We have conducted a prospective, randomized study to evaluate the char
acteristics of induction of anaesthesia in children with 2% propofol.
Children were allocated to receive propofol 3 mg kg(-1) (group A), 4 m
g kg(-1) (group B) or 5 mg kg(-1) (group C) of the 2% formulation. We
observed a high incidence of spontaneous movements (90%) in group A an
d an incidence of coughing of 70% in group C. Induction in group B was
characterized by a short induction time, low incidence of spontaneous
movements (20%), pain on injection (10%) and excellent conditions for
manual ventilation.