The effects of halothane and isoflurane on hand blood flow in children. (As determined by venous occlusion plethysmography)

Abstract

Summary The effects of increasing concentrations of halothane and isoflurane were studied in two groups of twenty children aged from 2.9 to 9.8 years using the technique of water filled venous occlusion plethysmography. Halothane significantly increased hand blood flow and reduced vascular resistance only at a concentration of 0.5 MAC. However, isoflurane caused significant dose related increases in hand blood flow and reductions in hand vascular resistance at 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 MAC. These findings suggest that in children isoflurane has a more potent vasodilator effect on the skin circulation than halothane.