[Comparison of the effects of halothane, isoflurane and sevoflurane in the treatment of severe asthmatic attack: a case report].

A 19-year-old woman suffered from a severe asthmatic attack. She did not respond to any of the conventional therapies and eventually lapsed into a state of unconsciousness. We administered isoflurane 1-2% via an endotracheal tube, but, she still required a ventilator. This study was carried out in order to compare the effects of halothane, isoflurane and sevoflurane in the treatment of a severe asthmatic patient. The inhalation of isoflurane, halothane and sevoflurane decreased the airway resistance and systemic vascular resistance in direct relationship to the dosage administered. Because the patient's metabolic rate is low and the occurrence of arrhythmias is rare with isoflurane, we concluded that isoflurane is the best alternative for the patient with asthma.