SummaryLiver enzyme studies were carried out before and following the use of two new intravenous agents, disoprofol and midazolam. These .showed no major abnormal changes attributable to either drug, the fzndings being similar to those with thiopentone.
Key wordsAnaesthetics, intravenous; disoprofol, midazolam. Liver: function tests.There is a need to study not only the useful effects but also the potential toxic effects of each new anaesthetic, in circumstances similar to which they will be used in clinical practice. We report here studies on liver enzyme levels with two intravenous drugs which are currently undergoing clinical trials in t h s Department.Disoprofol (ICI 35,868, Diprivan), 2,6,-diisopropyl phenol, is an induction agent and the present formulation is lo/, active agent in 16% Cremophor EL.Midazolam, 8-chloro-6-(2-fluoropheny1)-1 -methyl-4H-imidazo benzodiazepine hydrochloride, is a promising water-soluble benz~diazepine~-~ which is recommended as a sedative-hypnotic rather than an induction agent. The effect of these agents, given with nitrous oxide and oxygen, on liver enzyme levels, following their use in minor gynaecological procedures has been examined and compared with each other. The effect of a standard anaesthetic technique involving thiopentone, nitrous oxide-oxygen and halothane was also tested separately.
MethodThe patients, aged 18-65 years, were all ASA Grade 1 physical status7 and scheduled for minor gynaecological procedures. Patients with a history of allergy or atopy and those who had possibly had a cremophorcontaining intravenous anaesthetic in the previous six months were excluded from the study, as were those with a possible pregnancy or a history of alcoholism or drug addiction. The studies with disoprofol and midazolam were carried out concurrently and informed consent was obtained from all the patients.
Anaesthetic techniqueThe patients were all unprernedicated and a computer-compatible record form with details
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