Effects of Halothane Anesthesia on Renal Function in Normal Man

Abstract

Changes in renal hemodynamics, and water and electrolyte excretion were determined during anesthesia with 1.5% halothane in O2 in 13 hydrated normal human volunteers without preanesthetic medication or operation. Infusions of ethanol were employed to reverse the antidiuresis associated with anesthesia and to obtain urine volumes greater than 2 ml/min. to allow the application of clearance techniques for measurement of renal hemodynamics. Glomerular filtration rate decreased 19% and renal blood flow decreased 38% during anesthesia. Sodium excretion decreased 64%. Possible mechanisms by which halothane acted to produce these changes are discussed.