Administration Of Succinylcholine Research Articles

A Randomized Double-Blinded Study To Compare the Efficacy of Propofol and Thiopentone To Prevent Succinylcholine-Induced Fasciculation and Myalgia in Gabapentin-Premedicated Patients.

Succinylcholine is the most used short-acting depolarizing muscle relaxant for rapid sequence induction. However, its use is associated with adverse effects, like fasciculations and myalgia.Thus, many pretreatment modalities were used to minimize or prevent these adverse effects. Our aim for this study was to compare the efficacy of propofol and thiopentone in preventing succinylcholine-induced fasciculation and myalgia in gabapentin-premedicated patients. Methods: Eighty patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I/II, either male or female, in the aged group of 18-60 years, and scheduled to undergo elective abdominal surgery under general anesthesia were randomly allocated into either the propofol (P) or thiopentone (T) group. Anesthesia was induced with IV fentanyl 2 µg/kg, IV succinylcholine 2 mg/kg, and either IV propofol (2 mg/kg) in group P or IV thiopentone (5 mg/kg) in group T.In both groups, oral gabapentin 600 mg was given two hours before the surgery. All patients were observed and graded for intraoperative fasciculations and myalgia during 24 postoperative hours by a blinded observer.Fasciculation grade, myalgia grade, total tramadol consumption, and demographic data were compared using a test of proportion and chi-squared test. Study results demonstrated that the use of propofol significantly decreases the severity of fasciculation at one, two, and three minutes (P < 0.001) and myalgia at two, six, and 12 hours (P < 0.001) more than thiopentone in gabapentin-premedicated patients. Tramadol consumption in both groups was insignificant (P = 0.658). Propofol (2 mg/kg) is more effective than thiopentone (5 mg/kg) in decreasing the severity of fasciculation and myalgia following succinylcholine administration in gabapentin-premedicated patients.

Caution for psychiatrists: malignant hyperthermia risks with the anesthetic agent succinylcholine (Suxamethonium) during electroconvulsive therapy

BackgroundMalignant hyperthermia is a potentially lethal condition triggered by specific anesthetic drugs, especially a depolarizing muscle relaxant of succinylcholine (Suxamethonium). Despite the frequent use of succinylcholine with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), there has been no reported case of potentially lethal malignant hyperthermia following ECT. In addition, the time interval between the administration of succinylcholine and the onset of malignant hyperthermia has not been outlined in the context of ECT.Case presentationWe present the case of a 79-year-old woman suffering from severe depression, who experienced severe malignant hyperthermia due to succinylcholine administration during an ECT session. She presented with a high fever of 40.2 °C, tachycardia of 140/min, hypertension with a blood pressure exceeding 200 mmHg, significant muscle rigidity, and impaired consciousness. These symptoms emerged two hours after ECT, which occurred in a psychiatric ward rather than an operating room, and reached their peak in less than 24 h. She was given 60 mg of dantrolene, which quickly reduced the muscular rigidity. Subsequently, she received two additional doses of 20 mg and 60 mg of dantrolene, which brought her fever down to 36.2 °C and completely eased her muscle rigidity within two days after ECT.ConclusionsThis is the first reported case of potentially lethal malignant hyperthermia after ECT. In addition, it highlights the delayed onset of malignant hyperthermia following an ECT procedure, emphasizing the necessity for psychiatrists to recognize its onset even after the treatment. In the light of potentially lethal consequences of malignant hyperthermia, it is critically important for psychiatrists to closely monitor both intraoperative and postoperative patient’s vital signs and characteristic physical presentations, promptly identify any symptomatic emergence, and treat it immediately with dantrolene.

Dexmedetomidine for reducing succinylcholine-induced myalgia in patients undergoing electroconvulsive therapy: A randomised controlled trial.

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an effective intervention for psychiatric patients. Succinylcholine is considered the drug of choice for muscle relaxation for ECT. Significant adverse effects of succinylcholine include fasciculation and myalgia. Dexmedetomidine is a highly selective α-2 adrenergic agonist. This study aims to determine the efficacy of a low dose of dexmedetomidine in reducing succinylcholine-induced myalgia in patients receiving ECT. This randomised controlled trial was conducted on 100 patients, aged 18-65 years, undergoing ECT, who were randomly allocated into two groups with an allocation ratio of 1:1. Group D received intravenous (IV) dexmedetomidine 0.25 µg/kg, and Group C received IV normal saline (0.9%). Patients' self-reported myalgia scores were measured after 60 min of the procedure. Fasciculations were noted after IV succinylcholine administration. Heart rate (HR) and mean blood pressure (MBP) were measured at baseline, after infusion (5 min) and after ECT (0, 2.5, 5, 10, 15, 30 min). Continuous data were analysed using a Student's t-test for two-group comparisons, a mixed model analysis of variance for group comparisons and various time point analyses. Categorical data were analysed using the Chi-square/Fisher's exact test. There were no differences between the groups regarding demographics. Myalgia and fasciculations were less in Group D than in Group C (P < 0.001). MBP and HR changes were comparable (P > 0.05). A low dose of dexmedetomidine (0.25 µg/kg) effectively reduces myalgia and fasciculations due to succinylcholine in patients undergoing electroconvulsive therapy.

Effectiveness of implementing a standardized perioperative pain management protocol in children undergoing tonsillectomy: A quality improvement project.

Tonsillectomy procedures are commonly performed worldwide. At our academic tertiary care facility, we perform approximately 1000 tonsillectomy procedures annually. We have found inconsistent pain management strategies in pediatric tonsillectomy patients have contributed to variability in postoperative complications and the number and types of postoperative pain medications required in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU). This project aimed to assess the impact of implementing a standardized perioperative pain management protocol on reducing postoperative complications in pediatric patients who underwent a tonsillectomy procedure. A pre-post-intervention design was utilized, comparing characteristics and outcomes of pediatric patients for whom a standardized perioperative pain management protocol was implemented over a 12-week period compared to those who did not. The standardized perioperative pain management protocol was utilized intraoperatively by the anesthesiologists, nurse anesthetists, and residents. A Qualtrics survey was used by the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) nurses to gather data as they cared for patients who underwent tonsillectomy. Four outcomes were measured: (1) postoperative pain medication administration, (2) rate of postoperative respiratory complications, (3) rate of adherence, and (4) usability of a standardized pain management protocol. Data were compared between pre and post-implementation groups. During the quality improvement project, 180 children underwent tonsillectomy, with 81 in the control group and 99 in the intervention group. The median age did not differ between groups. The control group had higher postoperative opioid medication usage (93.8% vs. 54.5%) and a higher number of opioids administered in the recovery room. Postoperative IV fentanyl was reduced in the intervention group (49.4% vs. 28.3% in the intervention, p = .004). Respiratory interventions were more frequent in the control group (24.7% vs. 7.1%), with increased respiratory team activation. Respiratory team activation in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) includes a 511 page for anesthesia provider assistance. Respiratory interventions included bag-mask ventilation, lidocaine, propofol or succinylcholine administration, and reintubation. The intervention group had 100% adherence to the pain management protocol, and providers found it easy to use. The quality improvement project highlighted notable improvements in the intervention group for whom a standardized perioperative pain management protocol was used, including reduced opioid medication administration, lower incidence of respiratory interventions, and high adherence to the pain management protocol. These findings underscore the effectiveness and feasibility of standardized protocols in enhancing patient outcomes.

Emerging significance of butyrylcholinesterase.

Butyrylcholinesterase (BChE; EC 3.1.1.8), an enzyme structurally related to acetylcholinesterase, is widely distributed in the human body. It plays a role in the detoxification of chemicals such as succinylcholine, a muscle relaxant used in anesthetic practice. BChE is well-known due to variant forms of the enzyme with little or no hydrolytic activity which exist in some endogamous communities and result in prolonged apnea following the administration of succinylcholine. Its other functions include the ability to hydrolyze acetylcholine, the cholinergic neurotransmitter in the brain, when its primary hydrolytic enzyme, acetylcholinesterase, is absent. To assess its potential roles, BChE was studied in relation to insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes mellitus, cognition, hepatic disorders, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, and inflammatory conditions. Individuals who lack the enzyme activity of BChE are otherwise healthy, until they are given drugs hydrolyzed by this enzyme. Therefore, BChE is a candidate for the study of loss-of-function mutations in humans. Studying individuals with variant forms of BChE can provide insights into whether they are protected against metabolic diseases. The potential utility of the enzyme as a biomarker for Alzheimer's disease and the response to its drug treatment can also be assessed.

To study dexmedetomidine’s effect on intraocular pressure after succinylcholine and endotracheal intubation

Background: One of the most important preconditions for any anesthetic operation is perioperative hemodynamic stability during laryngoscopy and intubation, which has been the subject of extensive research and documentation. Numerous approaches have been proposed to protect the patient from the sympathetic reaction, intraocular pressure (IOP) response, and catecholamine response during laryngoscopy and intubation. Aims and Objectives: To study the efficacy of two doses of intravenous dexmedetomidine premedication given as a single bolus dose over 10 min, 0.4 μg/kg and 0.6 μg/kg, 10 min before induction in preventing the rise of intraocular pressure following succinylcholine administration and endotracheal intubation. Materials and Methods: A retrospective randomized study was conducted. Ethical committee permission and signed informed consent were obtained from 60 eligible patients before the trial began. Results: Premedication with either 0.4 mcg/kg I.V. or 0.6 mcg/kg I.V. of dexmedetomidine diluted in normal saline at a 2 mcg/mL concentration administered over 10 min before induction resulted in significant obtundation of the rise in IOP associated with succinylcholine administration and intubation. Sympathetic response to laryngoscopy and intubation was also significantly diminished. The dose of 0.4 mcg/kg I.V. produced the best hemodynamic stability. Conclusion: Therefore, from the above research it can be concluded that, before succinylcholine delivery and intubation, dexmedetomidine 0.4 mcg/kg I.V. can be used as a premedication in situations where an increase in IOP could be hazardous.

Comparative Evaluation of Effectiveness of Rocuronium Bromide vs. Succinyl Choline on Quality of Intubating Conditions during General Anesthesia

Objectives: To compare the quality of intubating conditions and hemodynamic responses to the administration of Rocuronium Bromide and Succinyl Choline during general anesthesia.Methods: This was a comparative study conducted at the anesthesiology department of a tertiary care medical college. Sixty patients undergoing various surgeries under general anesthesia were included in this study based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Patients were divided into Group S (receiving succinylcholine) and Group R (receiving rocuronium). In all patients, the quality of intubating conditions was assessed. Excellent or good conditions were considered to be acceptable intubating conditions, whereas fair and poor conditions were considered unacceptable.Results: Mean age, weight, gender distribution, and ASA grades were comparable in both groups. The overall quality of intubation was found to be better in group S than in group R, and the difference was statistically significant (P=0.004). The duration of action was significantly longer in group R than in group S (P&lt;0.001). Hemodynamic stability was comparable in both the groups, except for heart rate at 10 min, which was higher in Group R than in Group S. Incidence of fasciculation was significantly more in Group S as compared to Group R, and the difference was found to be highly significant (P=0.0001).Conclusion: Succinylcholine for rapid sequence intubation is associated with better intubation conditions than rocuronium.

Effect of Pregabalin on Succinylcholine Induced Fasciculation, Myalgia and Hyperkalemia in Spine Surgery

A randomized control trial was done between January and December of 2018, in the Department of Anaesthesia, Analgesia, Palliative &amp; Intensive Care Medicine of Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Bangladesh, to evaluate the preventive effect of pregabalin on succinylcholine induced adverse effects, i.e., fasciculation, myalgia and hyperkaliemia in spine surgery. Sixty patients of elective spine surgery under general anaesthesia were selected and divided into two groups. Pregabalin 150 mg was given to one group and matching placebo was given to another group orally with sips of water one hour before surgery. Succinylcholine 1.5 mg/kg was given after induction agent. Muscle fasciculation was observed just after succinylcholine administration. Serum potassium was measured 5 minutes before induction and 5 minutes after succinylcholine administration. After completion of surgery reversal was given. Time of first analgesic demand was recorded. Injection Morphine 0.15 mg/kg intramuscular was given when patient complained about pain. Myalgia (muscle pain not associated with surgery) was observed 24 hours after anaesthesia and total morphine consumption was recorded. Use of pregabalin 150 mg one hour before surgery reduced the severity of fasciculation and the incidence and severity of postoperative myalgia. It also reduced the rise of serum potassium concentration after succinylcholine administration though the rise was within normal limit. Pregabalin also reduced the total opioid consumption after surgery.&#x0D; CBMJ 2023 January: Vol. 12 No. 01 P: 73-80

Descriptive Analysis of Combat-Associated Aspiration Pneumonia.

Airway obstruction is the second leading cause of potentially preventable death on the battlefield. The treatment for airway obstruction is intubation or advanced airway adjunct, which has a known risk of aspiration. We sought to describe the variables associated with aspiration pneumonia after prehospital airway intervention. This is a sub-analysis of previously described data from the Department of Defense Trauma Registry (DoDTR) from 2007 to 2020. We included casualties that had at least one prehospital airway intervention with documentation of subsequent aspiration pneumonia or pneumonia within three days of the intervention. We used a generalized linear model with Firth bias estimates to test for associations. There were 1,509 casualties that underwent prehospital airway device placement. Of these, 41 (2.7%) met inclusion criteria into the aspiration pneumonia cohort. The demographics had no statistical difference between the groups. The non-aspiration cohort had fewer median ventilator days (2 versus 6, p < 0.001), intensive care unit days (2 versus 7, p < 0.001, and hospital days [3 versus 8, p < 0.001]). Survival was lower in the non-aspiration cohort (74.2% versus 90.2%, p = 0.017). The administration of succinylcholine was higher in the non-aspiration cohort (28.0% versus 12.2%, p = 0.031). In our multivariable model, only the administration of succinylcholine was significant and was associated with lower probability of aspiration pneumonia (odds ratio 0.56). Overall, the incidence of aspiration pneumonia was low in our cohort. The administration of succinylcholine was associated with a lower odds of developing aspiration pneumonia.

Does the Use of Rocuronium-Sugammadex Instead of Succinylcholine in Electroconvulsive Therapy Affect Seizure Duration?

We compared retrospectively the seizure variables of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) patients after administration of rocuronium-sugammadex or succinylcholine as a muscle relaxant with propofol anesthesia. The sample comprised 134 ECT patients. The mean age was 33.6±10.48 years. Anesthesia induction was provided with propofol one mg kg-intravenously (IV) followed by succinylcholine 0.5 mg kg-1 IV (n=68) (Group S) or rocuronium 0.3 mg kg-1 IV (n=66) (Group R). For patients who were given rocuronium, reversal of the residual neuromuscular block was accomplished with sugammadex (1.5 mg kg-1 IV). First session seizure variables were compared between the two groups. We also presented the clinical outcome with Clinical Global Impression-Improvement (CGI-I) and overall adverse effects. EEG seizure durations in Group R (55.09±36.11 s) and Group S (47.00±26.33 s) were comparable and were not significantly different (p=0.432). The clinical efficacy of ECT measured by CGI-I in both groups was comparable (p=0.075). There were no major complications or death during or after ECT. The results of this study show that the use of rocuronium-sugammadex as a neuromuscular blocker instead of succinylcholine during ECT with propofol anesthesia produces similar results in terms of seizure variables and clinical outcomes.

Surgery of the Soul: Reflections on a Curious Career

Surgery of the Soul: Reflections on a Curious Career

Effects of Short-Acting Opioids on Intraocular Pressure during General Anesthesia: Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis.

Intraocular pressure (IOP) is crucial to the well-being of eyes. During anesthesia, the administration of succinylcholine and endotracheal intubation are associated with an increase in IOP, which may be attenuated by short-acting opioids. However, the drug of choice among the commonly used short-acting opioids is unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of fentanyl, sufentanil, alfentanil, and remifentanil on IOP measured after the administration of succinylcholine and after endotracheal intubation in patients undergoing general anesthesia. Five databases were searched. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared short-acting opioids and reported at least one of the clinical outcomes of interest were included. Nine RCTs with 357 patients were included. Remifentanil (1 μg kg−1) more effectively alleviated the increase in IOP than the placebo after the administration of succinylcholine [mean difference (MD) of IOP, −3.64; confidence interval (CI), −5.47 to −1.81 and after endotracheal intubation (MD, −9.71; CI, −11.91 to −7.51). Remifentanil (1 μg kg−1) ranked the best in terms of both attenuating the increase in IOP after the administration of succinylcholine [surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA), 0.91; normalized entropy (NE), 0.47; and after endotracheal intubation (SUCRA, 0.89; NE, 0.54) among all of the treatments. Remifentanil (1 μg kg−1) should be considered the drug of choice in the circumstances where increased IOP is a great concern.

Effect of pre-treatment with rocuronium and vecuronium on post succinylcholine fasciculations, serum potassium, and postoperative myalgia: A prospective, randomized, double-blind study

Background: Succinylcholine with quick onset, ultra short duration of action, and complete predictable paralysis has been the best drug for endotracheal intubation but the occurrence of side effects such as muscle fasciculations, postoperative myalgia, rise in serum potassium levels and myoglobinuria limits its use in the full stomach, burns, massive trauma, metabolic acidosis, and few myopathies. For attenuation of these effects, many drugs have been studied but pre-treatment with non-depolarizing muscle relaxant found to be successful. Aims and Objectives: This study was designed to assess the effect of Rocuronium and Vecuronium pre-treatment on post-succinylcholine fasciculations, rise in serum potassium levels, and postoperative myalgia. Materials and Methods: 100 patients between the age of 20–50 years of either sex (American Society of Anaesthesiologists grade I and II) undergoing general anesthesia for various surgical procedures were randomly allocated into two groups according to pre-treatment with Rocuronium (Group R) and Vecuronium (Group V) before Succinylcholine administration. After Succinylcholine administration severity of fasciculations, rise in serum potassium after 5 min and myalgia on postoperative days 1, 2, and 3 were recorded. Results: About 74% patients had no fasciculation in Group R as compared to 36% in group V. Statistically insignificant (P&gt;0.05) rise in serum potassium level was observed in both groups. Higher number of patients had mild-to-moderate degree of myalgia with Vecuronium on postoperative days 2 and 3. Conclusion: Pre-treatment with Rocuronium before Succinylcholine provided better attenuation of post-succinylcholine muscle fasciculations, postoperative myalgia with statistically insignificant rise in serum potassium levels.

Rapid sequence induction with a “modified timing principle” of rocuronium provides excellent intubating conditions: A randomised trial

The present study was designed to compare the intubating conditions of rocuronium giving by “a modified timing principle” in rapid induction and intubation (RSII) with that of the gold standard, succinylcholine. One hundred and twenty-four patients were randomly divided into rocuronium group (group R, n = 62) or succinylcholine group (group S, n = 62). In group R, after rocuronium 0.6 mg kg−1 was given, anaesthesia was induced with propofol 2 mg kg−1 and remifentanil 2 μg kg−1, and tracheal intubation was performed 60 sec after rocuronium administration. In group S, succinylcholine 1.5 mg kg−1 was given after patient lost consciousness induced by the same regimen of group R, and tracheal intubation was performed 60 sec after succinylcholine administration. Our primary endpoint was the intubating conditions. The numbers of patients with excellent and good intubating conditions in group R were 90.0% and 6.7%, respectively, which were comparable with those in group S (91.7% and 5.0% respectively). The apnoea time in group S (79.7 ± 5.1 sec) was longer than that of group R (56.6 ± 4.6 sec) (p = 0.0063). The average BIS values at the time of intubation in group R (64.1 ± 4.1) was higher than that of group S (43.2 ± 5.5) (p = 0.018). In the context of a RSII with lidocaine–remifentanil–propofol, the application of this “modified timing principle” with rocuronium 0.6 mg kg−1 could provide comparable intubating conditions with those achieved by succinylcholine 1.5 mg kg−1. Additionally, this modified timing principle with rocuronium was associated with shorter apnoea time.

Comparative study of intubating conditions and hemodynamic effects after administration of rocuronium and succinylcholine for endotracheal intubation in adult patients for elective surgeries: A randomized control study

Background and Objective: Rocuronium provides faster neuromuscular blockade compared with other neuromuscular blocking drugs. It produces comparable intubating conditions to that of Succinylcholine conditions depending upon the dose administered. In our study, the effects of Rocuronium 0.9 mg/kg (3x ED95) was compared with Succinylcholine 2 mg/kg when used for endotracheal intubation in adult patients for elective surgeries under general anesthesia and assessed the hemodynamic stability. Method: A prospective double blinded randomized controlled study was conducted at KVG medical college hospital, Sullia on 60 Adult patients 30-50yrs of age with ASA I or II grades who were undergoing elective surgeries under general anesthesia. Patients were premedicated with glycopyrrolate 0.2 mg intravenous. Patients randomly received either succinylcholine 2 mg/kg or rocuronium 0.9 mg/kg after induction with propofol 2 mg/kg and fentanyl 2µg/kg intravenously. Onset of action was assessed with adequate jaw relaxation. Intubating conditions and the time to intubation was assessed by modified grading given by Cooper et al. Hemodynamic changes were noted before and after intubation. Results: We observed that succinylcholine chloride 2 mg/kg body weight and rocuronium bromide 0.9 mg/kg body weight produced well to excellent intubating conditions in all patients. Rocuronium bromide 0.9 mg/ kg body weight showed excellent intubating conditions in 83.4% of patients, which was comparable to that of 83.33% observed with succinylcholine chloride. Onset of action (60 sec) was faster with succinylcholine in 73.3% of patients than with rocuronium 66.7%. There was a transient rise in the hemodynamic variables but was not statistically significant 5 minutes after induction. Conclusion: Rocuronium 0.9 mg/kg provides good to excellent intubating conditions in 60 – 90 seconds with no hemodynamic side effects and is a better alternative to succinylcholine for intubation in patients where succinylcholine chloride is contraindicated.

Impact of Succinylcholine vs. Rocuronium on Apnea Duration for Rapid Sequence Induction: A Prospective Cohort Study.

ObjectiveThe present study aimed to evaluate the impact of 1.5 mg/kg succinylcholine or 1.2 mg/kg rocuronium, vs. 1.0 mg/kg succinylcholine on apnea duration in patients underwent rapid sequence induction (RSI).MethodsThis prospective cohort study was conducted in the Department of Anesthesiology in Shanghai General Hospital from July 2020 to November 2020. Apnea duration was defined as the time from apnea prompted by the PETCO2 waveform to the time the point of oxygen saturation declined to 90% (T90) and 95% (T95) after succinylcholine or rocuronium administration. The primary outcome included T90 and T95 changes in 1.5 mg/kg vs. 1.0 mg/kg succinylcholine groups and 1.5 mg/kg succinylcholine vs. 1.2 mg/kg rocuronium groups.ResultsA total of 265 participants were subjected for analysis. The succinylcholine (1.0 mg/kg) group had a significantly longer T90 (50.72, 95% confidence interval [CI, 7.60, 94.38], P = 0.015) and T95 (48.09, 95% CI [7.11, 89.07], P = 0.012) than the succinylcholine (1.5 mg/kg) group. In addition, significantly longer T90 (56.84, 95% CI [16.24, 97.44], P = 0.003) and T95 (50.57, 95% CI [12.58, 88.57], P = 0.003) were observed in the rocuronium (1.2 mg/kg) group than those in the succinylcholine (1.5 mg/kg) group. No severe side events were observed during the operation.ConclusionRocuronium and the lower dose of succinylcholine may be recommended to patients underwent RSI.

Comparison of the Effect of Pretreatment with Cisatracurium and Rocuronium on Succinylcholine Induced Fasciculation for Patients undergoing Surgery under General Anaesthesia: A Randomised Clinical Study

Introduction: Succinylcholine is the best agent for providing ideal intubating condition. Muscle fasciculation is common after succinylcholine administration and causes postoperative myalgia. Pretreatment with non depolarising muscle relaxant decreases fasciculation and myalgia after succinylcholine administration. Aim: To compare the efficacy between cisatracurium and rocuronium in preventing succinylcholine induced fasciculation in patients undergoing general anaesthesia and determining association between fasciculation and myalgia after succinylcholine use. Materials and Methods: The present study was a hospitalbased, randomised, double-blinded clinical study conducted from January 2020 to July 2020. The study included 64 patients of American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) grade I and II undergoing surgery under general anaesthesia which were randomly allocated in two groups. Group 1 (N=32) received intravenous (i.v.) cisatracurium (0.01 mg/kg) and Group 2 (N=32) received i.v. rocuronium (0.06 mg/kg) as precurarising agent, three minutes before i.v. succinylcholine (1.5 mg/kg) administration. Incidence and intensity of fasciculation after succinylcholine injection were observed using a 4 point scale. Haemodynamic parameters were compared by measuring Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) and Heart Rate (HR) before and after intubation. Patients were followed-up in Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) on postoperative day 1 (POD1) for myalgia. Observations in two groups were analysed using standard statistical test. Results: Fasciculation was significantly lower in Group 2 (mean 0.2187±0.4200) than Group 1 (mean 1.125±0.833, p&lt;0.001). A significant association was found between fasciculation after succinylcholine injection and postoperative myalgia (p-value=0.007). Group 2 had less incidence of myalgia than Group 1. However, the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Rocuronium was more efficacious than cisatracurium in preventing succinylcholine induced fasciculation and rocuronium was more effective in preventing succinylcholine-related postoperative myalgia.

Effects of Different Doses of Dexmedetomidine on Intraocular Pressure after Suxamethonium in Non-ocular Surgeries: A Randomised Controlled Trial

Introduction: Succinylcholine causes a rise in Intraocular Pressure (IOP) and is deleterious in patients with open globe injuries. Dexmedetomidine, by its virtue of central sympatholytic action can help prevent this rise in IOP. Aim: To find out the optimal dose of Dexmedetomidine in preventing the rise of IOP after administration of Suxamethonium. Materials and Methods: One hundred American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) I or II patients posted for non-ophthalmic surgery were included in this randomised, prospective, double blind study. Patients were randomly allocated to four groups. Group A (n=25) received Dexmedetomidine 0.6 μg/kg, Group B (n=25) received Dexmedetomidine 0.8 μg/kg, Group C (n=25) received Dexmedetomidine 1 μg/kg, Group D (n=25) received Normal Saline (NS) over a period of 10 minutes and IOP was measured at different points in time. Results: Premedication with Dexmedetomidine at doses of 0.6 μg/kg, 0.8 μg/kg and 1 μg/kg intravenous (IV) were equally effective in attenuation of the rise in IOP associated with Succinylcholine administration. The IOP recorded was 15.53±1.10 mm of Hg in Group A, 14.49±0.94 mm of Hg in Group B, 14.72±1.03 mm of Hg in Group C as compared to 20.12±1.40 mm of Hg in the control group (Group D) after 60 seconds of injecting Suxamethonium. It also significantly obtunded the sympathetic response to laryngoscopy and intubation. However, the incidence of side effects increased with incremental doses. Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine 0.6 μg/kg IV premedication is the optimum dose to be used for attenuating the rise in IOP associated with Succinylcholine administration in situations where rise of IOP may be detrimental.

Effect of oral low dose pregabalin on succinylcholine induced fasciculations and myalgia -A prospective randomized double blind placebo-controlled study

Introduction: Among the depolarizing muscle relaxants, Succinylcholine is the widely used depolarizing agent until today in anaesthesia practice. Side effects like hyperkalemia, fasciculations, myalgia, increased intracranial pressure and intraocular pressure are common with the use of this drug. Pretreatment with various drugs have been proven to lessen these side effects. In our study, low dose of oral pregabalin was used as a premedication to assess its effects on the incidence and severity of fasciculations and postoperative myalgia caused by Succinylcholine administration. Materials and Methods: 60 patients of either gender undergoing elective ENT surgeries under general anaesthesia were randomly allocated to two groups of 30 each. Patients in Group PG (pregabalin group) received 75 mg of pregabalin orally 1 h prior to surgery and patients in Group CG (control group) received matching placebo. Fasciculations and myalgia grading was done by a blinded observer. Haemodynamic variables were measured at regular intervals. Results: Both groups were comparable in regard to Demographic data (p > 0.05). We didn’t find any significant difference in the fasciculations incidence (p=0.702) and myalgia incidence (p=0.081) between the two groups. But the severity of fasciculations is statistically significant between the groups (< 0>P < 0> Conclusion: Low dose oral pregabalin- 75 mg decreases the severity of succinylcholine-induced fasciculations and myalgia. There is not much effect on the incidence of fasciculations and myalgia in patients undergoing elective ENT surgeries. Keywords: Succinylcholine, Low dose Pregabalin, Fasciculations, Myalgia.

Prolonged effect of succinylcholine following reversal of residual rocuronium bromide block: A case report

Succinylcholine is administered in small doses to relieve post-extubation laryngospasm. We report a 3-month-old infant weighing 5.1 kg who developed severe laryngospasm after tracheal extubation following reversal of rocuronium bromide neuromuscular block. Succinylcholine 2.5 mg promptly relieved the spasm but apnea lasted for nearly an hour in a patient with normal dibucaine number. We postulate that this prolonged apnea was related to the timing of succinylcholine administration in relation to the degree of recovery from non-depolarising neuromuscular block.