The Effect of Quantitative Neuromuscular Monitoring on the Incidence of Residual Neuromuscular Blockade and Clinical Outcomes

Abstract

Neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) are useful perioperative medications. Despite this utility, their administration is associated with increased morbidity due to residual neuromuscular blockade. Clinical testing prior to tracheal extubation is subjective, dependent on the patient’s cooperation, and not predictive of adequate respiratory function to prevent the occurrence of postoperative critical respiratory events. The use of peripheral nerve stimulators may improve detection of residual weakness; however, this technique does not reliably detect residual paralysis, as it requires the subjective (and imperfect) assessment of fade in response to train-of-four (TOF) stimulation. Quantitative neuromuscular monitoring can be accomplished through a variety of modalities and remains as the most effective and reproducible method of detecting residual paralysis after NMBA administration. In this review, we will discuss the various techniques that are used clinically to assess depth of block and adequacy of reversal, with a focus on quantitative (objective) neuromuscular monitoring.