Volatile anesthetics may prolong the QTc interval and this may result in grave cardiac arrhythmias. We assessed the effect of desflurane on the QTc interval in 40 ASA physical status I or II patients. Volatile anesthetic induction with desflurane was performed, and after obtaining adequate level of anesthesia, QTc interval, heart rate, and noninvasive arterial blood pressure were measured. Prolongation of the QTc interval was observed within the first minute of anesthesia. There were no differences in QTc interval changes between sexes at any time. We conclude that desflurane prolongs the QTc interval, but that there are no differences between genders in sensitivity to this action.
Implications: We assessed the effect of desflurane on QTc interval in patients without cardiac diseases. Prolongation of the interval was evident by the first minute of desflurane anesthesia. There were no differences between female and male patients.