Propofol versus Halothane in paediatric Daycase surgery: A comparison of the duration of induction and haemodynamic profile

Abstract

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.

Key words: Anaesthesia, induction; paediatric; halothane, propofol