Multiple Halothane Anesthesia in the Burn Patient

Abstract

Halothane is the anesthetic agent of choice for burn patients in the Burn Unit at Brooke General Hospital. It is used repeatedly—an average of four administrations per patient, with a range to 22. From 1964 through 1968, 408 patients received 1,770 halothane anesthetics. Two cases of liver necrosis occurred, one massive; neither is attributable to halothane. The evidence indicates that repeated administrations of halothane in a six-week period involve no additional risk to the patient.