The effects of halothane and isoflurane on forearm blood flow in children as determined by venous occlusion plethysmography

Abstract

Comparative studies have not been made of the peripheral vascular effects of halothane and isoflurane in children. Using a water-filled venous occlusion plethysmograph, measurements of forearm blood flow were made in 2 groups of 19 children exposed to increasing concentrations of these 2 agents. Halothane and isoflurane caused comparable and dose dependent increases in forearm blood flow and reductions in peripheral vascular resistance and arterial pressure.These findings suggest that, in younger children, reductions in peripheral vascular resistance are partly responsible for decreases in arterial pressure when lower concentrations of these agents are used.