Comparison of isoflurane and halothane on recovery from neuromuscular blockade using atracurium in infants with hepatic dysfunction undergoing major abdominal surgery

The effects of either isoflurane or halothane on recovery from neuromuscular blockade with atracurium in infants with hepatic dysfunction undergoing major abdominal surgery were studied. Neuromuscular blockade was assessed visually at minute intervals by 'train-of-four' using supra-maximal stimuli. The times to first and second increment and total requirement of atracurium in two groups of infants randomly allocated to receive either isoflurane or halothane for induction and supplementation were recorded. Fourteen patients completed the study, seven with isoflurane and seven with halothane. No evidence was found that recovery from neuromuscular blockade with atracurium was prolonged by isoflurane as compared to halothane.