At what age group is the minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) of desflurane the highest?

The minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) is a measure used in anesthesiology to determine the potency of anesthetic agents. The higher the MAC, the less potent the anesthetic agent is, meaning more of it is required to achieve the desired effect.

Desflurane, in particular, is known for having a high MAC compared to other anesthetics. Research indicates that the MAC of desflurane is higher in younger individuals, peaking in early childhood. Specifically, infants in the age range of 2 to 3 months have the highest MAC values for desflurane.

This phenomenon can be attributed to various physiological factors, including differences in body composition, metabolism, and the development of organ systems in young children. Infants and toddlers typically require higher concentrations of inhalational anesthetic compared to older children and adults, as their central nervous systems are still developing and are more tolerant to the effects of anesthetics during this period.

Therefore, the age group of 2 to 3 months represents the peak of MAC for desflurane, making this the correct answer.