Comparison of plasma α glutathione S-transferase concentrations during and after low-flow sevoflurane or isoflurane anaesthesia

Background: We evaluated the effect of low-flow sevoflurane anaesthesia, in which compound A is generated, and isoflurane anaesthesia, in which compound A is not generated (n = 13 in each group), on hepatocellular integrity using alpha glutathione S-transferase (GST). alpha GST is a more sensitive and specific marker of hepatocellular damage than is aminotransferase activity and correlates better with hepatic histology. Methods: Sevoflurane or isoflurane were delivered without nitrous oxide with a fresh gas flow of 1 l/min. Concentrations of compound A in the circuit were measured hourly, and plasma alpha GST concentrations were measured perioperatively. Results: Mean duration of anaesthesia was 338 +/- 92 min in the sevoflurane group and 320 +/- 63 min in the isoflurane group. Mean compound A concentration in the sevoflurane group was 28.6 +/- 9.0 ppm. There was no significant difference in alpha GST concentrations between the sevoflurane and isoflurane groups during or after anaesthesia. Conclusion: These results indicate that low-flow sevoflurane and isoflurane anaesthesia have the same effect on hepatic function, as assessed by plasma alpha GST concentrations.