Neuroprotective effect of sevoflurane in general anaesthesia.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the brain damage caused by inhaled sevoflurane, by determining the concentration of serum S100B protein before and after the exposure to this drug as the only anaesthetic agent.

PATIENTS AND METHOD: Paediatric patients undergoing general anaesthesia for the conduct of a nuclear magnetic resonance were included in the study. A venous blood sample was taken from each patient before (basal sample) and after (post-exposure sample) administering the general anaesthesia. The concentration of serum S100B protein was determined in the basal (S100Bb) and post-exposure sample (S100Bp).

RESULTS: A total of 72 patients were included in the study, with a mean patient age of 2 to 13 years (median=6), 28 males and 44 females. S100Bp values (median=66.5ng/L) were significantly lower (P=.0059) than those of S100Bb (median=84.0ng/L). The median of the difference between S100Bp and S100Bb was -11.0ng/L.

CONCLUSIONS: Inhaled sevoflurane at low doses causes a decrease of serum S100B protein levels, hence, this drug could have a neuroprotective effect in the central nervous system.