Effect of althesin (CT-1341) on thyroid-adrenal function in man.

The effects of althesin on adrenocortical and thyroid function were investigated by measuring plasma concentrations of cortisol, thyroxine (T4) and free thyroxine index (FTI) in 29 surgical patients. Althesin did not change the plasma cortisol concentrations from the preanaesthetic control value; however, the concentrations increased significantly after the start of surgery and thereafter. Althesin anaesthesia per se decreased slightly, but significantly, plasma T4 concentration, but did not influence the FTI value. The surgical operation increased the FTI value slightly but significantly. Our data would suggest that Althesin anaesthesia can be used in patients who have abnormal adrenocortical or thyroid activity.