Effect of Inhaled Sevoflurane and Intravenous Propofol with Remifentanil on the Core Body Temperature in Burn Patients

Kwak, In Suk; Kim, Sung Hoon; Woo, Chul Ho; Kim, Kwang Min

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The ability of the body to maintain its temperature is evidently decreased in patients with thermal injury. The aim of this study is was to evaluate the effect of inhaled sevoflurane and intravenous propofol with remifentanil on core body temperature in burn patients.
METHODS
Sixty patients scheduled for burn surgery were divided into 4 groups. Within the major burn patients, intravenous propofol and remifentanil group (group I) followed by a continuous infusion of propofol and remifentanil. In inhaled sevoflurane group (group II), propofol 2mg/kg was given intravenously over 10 seconds as a single bolus and was maintained with nitrous oxide and oxygen and 2-2.5% sevoflurane. In minor burn patients, the intravenous propofol and remifentanil group (group III) and inhaled sevoflurane group (group IV) were treated in the same manner. After induction of anesthesia, esophageal stethoscope was placed to monitor the core temperature every five minutes in all patients.
RESULTS
During operation, the core temperature of major burn patients was about 0.7-1.0 degreesC greater than that of minor burn patients. Until 95 minutes after induction of anesthesia, this difference showed statistical significant. However, there was no statistical significance after 100 minutes (P < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between group I and group II and group III and group IV for burn patients as well.
CONCLUSIONS
Compared to minor burn patients, the core temperature of major burn patients was greater, and anesthetics type and administration route during operation had no effect on the core temperature in these patients.