BACKGROUND: Sevoflurane is one of the newest volatile anaesthetic agents.The effect of sevoflurane on ICP in conditions of intracranial pathology is essential from the clinicalpoint of view but still not sufficiently clear. The aim of the study was to examine the effects of 1MAC, 2 MAC, 3 MAC sevoflurane on intracranial pressure (ICP), mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) andheart rate (HR) in rabbits with experimental intracerebral haematoma (ICH).
MATERIAL AND METHODS: Theexperiments were performed in 13 adult rabbits, 3.5-4.0 kg weight. The rabbits were randomly allocatedto two different groups. In group I, (n = 7), sevoflurane was administered in stepwise increasing concentrationsof 2.2 vol%, 4.4 vol% and 6.6 vol%, each for a period of 15 minutes. In group II (n = 6), intracerebralhaematoma was produced and subsequently sevoflurane was administered in the same manner as in group I.Ventilation parameters, inspiratory and end-tidal sevoflurane concentration, end-tidal CO2 concentration(ETCO2), HR, MABP, ICP and body temperature, measured in the nasopharynx, were monitored throughout theexperiment.
RESULTS: Mean values of ETCO2 and temperature in the nasopharynx were not significantly differentin both groups and remained stable in the whole observation period. In group II in all cases the evidenceof intraventricular haematoma was observed. In this group mean values of ICP, MABP and HR after haematomaproduction were significantly higher than those in group I. Statistically significant increase of ICPwas observed in 30th minute in group I, while in 35th minute in group II. In both groups a statisticallysignificant decrease in MABP was observed from 20th minute of observation. A significant decrease inHR in both groups from 25th minute of experiment was also observed.
CONCLUSION: In conclusion it shouldbe stressed that sevoflurane, in doses not exceeding 1 MAC, shows no significant effect on ICP and cardiovascularfunction in the course of intracranial haematoma.

Keywords: intracranial hemorrhage, Intracranial Pressure, rabbit, sevoflurane