SPONTANEOUS BREATHING WITH THE USE OF A LARYNGEAL MASK AIRWAY IN CHILDREN - COMPARISON OF SEVOFLURANE AND ISOFLURANE

We compared respiratory parameters during anaesthesia with sevoflurane and isoflurane through a laryngeal mask airway (LMA). Children were a naesthetized with O-2 and air with 2.3% (1MAC) sevoflurane (n = 20) or 1.5% (1MAC) isoflurane (n = 20). After insertion of LMA, patients wer e allowed to breathe spontaneously and respiratory rate (RR) and PECO2 were measured (presurgery state). After the measurement, anaesthetic concentration was increased to 1.3 MAC (3.0% sevoflurane or 2.0% isofl urane) and surgical stimulation was added. Fifteen min after incision, the measurements were again performed (during surgery). In the sevofl urane group, mean RR and PECO2 were 32 breaths. min(-1), and 6.0kPa (4 5mmHg) respectively before surgery, and 35 breaths.min(-1) and 7.0kPa (52mmHg) during surgery. In the isoflurane group, mean RR and PECO2 we re 32 breaths.min(-1) and (6.1)kPa (46mmHg) respectively, before surge ry, and 37 breaths.min(-1) and 6.7kPa (52mmHg) during surgery. There w ere no statistical differences between the two anaesthetic groups. Cli nical respiratory and cardiovascular parameters during spontaneous bre athing with LMA in children are similar during sevoflurane and isoflur ane anaesthesia.