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Changes in the electroretinogram and visual evoked potentials during general anaesthesia

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Abstract

Ten patients (one male and nine females), aged 33.2±12.0 years, were given electrophysiological studies before and during general anaesthesia. A mixture of thiopentone sodium, halothane, and nitrous oxide was used for anaesthesia. Electroretinogram (ERG) and visual evoked potentials (VEP) were recorded with scalp electrodes, and an averaging technique was used to improve signal-noise ratio. The recordings were made under standard conditions 15 to 20 min after induction of the anaesthesia. The amplitudes of the a- and b-waves of the ERG were significantly diminished whereas their latencies remained unchanged. The peak-to-peak amplitudes of the early components N1 and P2 of the VEP were significantly lowered, and the latencies of N0, P1 and N1 were prolonged by anaesthesia. These modifications are suggested to reflect metabolic changes in the sensitive layers of the retina and in the optic tract.

Zusammenfassung

Bei zehn Patienten (ein Mann und neun Frauen) mit einem durchschnittlichen Alter von 33.2±12.0 Jahren wurde das Elektroretinogramm (ERG) sowie die visuell evozierten Potentiale (VEP) unter Standardbedingungen vor und während Allgemeinanästhesie mit einer Thiopenton Natrium-Halothan-Lachgas-Mischung registriert. Die Ableitungsstelle lag 2 cm über dem Inion (00 des internationalen 10–20 Systems) in der okzipitalen Mittellinie. Zur Mittelwertbildung wurde ein Summationselektronenrechner (Nokia) angewandt.

Die Aufzeichnungen wurden während konstanter Bedingungen 15–20 min nach Induktion der Anästhesie durchgeführt. Die Amplituden der a- und b-Wellen des ERGs waren signifikant erniedrigt. Die Latenzen verblieben dagegen unverändert. Die Höhe der Amplitude (Spitze zu Spitze) der frühen VEP Komponente n1 und P2 waren signifikant erniedrigt, und die Latenzen von no0 p1 und n1 während der Anästhesie verzögert. Diese Veränderungen scheinen metabolische Ursachen sowohl in der Neuroretina wie auch im Nervus und Tractus opticus zu haben.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Ophthalmology, University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 4 C, SF-00290, Helsinki 29

    Christina Raitta, Ulla Karhunen & Marja Naukkarinen

  2. Institute of Occupational Health, Haartmaninkatu 1, SF-00290, Helsinki 29, Finland

    Anna Maria Seppälainen

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  1. Christina Raitta
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  2. Ulla Karhunen
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  3. Anna Maria Seppälainen
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  4. Marja Naukkarinen
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Raitta, C., Karhunen, U., Seppälainen, A.M. et al. Changes in the electroretinogram and visual evoked potentials during general anaesthesia. Albrecht von Graefes Arch. Klin. Ophthalmol. 211, 139–144 (1979). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00410137

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