Carbon Monoxide Production from Desflurane, Enflurane, Halothane, Isoflurane, and Sevoflurane with Dry Soda Lime

Abstract

The absorbent temperature increased with all anesthetics but was highest for sevoflurane. The reported magnitude of CO formation from desflurane, enflurane, and isoflurane was confirmed. In contrast, a smaller but significant CO formation from sevoflurane was found, which may account for the CO hemoglobin concentrations reported in infants. With all agents, CO formation appears to be self-limited.