EFFECTS OF NEUROLEPTANAESTHESIA ON PLASMA LEVELS OF GROWTH HORMONE AND INSULIN

Abstract

The effects of neuroleptanaesthesia and surgery on carbohydrate and fat metabolism were studied in twenty-five patients by determining plasma human growth hormone (HGH), insulin, blood glucose and free fatty acids (FFA). The neuroleptanaesthesia consisted of droperidol, pethidine and nitrous oxide alone for 45 minutes and surgery increased significantly plasma HGH, insulin and blood glucose levels. Plasma FFA levels were insignificantly elevated. The clinical significance of this temporary state of glucose intolerance is also discussed.