Which pair of inhaled anesthetics are described as having very minimal hepatic metabolism?

Which pair of inhaled anesthetics are described as having very minimal hepatic metabolism?

• A. Halothane and Desflurane
• B. Sevoflurane and Isoflurane
• C. Desflurane and Enflurane
• D. Halothane and Sevoflurane

Answer: (B)

The amount of hepatic metabolism among inhaled anesthetics varies, and choosing agents with minimal liver metabolism reduces the risk of hepatic injury. Desflurane and isoflurane are the least metabolized by the liver; desflurane is metabolized only about 0.02–0.04%, with almost all exhaled unchanged, and isoflurane around 0.2–0.3%. Sevoflurane, while still relatively safe, undergoes more metabolism—roughly 2–5%—which means it’s not as minimal as the two just mentioned. Halothane is the opposite extreme, with substantial hepatic metabolism (~20%), linked to higher hepatotoxic risk. So, the pair with very minimal hepatic metabolism is desflurane and isoflurane.

The amount of hepatic metabolism among inhaled anesthetics varies, and choosing agents with minimal liver metabolism reduces the risk of hepatic injury. Desflurane and isoflurane are the least metabolized by the liver; desflurane is metabolized only about 0.02–0.04%, with almost all exhaled unchanged, and isoflurane around 0.2–0.3%. Sevoflurane, while still relatively safe, undergoes more metabolism—roughly 2–5%—which means it’s not as minimal as the two just mentioned. Halothane is the opposite extreme, with substantial hepatic metabolism (~20%), linked to higher hepatotoxic risk. So, the pair with very minimal hepatic metabolism is desflurane and isoflurane.