Sevoflurane, but not propofol, significantly prolongs the Q-T interval

Prolongation of the Q-T interval may be associated with polymorphic ventric ular tachycardia known as torsade de pointes, syncope and sudden death. Exi sting data show that isoflurane prolongs the Q-T interval, whereas halothan e shortens it. The aim of this study was to determine whether sevoflurane o r propofol affects the Q-T interval. Thirty female patients undergoing gyne cologic surgery were randomly assigned to two groups, one receiving inhaled induction with sevoflurane and the other receiving total IV anesthesia wit h propofol. Before and 20 min after the induction, a six-lead electrocardio gram was recorded, and brood pressure was measured. The Q-T interval and he art rate adjusted Q-T interval (Q-Tc interval) were significantly prolonged during the administration of anesthesia with sevoflurane, while the Q-T in terval was significantly shortened, and the Q-Tc interval was statistically unaffected during propofol anesthesia administration. We conclude that, in otherwise healthy female patients, sevoflurane prolongs the Q-Tc. Implicat ions: In this study, we evaluated the effect of sevoflurane induction and a nesthesia versus propofol induction and anesthesia on the Q-T interval. Sev oflurane significantly prolonged the Q-T interval and the heart rate adjust ed Q-T interval, whereas propofol shortened the Q-T interval but not the he art rate adjusted Q-T interval.