Propofol versus halothane in paediatric daycase surgery: a comparison of the duration of induction and haemodynamic profile.

BACKGROUND

Inhalational induction with Halothane is commonly used for anaesthesia in children. Its drawbacks include bradycardia and hypotension. Intravenous propofol has recently challenged this position.

OBJECTIVE

This study sought to compare duration of and cardiovascular changes at induction of anaesthesia in children.

METHODS

Sixty ASA I and II children aged 1- 7 years scheduled for elective daycase surgery were prospectively studied from January to July 2008. They were assigned to receive inhalational induction with halothane 3% or intravenous induction with 3.5mg/kg of propofol. Heart rate, systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressure as well as oxygen saturation were monitored throughout induction. The duration of induction as well as any complications were documented.

RESULTS

Demographic data was comparable between the two groups. Duration of induction was significantly longer in the halothane group 8.23 +/- 2.34 minutes compared with 2.30 +/- 1.26 minutes in the propofol group (p < 0.001). Heart rate rose by 4.7 +/- 17.73 beats/minute in the propofol group and fell by 4.19 +/- 18.03 in the halothane group (p = 0.05). Systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressures fell in both groups with values being less in the halothane group. These differences were not significantly different (p = 0.189, p = 0.059, p = 0.058 respectively). Sixteen patients (33%) in the propofol group developed apnoea compared to 2 (6.6%) in the halothane group (p < 0.001). The duration of apnoea differed significantly between groups (p = 0.003).

CONCLUSION

Halothane and propofol had similar changes to cardiovascular parameters during anaesthetic induction. The shorter duration of induction of propofol may be preferable for daycase surgeries.