The effect of adrenaline on desflurane-induced prolonged QTc interval: a randomized double-blind trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIM We investigated the effect of adrenaline on desflurane-induced prolonged corrected QT (QTc) interval. PATIENTS AND METHODS Sixty-two adult patients scheduled for nasal surgery were included. Following intubation, packs soaked in physiological saline were used for Group C (control) and packs soaked in adrenaline (1/200,000, 5 ml) were used for Groups A1 and A2. Group A2 was given desflurane simultaneously with nasal packing; other groups were given desflurane following removal of the packs. QTc interval was evaluated at 9 periods, from prior to induction of anaesthesia to postoperative first hour. RESULTS QTc interval was significantly reduced in Groups A1 and A2 compared to Group C during packaging (p < 0.001, p < 0.05 respectively), while QTc interval gradually prolonged after desflurane administration (p < 0.05 in Groups C compared to Groups A1 and A2). Patients did not develop arrhythmia. CONCLUSIONS Our findings show that desflurane caused progressive prolongation of the QTc interval, and adrenaline shortened QTc interval only at application period of packs.