Inhalational anesthetics depress the heart in a dose-dependent manner.

1. In the past, anticholinergics were commonly used to prevent bradycardia and arrhythmias in children given halothane; however, this practice is no longer necessary with the newer ether anesthetics that infrequently cause arrhythmias.
2. Sevoflurane maintains or increases heart rate during induction of anesthesia in most instances likely because of withdrawal of vagal tone. Desflurane and isoflurane tend to increase the heart rate.
3. Cardiac output in young children is dependent on heart rate.
4. Peripheral vascular resistance is very low in children as evidenced by the absence of a change in blood pressure when a caudal/epidural block is administered.

Pediatric Anesthesia

1. Anatomy and Physiology
2. Pharmacology
3. Respiration
4. Cardiovascular
5. Central Nervous System
6. Renal
7. Hepatic
8. In Vivo Metabolism
9. Intravenous
10. Sedatives
11. Preoperative Assessment
12. Induction of Anesthesia
13. Preoperative Preparation
14. Induction Techniques
15. Maintenance of Anesthesia
16. Emergency and Recovery from Anesthesia
17. Transfer to the Postanesthesia Care Unit (PACU)