Which statement about Desflurane metabolism is correct?

Which statement about Desflurane metabolism is correct?

• A. It undergoes greater hepatic metabolism than Halothane
• B. It undergoes minimal hepatic metabolism
• C. It is not a volatile agent
• D. It accumulates in adipose tissue rapidly

Answer: (B)

Desflurane is a volatile anesthetic that is metabolized by the liver to only a tiny extent. Its elimination is dominated by exhalation, not by hepatic metabolism, because it has a very low blood-gas solubility and low lipid solubility. In practical terms, only a negligible fraction is metabolized by the liver (roughly a fraction of a percent), whereas most of the agent is breathed out unchanged. This minimal hepatic metabolism stands in contrast to agents like halothane, which are significantly metabolized by the liver and historically associated with hepatic effects. Because it is cleared mainly by exhalation and has limited tissue uptake, it does not accumulate rapidly in adipose tissue. Therefore, the statement that it undergoes minimal hepatic metabolism is the best description.

Desflurane is a volatile anesthetic that is metabolized by the liver to only a tiny extent. Its elimination is dominated by exhalation, not by hepatic metabolism, because it has a very low blood-gas solubility and low lipid solubility. In practical terms, only a negligible fraction is metabolized by the liver (roughly a fraction of a percent), whereas most of the agent is breathed out unchanged. This minimal hepatic metabolism stands in contrast to agents like halothane, which are significantly metabolized by the liver and historically associated with hepatic effects. Because it is cleared mainly by exhalation and has limited tissue uptake, it does not accumulate rapidly in adipose tissue. Therefore, the statement that it undergoes minimal hepatic metabolism is the best description.