COMPARISON OF RESPIRATORY CHARACTERISTICS DURING ENFLURANE AND HALOTHANE ANAESTHESIA

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Abstract
The effects of enflurane on certain respiratory characteristics were compared with those of halothane in 70 patients during anaesthesia with spontaneous breathing using a specially designed circuit. The rate of respiration with enflurane (mean 22 b.p.m.) was slower than with halothane (mean 31 b.p.m.; PP<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the minute volume of ventilation or end-tidal carbon dioxide concentration between the two agents. The effects of a narcotic premedication were observed in 16 patients in the study. The main effect was to produce slowing of respiratory rate (enflurane mean 16 b.p.m.; halothane 18 b.p.m.). The value of the respiratory pattern compared with the measurement of heart rate and arterial pressure as a clinical guide during anaesthesia is discussed.