The effect on intraocular pressure of tracheal intubation or laryngeal mask™ insertion during sevoflurane anaesthesia in children without the use of muscle relaxants

Abstract

Background: We studied the effects of sevoflurane on intraocular pressure after induction in children undergoing either tracheal tube (TT) or laryngeal mask airway (LMA™) insertion without a muscle relaxant Methods: The study included 38 children. Anaesthesia was induced (8%) and maintained (3–4%) with sevoflurane in 100% O₂. No muscle relaxant was used. A TT was inserted in group I (n=20), and an LMA in group II (n=18). IOPs were measured after induction, insertion of TT or LMA and at 1, 2 and 3 min thereafter. The heart rate, mean arterial pressures were also recorded. Results: Intraocular pressures increased significantly in group I after TT (P < 0.01) and remained high until after 3 min. The pressures were similar in the LMA group at all measurements. Conclusions: Sevoflurane does not prevent the increase in IOP after intubation without muscle relaxants. LMA does not increase IOP in children after sevoflurane induction.