Objective: the contribution investigated the levels of systemically absorbed adrenalin after its topical administration in nasal surgery Type ofstudy: prospective study Setting: ORL Clinic, Faculty Hospital and Policlinic Ostrava, ORL Ward, Hospital in Frýdek-Místek Material and Methods: a prospective evaluation of a group of patients, who were administered adrenalin topically on nasal mucosa during surgery in general anesthesia. After introduction of general anesthesia, venous blood was sampled for the determination of basal adrenalin level. Subsequently adrenalin was administered topically (on swabs) in the dilution of 1:10,000. In the 3rd, 5th, 7th, 10th, 13th and 15th minute after the administration venous blood was sampled for the determination of adrenalin. These levels were compared with the adrenalin level before the administration. Clinical response to the administered adrenalin was observed (blood pressure, heart rate). R e s u l t s: seven patients (4 men, 3 women) at the average age of 29 years (the oldest being 37 and the youngest 20) were examined. The topical administration of adrenalin resulted in statistically significant elevation of adrenalin levels in the 5th, 10th and 13th minute (maximum was 121 ng/l in the 5th minute) with subsequent decrease to basal values in 15th minute. No statistically significant changes in blood pressure were recorded. A statistically significant decrease of heart rate was observed. Conclusion: the topical administration of adrenalin on nasal mucosa in 1:10,000 dilution resulted in a systemic absorption. The amount of adrenalin, which was absorbed, was relatively low, the adrenalin levels in blood reached two-fold higher levels than the basal concentration. No changes were observed in blood pressure, but there was a decrease in heart rate, probably related to the effects of anesthetics used for general anesthesia.

        Key words: adrenalin, topic administration, systemic absorption.