Effect on free radical generation with different anaesthesia

Reactive oxygen species are a part of the normal physiology of the biological system but their subsequent defence undergoes alteration during diseased conditions. Administration of anaesthesia for surgery may also alter the formation of reactive oxygen species. The present work deals with the comparative status of oxidative stress (lipid peroxidation) and anti-oxidant defence markers (superoxide dismutase and catalase) in blood in 3 groups of 15 patients each receiving halothane, relaxant vecuronium and spinal form of anaesthesia with lignocaine 5% heavy. The results obtained depict that the formation of malonyl dialdehyde as well as decrease in superoxide dismutase and catalase activities was highest in spinal anaesthesia followed by halothane and then relaxant group. Therefore, it seems important to consider the pre-operative anti-oxidant status while administering anaesthesia to such patients in order to provide biologically safe anaesthesia.