Comparative toxicity of isoflurane, halothane, fluroxene and diethyl ether in human volunteers

Abstract

Comparisons of toxic effects of isoflurane, halothane, fluroxene and diethyl ether were made in human volunteers not undergoing surgical procedures. Comparisons were made of effects on bromsulpthalein retention, serum glutamic oxaloacetic and pyruvic transaminases, lactic dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, serum cholesterol, total serum protein and albumin, serum sodium, chloride, potassium, carbon dioxide content, uric acid, calcium, phosphorus, glucose, creatinine, fluoride, blood urea nitrogen, urine and plasma lysozymes, haematocrit, white blood cells, polymorphonuclear leukocytes and urinalysis. We found greater increases in BSP after halothane and fluroxene than after isoflurane. Concomitant hypercapnia or hypotension did not influence the results. Serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase increased only after fluroxene. We found elevated polymorphonuclear leukocytes after all anaesthetics. No serious toxicity occurred after any of the anaesthetics. © 1973 Canadian Anesthesiologists.