ABSTRACT : Aim of the study was to compare the incidence and severity of EA in pediatric age group under Sevoflurane or Isoflurane anaesthesia using PAED Scale (Pediatric Anaesthesia Emergence Delirium Scale), and its correlation with pre-induction agitation.

METHODS : This study was double blinded randomized control trial, conducted in Kasturba Medical College Hospitals.60 patients between 2-6 years were randomly divided into two groups. All patients were induced with Sevoflurane, relaxed with atracurium and intubated with appropriate airway device. Anaesthesia was maintained with O2, N2O and Sevoflurane or Isoflurane. Adequate analgesia was ensured. Post procedure, they were observed in PACU for development of EA. Statistical package SPSS version 17 was used and Data analysis was made using students unpaired t test and Chi-square test. Statistical significance was accepted at p<0.05.

RESULTS : Mean PAED score was 12.9 in S group and 9.4 in I group (p<0.001). Higher values were observed during initial 10-20 minutes in S group (p=0.006). Incidence of EA was compared with pre-induction agitation, statistical significance was observed (p=0.00).

CONCLUSIONS : Emergence agitation affects medical, psychological, social aspects of the patient. Increased incidence of EA was observed with S group and more during initial 10-20 minutes of postoperative period. Pre-induction agitation was strongly associated with EA.