The MAC for sevoflurane is similar in which age groups?

The MAC for sevoflurane is similar in which age groups?

• A. Premature infants and full-term neonates
• B. Neonates and infants younger than 6 months
• C. Adults and neonates
• D. Elderly patients and infants

Answer: (B)

Age affects how much sevoflurane is needed to suppress movement, and this effect is most similar between neonates and very young infants. In the first months of life, the brain and CNS receptors are still maturing, so their anesthetic requirements stay in a similar, relatively high range. After about six months, MAC starts to fall toward adult values, so older children and adults differ more from neonates. Therefore, the MAC for sevoflurane is similar in neonates and infants younger than six months. Premature infants, adults, or elderly patients have different maturational or aging-related changes that shift their MAC away from this early infant pattern.

Age affects how much sevoflurane is needed to suppress movement, and this effect is most similar between neonates and very young infants. In the first months of life, the brain and CNS receptors are still maturing, so their anesthetic requirements stay in a similar, relatively high range. After about six months, MAC starts to fall toward adult values, so older children and adults differ more from neonates. Therefore, the MAC for sevoflurane is similar in neonates and infants younger than six months. Premature infants, adults, or elderly patients have different maturational or aging-related changes that shift their MAC away from this early infant pattern.