Effects of halothane and isoflurane on beta-endorphin release in children.

Abstract

We compared the effects of halothane and isoflurane with 50% nitrous oxide (seven children each) on plasma beta-endorphin concentrations in a group of 14 children aged 1 to 6 years. The findings were compared for four periods of anaesthesia: basal, induction, maintenance and recovery. Beta-endorphin release was most increased with isoflurane, especially during the maintenance period. Measurements of haemodynamic parameters (heart rate and blood pressure) showed diastolic blood pressure significantly lower after isoflurane anaesthesia. The findings suggest that the use of isoflurane for paediatric inhaled isoflurane anaesthesia leads to a more marked surgical stress adaptation effect than the use of halothane.