THE EFFECTS OF ANAESTHESIA WITH THIOPENTONE, NITROUS OXIDE, NARCOTICS AND NEUROMUSCULAR BLOCKING DRUGS ON RENAL FUNCTION IN NORMAL MAN

Abstract

SUMMARYChanges in renal haemodynamics, water and electrolyte excretion were determined in 10 healthy male volunteers before and after the administration of narcotic and atropine sulphate intravenously, and after anaesthesia with thiopentone, nitrous oxide in oxygen, neuromuscular blocking drugs and in some instances intermittent narcotic. A significant reduction in glomerular filtration rate (13 per cent) without change in renal plasma flow with an increased renal vascular resistance was observed following narcotic and atropine premedication. No alteration in urine volume or osmolality followed narcotic premedication suggesting failure of ADH release. Administration of anaesthesia resulted in a further reduction (11 per cent) in glomerular filtration rate, a 31 per cent reduction in renal plasma flow and maintained increase in renal vascular resistance. A profound antidiuresis characterized by low urine volume, increased urine osmolality, and negative free water clearance was observed during anaesthesia. This could not be reversed by ethanol infusion, unlike the response in previous studies with cyclopropane and halothane.