title: Plasma cortisol levels in paediatric anaesthesia.
abstract: We measured plasma cortisol levels during surgery in seven neonates within ten days after birth and in 14 infants ranging in age from three months to 11 months. The 14 infants were divided into two groups; Group I included eight infants in whom general anaesthesia was maintained with oxygen, nitrous oxide and a muscle relaxant, Group II, six infants in whom general anaesthesia was maintained with oxygen, nitrous oxide, halothane and a muscle relaxant. In the neonates, the changes in mean plasma cortisol levels during anaesthesia were not statistically significant. In both Group I and Group II infants, the mean cortisol levels gradually rose during anaesthesia, but the initial rise in plasma cortisol levels was suppressed in the patients who received halothane.
mesh_terms: D000005:Abdomen / Q000601:surgery; D000768:Anesthesia, General; D005260:Female; D006221:Halothane / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood*; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007432:Intraoperative Period; D008297:Male; D009609:Nitrous Oxide / Q000008:administration & dosage; D010197:Pancuronium / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011863:Radioimmunoassay
chemical_list: D010197:Pancuronium; D009609:Nitrous Oxide; D006221:Halothane; D006854:Hydrocortisone