We compared the effects of halothane and isofurane with 50% nitrous oxide (seven children each) on plasma beta-endorphin Concentrations in a group of 14 children aged I to 6 years. Thejindings 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 isofurane anaesthesia. The jindings suggest that the use of isofurane for paediatric inhaled isofurane anaesthesia leads to a more marked surgical stress adaptation effect than the use of halothane.

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