Changes in oxygen saturation during inhalation induction of anaesthesia in children.

Changes in oxygen saturation (SaO2) were studied during induction of anaesthesia in 48 healthy children receiving halothane or isoflurane for outpatient dental extractions. Substantial reductions in SaO2 occurred in more than 50% of the children given isoflurane and were associated with the irritant effects of this agent on the airway. SaO2 was largely unaltered during the use of halothane. These findings indicate that the airway complications caused by isoflurane may be associated with decreases in SaO2.