RESUMO
68 cases undergoing pediatric surgery in non-conditioned operating theaters were studied under three different groups according to environmental temperature and relative humidity. These groups were classified as hot, moderate or cold with environmental temperatures of 27.6, 23.07, and 18.46°C respectively. In each group some patients received halothane while others received ether. The effect of environmental temperature and humidity was studied on the body temperature [skin and rectal] as well as acid-base parameters [pH, PCO[2], standard bicarbonate and base excess]. Samples were taken before premedication, after induction, half hourly during anaesthesia and in the post-operative period 24 hours after surgery. Results were also analyzed in relation to the anaesthetic agents used