Background. Emergence agitation (EA) is a common transient behavioural disturbance after inhalational anaesthesia and may cause harm. This study evaluated the effectivity of propofol 0,5 mg/kg at the end of anaesthesia to reduce the incidence of EA in children undergoing general inhalational anaesthesia.

Method. This was a double-blind randomized clinical trial on children aged 1-5 years underwent general inhalational anaesthesia in [blinded]. 108 subjects were included using consecutive sampling method and randomized into two equal groups. Propofol group was administered propofol 0,5 mg/kg at the end of anaesthesia while the control group did not. Incidence of EA, transfer time, postoperative hypotension, desaturation and nausea-vomiting were observed. Aono and Paediatric Anaesthesia Emergence Delirium scale were used to assess EA.

Result. Incidence of EA in propofol group was 25,9% while in control group was 51,9% (RR = 0,500; 95% CI 0,298-0,840; p=0,006). Mean transfer time in propofol group was longer (9,51 ± 3,93 minute) than control group (7,80 ± 3,57 minute) (mean difference 1,71 minute; 95% CI 0,28-3,14; p=0,020). Hypotension was found in one patient (1,9%) in propofol group while in control group there was none. Nausea-vomiting was found in five patients (9,3%) in propofol group and eight patients (14,8%) in control. There was no desaturation in both groups.

Conclusion. Administration of propofol 0,5 mg/kg at the end of anaesthesia effectively reduce the incidence of EA in children undergoing general inhalational anaesthesia with sevoflurane.

Keywords : agitation; children; delirium; emergence; propofol; sevoflurane.