Comparison of the effects of desflurane and sevoflurane on the QTc interval and QT dispersion

OBJECTIVE: The effects of desflurane and sevoflurane on QT interval and QT dispersion have been investigated in a prospective, double-blind, randomized study of patients undergoing noncardiac surgery. INTERVENTIONS: Sixty American Society of Anaesthesiologists physical status I-II adult patients were randomly assigned to two groups. Anaesthesia was induced with inhalation of desflurane (desflurane group) or sevoflurane (sevoflurane group) in increasing concentrations to 3 minimal alveolar concentration level. The maintenance of anaesthesia was provided with 2 minimal alveolar concentration agents in both groups until the end of the study. Electrocardiogram, heart rate and blood pressure were recorded as follows: before premedication, before induction, 1 and 3 min after the induction of anaesthesia, after the administration of vecuronium and after the tracheal intubation. The induction times and the complications were recorded. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: The QTc interval was significantly more prolonged with desflurane than with sevoflurane at the first and third minute after the induction, and at the third minute after the administration of vecuronium. There were no significant differences in the QT dispersion between the two groups. Heart rate and blood pressure were found to be significantly higher in the desflurane group. CONCLUSION: The QTc interval was more prolonged with desflurane than sevoflurane, and QT dispersion was normal with both agents.