Hypotension in Children With Down Syndrome With Anesthesia Induction

Children generally undergo induction of anesthesia by inhalation of sevoflurane. This is particularly relevant for children with developmental delays as to avoid placement of an IV while awake. However, children with Down Syndrome experience bradycardia with induction of anesthesia using sevoflurane. It is unknown if this bradycardia is isolate or results in hypotension, thus requiring treatment. Isolate bradycardia without hypotension does not require treatment and should be avoided as many of these patients have underlying cardiac anomalies.