Objective: This study was performed to evaluate the possible influence of magnesium sulphate which has sedative and analgesic properties on sevoflurane-induced emergence agitation in paediatric patients undergoing adenoidectomy with or without tonsillectomy.

Methods: One hundred and ten paediatric patients aged between 3 and 16 years were randomly allocated to the study. Propofol 2-2.5 mg kg(-1), vecuronium 0.1 mg kg(-1) and fentanyl 1 μg kg(-1) were used for induction of anesthesia and sevoflurane at 1 MAC with nitrous oxide in oxygen (35%) mixture was administered as maintenance. Magnesium sulfate 30 mg kg(-1) in saline (20 mL) in the Group M, or equal volume of saline for controls (Group C) was started 10 min before and infused until the end of the operation. Recovery characteristics included time to extubation, eyes open, emergence and interaction. Patients were evaluated using Modified Aldrete Score (MAS), Pain/Discomfort Scale and Agitation Score. Side effects were determined during emergence and in the recovery.

Results: Time to open eyes was significantly higher in the magnesium treatment group (GroupC: 7.7±3.5, Group M: 12.7±17.5 min, p=0.001). Agitation score was significantly lower in Group M at the 60th min (Group C: 1.3±0.7, Group M: 1.0±0.3, p=0.005). Agitation or pain/discomfort scores in the resting observation periods were the same. The initial MAS value was lower in Group M (Group C: 5.0±1.9, Group M: 4.0±1.7, p=0.003). There was no significant difference between groups regarding side effects.

Conclusion: Magnesium sulphate infusion has no influence on sevoflurane-induced discomfort or emergence agitation.