maintenancevs TIVA in CABG surgery

PURPOSE: To compare the hemodynamic effects of sevoflurane when used for induction and maintenance of anesthesia with a total intravenous technique in patients with known coronary artery disease (CAD). METHODS: Thirty patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) were randomly allocated to receive either sevoflurane (S group, n = 15) at a minimal concentration of 4% in oxygen for induction and at 0.5-2 MAC end-tidal concentration for maintenance, or a total intravenous technique (T group, n = 15) consisting of midazolam for induction and propofol for maintenance. In both groups, anesthesia was supplemented with sufentanil and muscle relaxation with cis-atracurium. Hemodynamic measurements included systemic and pulmonary pressures, heart rate, mixed venous oxygen saturation and cardiac output at the following times: pre-induction, 7 and 25 min post-induction, chest closure, one hour after surgery and pre and post tracheal extubation. RESULTS: More patients in the S group (8/15) presented bradycardia in the induction period (T:2/15) (P = 0.05). During maintenance of anesthesia, treatment of hypertension was more frequent in the T group (12/15) than in the S group (6/15) (P = 0.025). All other parameters were comparable. CONCLUSION: Induction of anesthesia in patients with CAD, VCRII with sevoflurane supplemented by sufentanil provided hemodynamic responses comparable with those of TIVA although bradycardia was observed more often with sevoflurane. Intraoperative control of systemic blood pressure was achieved with fewer interventions with a sevoflurane/sufentanil maintenance than with a propofol/sufentanil technique in CABG surgery.     

Comparative effects of halothane, isoflurane, and sevoflurane on the liver with hepatic artery ligation in the beagle.

Recently, there has been increasing interest in the alterations in splanchnic and hepatic circulation and preservation of hepatic oxygenation and function during anesthesia and surgery. However, the effects of volatile anesthetics under a condition of marginal hepatic oxygen supply are not well understood. Using a crossover design, we therefore studied the effects of equianesthetic concentrations (1.5 MAC) of halothane, isoflurane, and sevoflurane on hepatic oxygenation and function in nine beagles in which the hepatic artery had been ligated. Portal blood flow was measured by an electro-magnetic flow meter. Hepatic function was assessed by indocyanine green elimination kinetics. While cardiac output and mean arterial pressure were greater during halothane anesthesia than during isoflurane and sevoflurane anesthesia, portal blood flow and hepatic oxygen supply were significantly less during halothane and sevoflurane anesthesia than during isoflurane anesthesia. With regard to hepatic oxygen uptake, there was a significant difference between halothane (2.7 +/- 1.2 ml.min-1 x 100 g-1) and sevoflurane (3.7 +/- 2.0 ml.min-1 x 100 g-1; P less than 0.05). Consequently, the hepatic oxygen supply/uptake ratio and the hemoglobin oxygen saturation and oxygen partial pressure in hepatic venous blood during sevoflurane anesthesia were significantly less than they were with the other anesthetics. Indocyanine green clearance was better preserved during sevoflurane anesthesia (39.7 +/- 12.0 ml.min-1) than during halothane anesthesia (30.9 +/- 8.4 ml.min-1; P less than 0.05). We conclude that sevoflurane is accompanied by a smaller oxygen supply/uptake ratio than is halothane and isoflurane, while it preserves hepatic function.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Postanesthetic respiratory depression in humans: A comparison of sevoflurane,isoflurane and halothane

The postanesthetic respiratory depression with sevoflurane, isoflurane and halothane was studied in twenty-one patients. They were divided into three groups of seven patients each. One group underwent sevoflurane anesthesia, another group isoflurane and the third group halothane. Following extubation, the decrease in blood concentration of the anesthetic agent was most rapid with sevoflurane and slowest with halothane. Twenty minutes following extubation, resting ventilation and ventilatory response to carbon dioxide returned to the preanesthetic state with sevoflurane and isoflurane anesthesia. With halothane anesthesia, however, the depressive respiratory effects of halothane remained; depressed ventilatory response to carbon dioxide, decreased tidal volume and increased respiratory frequency. Although halothane has been reported to have the least depressive respiratory effect of the three, its elimination was slowest. Thus the respiratory effects of halothane persisted up to and past the twenty minute mark, far longer than with sevoflurane or isoflurane.(Doi M, Ideda K: Postanesthetic respiratory depression in humans: A comparison of sevoflurane, isoflurane and halothane. J Anesth 1: 137–142, 1987)     

Comparison of recovery profile after ambulatory anesthesia with propofol, isoflurane, sevoflurane and desflurane: a systematic review

In this systematic review we focused on postoperative recovery and complications using four different anesthetic techniques. The database MEDLINE was searched via PubMed (1966 to June 2002) using the search words "anesthesia" and with ambulatory surgical procedures limited to randomized controlled trials in adults (>19 yr), in the English language, and in humans. A second search strategy was used combining two of the words "propofol," "isoflurane," "sevoflurane," or "desflurane". Screening and data extraction produced 58 articles that were included in the final meta-analysis. No differences were found between propofol and isoflurane in early recovery. However, early recovery was faster with desflurane compared with propofol and isoflurane and with sevoflurane compared with isoflurane. A minor difference was found in home readiness between sevoflurane and isoflurane (5 min) but not among the other anesthetics. Nausea, vomiting, headache, and postdischarge nausea and vomiting incidence were in favor of propofol compared with isoflurane (P < 0.05). A larger number of patients in the inhaled anesthesia groups required antiemetics compared with the propofol group. We conclude that the differences in early recovery times among the different anesthetics were small and in favor of the inhaled anesthetics. The incidence of side effects, specifically postoperative nausea and vomiting, was less frequent with propofol. IMPLICATIONS: A systematic analysis of the literature comparing postoperative recovery after propofol, isoflurane, desflurane, and sevoflurane-based anesthesia in adults demonstrated that early recovery was faster in the desflurane and sevoflurane groups. The incidence of nausea and vomiting were less frequent with propofol.     

Renal Responses to Low-flow Desflurane, Sevoflurane, and Propofol in Patients

Background: The contributing factors that result in significant, postoperative proteinuria and glucosuria after low-flow isoflurane and sevoflurane anesthesia are unknown. The present study compared renal responses after anesthesia with desflurane (negligible metabolism), sevoflurane, or intravenous propofol.

Methods: Informed consent was obtained from 52 patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I-III (aged 36-81 yr). Patients with diabetes or renal insufficiency were excluded. Desflurane (n = 20) or sevoflurane (n = 22), without nitrous oxide, was given at 1 l/min fresh gas flow for elective surgical procedures lasting more than 2 h; 10 patients received propofol without nitrous oxide as the primary anesthetic. Blood and urine chemistries were obtained before surgery. Blood and 24-h urine collections were obtained for 3 days after surgery and were analyzed for liver and renal indices.

Results: Length of surgery averaged ~ 300 min (range, 136-750 min), minimum alveolar concentration-hour averaged 4.3 (range, 1.2-11.0), and infusion rates of propofol were 99-168 [mu]g [middle dot] kg-1 [middle dot] min-1. Plasma creatinine concentration did not change, plasma blood urea nitrogen decreased significantly, and significant increases in urine glucose, protein, and albumin occurred similarly in all groups. Mean (+/- SD) postoperative urine glucose values for day 1 after desflurane, sevoflurane, and propofol were 1.4 +/- 3.0, 1.1 +/- 2.1, and 1.9 +/- 2.6 g/d (normal, < 0.5 g/d). The average daily protein/creatinine ratios for postoperative days 2-3 after desflurane, sevoflurane, and propofol were 240 +/- 187, 272 +/- 234, and 344 +/- 243 (normal,< 150 mg/g). Regardless of anesthetic, there were significantly greater urine protein concentrations after surgical procedures in central versus peripheral regions.     

Isoflurane and sevoflurane anesthesia in pigs with a preexistent gas exchange defect.

BACKGROUND: Decreased arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) during volatile anesthesia is well-known. Halothane has been examined with the multiple inert gas elimination technique and has been shown to alter the distribution of pulmonary blood flow and thus PaO2. The effects of isoflurane and sevoflurane on pulmonary gas exchange remain unknown. The authors hypothesized that sevoflurane with a relatively high minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) would result in significantly more gas exchange disturbances in comparison with isoflurane or control. METHODS: This study was performed in a porcine model with an air pneumoperitoneum that generates a reproducible gas exchange defect. After a baseline measurement of pulmonary gas exchange (multiple inert gas elimination technique) during propofol anesthesia, 21 pigs were randomly assigned to three groups of seven animals each. One group received isoflurane anesthesia, one group received sevoflurane anesthesia, and one group was continued on propofol anesthesia (control). After 30 min of volatile anesthesia at 1 MAC or propofol anesthesia, a second measurement (multiple inert gas elimination technique) was performed. RESULTS: At the second measurement, inert gas shunt was 15 +/- 3% (mean +/- SD) during sevoflurane anesthesia versus 9 +/- 1% during propofol anesthesia (P = 0.02). Blood flow to normal ventilation/perfusion (V(A)/Q) lung areas was 83 +/- 5% during sevoflurane anesthesia versus 89 +/- 1% during propofol anesthesia (P = 0.04). This resulted in a PaO2 of 88 +/- 11 mmHg during sevoflurane anesthesia versus 102 +/- 15 mmHg during propofol anesthesia (P = 0.04). Inert gas and blood gas variables during isoflurane anesthesia did not differ significantly from those obtained during propofol anesthesia. CONCLUSIONS: In pigs with an already existent gas exchange defect, sevoflurane anesthesia but not isoflurane anesthesia causes significantly more gas exchange disturbances than propofol anesthesia does.     

Sevoflurane-remifentanil versus propofol-remifentanil anesthesia at a similar bispectral level for off-pump coronary artery surgery: no evidence of reduced myocardial ischemia

OBJECTIVE: Sevoflurane could decrease myocardial ischemic injury in patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery. This study was designed to compare postoperative troponin I (cTnI) concentrations after sevoflurane-remifentanil versus propofol-remifentanil anesthesia. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized single-blind clinical study. SETTING: University hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Eighteen patients. INTERVENTIONS: General anesthesia was conducted with sevoflurane-remifentanil (n = 9) or propofol-remifentanil (n = 9). Administration of sevoflurane and propofol was adjusted to maintain the bispectral index (BIS) between 40 and 60. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Groups were comparable regarding the patients' characteristics. The objective of BIS was maintained in both groups except during the period of coronary artery grafts (p < 0.001) when the BIS number in the propofol group fell below 40 and was significantly lower than in the sevoflurane group. Intraoperative hemodynamic variables were similar between groups. No patient required cardiopulmonary bypass. Need for inotropic and vasoactive support during the first graft was not necessary in the propofol group and occurred in 4 patients in the sevoflurane group (not significant). During the second graft, 2 patients in the propofol group and 3 in the sevoflurane group needed hemodynamic support. Postoperative hemodynamic variables were comparable between groups. Areas under the curve of postoperative increases in cTnI were 27.0 +/- 38.6 and 17.4 +/- 14.6 ng/mL/hour in the sevoflurane and propofol groups, respectively (not significant). CONCLUSION: This study does not support cardioprotective effects of sevoflurane. The particularly short total cumulative duration of ischemia and the relatively low administered end-tidal sevoflurane concentrations may explain this result.     

Isoflurane and Sevoflurane Anesthesia in Pigs with a Preexistent Gas Exchange Defect

Background : Decreased arterial partial pressure of oxygen (Pao2) during volatile anesthesia is well-known. Halothane has been examined with the multiple inert gas elimination technique and has been shown to alter the distribution of pulmonary blood flow and thus Pao2. The effects of isoflurane and sevoflurane on pulmonary gas exchange remain unknown. The authors hypothesized that sevoflurane with a relatively high minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) would result in significantly more gas exchange disturbances in comparison with isoflurane or control.

Methods : This study was performed in a porcine model with an air pneumoperitoneum that generates a reproducible gas exchange defect. After a baseline measurement of pulmonary gas exchange (multiple inert gas elimination technique) during propofol anesthesia, 21 pigs were randomly assigned to three groups of seven animals each. One group received isoflurane anesthesia, one group received sevoflurane anesthesia, and one group was continued on propofol anesthesia (control). After 30 min of volatile anesthesia at 1 MAC or propofol anesthesia, a second measurement (multiple inert gas elimination technique) was performed.

Results : At the second measurement, inert gas shunt was 15 +/- 3% (mean +/- SD) during sevoflurane anesthesia versus 9 +/- 1% during propofol anesthesia (P = 0.02). Blood flow to normal ventilation/perfusion ( A/ ) lung areas was 83 +/- 5% during sevoflurane anesthesia versus 89 +/- 1% during propofol anesthesia (P = 0.04). This resulted in a Pao2 of 88 +/- 11 mmHg during sevoflurane anesthesia versus 102 +/- 15 mmHg during propofol anesthesia (P = 0.04). Inert gas and blood gas variables during isoflurane anesthesia did not differ significantly from those obtained during propofol anesthesia.     

Sevoflurane, but not propofol, significantly prolongs the Q-T interval

Prolongation of the Q-T interval may be associated with polymorphic ventricular tachycardia known as torsade de pointes, syncope and sudden death. Existing data show that isoflurane prolongs the Q-T interval, whereas halothane shortens it. The aim of this study was to determine whether sevoflurane or propofol affects the Q-T interval. Thirty female patients undergoing gynecologic surgery were randomly assigned to two groups, one receiving inhaled induction with sevoflurane and the other receiving total IV anesthesia with propofol. Before and 20 min after the induction, a six-lead electrocardiogram was recorded, and blood pressure was measured. The Q-T interval and heart rate adjusted Q-T interval (Q-Tc interval) were significantly prolonged during the administration of anesthesia with sevoflurane, while the Q-T interval was significantly shortened, and the Q-Tc interval was statistically unaffected during propofol anesthesia administration. We conclude that, in otherwise healthy female patients, sevoflurane prolongs the Q-Tc. IMPLICATIONS: In this study, we evaluated the effect of sevoflurane induction and anesthesia versus propofol induction and anesthesia on the Q-T interval. Sevoflurane significantly prolonged the Q-T interval and the heart rate adjusted Q-T interval, whereas propofol shortened the Q-T interval but not the heart rate adjusted Q-T interval.     

Tidal breathing technique for induction of anaesthesia with high concentration of sevoflurane, isoflurane or halothane in infants undergoing cardiac surgery

Aims nduction characteristics of sevoflurane were compared with isoflurane and halothane in 45 acyanotic infants undergoing surgery for congenital heart disease. Methods Infants were randomized into three groups of 15 each. None of them received premedication. In group I induction was done with 8% sevoflurane in 100% oxygen, in group II with 5% isoflurane in 100% oxygen and in group III with 4% halothane in 100% oxygen. Induction time, intubation time, haemodynamic variables and side effects like coughing, laryngospasm, breatholding and excessive crying were noted. Results The mean induction time taken as loss of eyelash reflex was significantly lower in sevoflurane group (52.80±8.5 seconds) as compared to isoflurane (196.80±49.13 seconds) and halothane groups (168.72±9.1 seconds) (p value <0.001). The mean intubation time in sevoflurane group was 2.97±0.48 minutes followed by halothane group (5.10±2.9 minutes) and isoflurane group (6.70±1.77 minutes) (p value < 0.001). The incidence of coughing and laryngospasm was observed in 6% (1 in 15), each in sevoflurane and halothane groups and 20% (3 in 15) cases in isoflurane group. Haemodynamics were comparable in both sevoflurane and isoflurane groups. However in halothane group significant decrease in mean arterial pressure was observed. Conclusion Sevoflurane anaesthesia is a better alternative for induction in infants undergoing cardiac surgery as compared to isoflurane and halothane. (Ind J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg, 2001; 17:233-237)     

Renal responses to low-flow desflurane, sevoflurane, and propofol in patients

BACKGROUND: The contributing factors that result in significant, postoperative proteinuria and glucosuria after low-flow isoflurane and sevoflurane anesthesia are unknown. The present study compared renal responses after anesthesia with desflurane (negligible metabolism), sevoflurane, or intravenous propofol. METHODS: Informed consent was obtained from 52 patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I-III (aged 36-81 yr). Patients with diabetes or renal insufficiency were excluded. Desflurane (n = 20) or sevoflurane (n = 22), without nitrous oxide, was given at 1 l/min fresh gas flow for elective surgical procedures lasting more than 2 h; 10 patients received propofol without nitrous oxide as the primary anesthetic. Blood and urine chemistries were obtained before surgery. Blood and 24-h urine collections were obtained for 3 days after surgery and were analyzed for liver and renal indices. RESULTS: Length of surgery averaged approximately 300 min (range, 136-750 min), minimum alveolar concentration-hour averaged 4.3 (range, 1.2-11.0), and infusion rates of propofol were 99-168 microg x kg(-1) x min(-1). Plasma creatinine concentration did not change, plasma blood urea nitrogen decreased significantly, and significant increases in urine glucose, protein, and albumin occurred similarly in all groups. Mean (+/- SD) postoperative urine glucose values for day 1 after desflurane, sevoflurane, and propofol were 1.4 +/- 3.0, 1.1 +/- 2.1, and 1.9 +/- 2.6 g/d (normal, < 0.5 g/d). The average daily protein/creatinine ratios for postoperative days 2-3 after desflurane, sevoflurane, and propofol were 240 +/- 187, 272 +/- 234, and 344 +/- 243 (normal, < 150 mg/g). Regardless of anesthetic, there were significantly greater urine protein concentrations after surgical procedures in central versus peripheral regions. CONCLUSIONS: Alterations in postoperative renal function were common and unrelated to the choice of anesthetic. These findings implicate nonanesthetic factors in producing changes in biochemical indices of renal excretory function.