Monitoring Of Neuromuscular Blockade Research Articles

Evaluation of monitoring and reversal habits of neuromuscular blockade by anesthesiologists in Hungary

Evaluation of monitoring and reversal habits of neuromuscular blockade by anesthesiologists in Hungary

A compressomyograph train of four monitoring device

The monitoring of the neuromuscular blockade is critical for patient's safety during and after surgery. The monitoring of neuromuscular blockade often requires the use of Train of Four (TOF) technique. During a TOF test two electrodes are attached to the ulnar nerve, and a series of four electric pulses are applied. The electrical stimulation causes the thumb to twitch, and the amount of twitch varies depending on the amount of neuromuscular blockade in patient's system. Current medical devices used to assist anesthesiologists to perform TOF monitoring often require free hand movement and do not provide accurate or reliable results. The goal of this work is to design, prototype and test a new medical device that provides reliable TOF results when thumb movement is restricted. A medical device that uses a pressurized catheter balloon to detect the response thumb twitch of the TOF test is created. An analytical model, numerical study, and mechanical finger testing were employed to create an optimum design. The design is tested through a pilot human subjects study. No significant correlation is reported with subjects’ properties, including hand size.

Residual Neuromuscular Block Remains a Safety Concern for Perioperative Healthcare Professionals: A Comprehensive Review

Residual neuromuscular block (RNMB) remains a significant safety concern for patients throughout the perioperative period and is still widely under-recognized by perioperative healthcare professionals. Current literature suggests an association between RNMB and an increased risk of postoperative pulmonary complications, a prolonged length of stay in the post anesthesia care unit (PACU), and decreased patient satisfaction. The 2023 American Society of Anesthesiologists Practice Guidelines for Monitoring and Antagonism of Neuromuscular Blockade provide guidance for the use of quantitative neuromuscular monitoring coupled with neuromuscular reversal to recognize and reduce the incidence of RNMB. Using sugammadex for the reversal of neuromuscular block as well as quantitative neuromuscular monitoring to quantify the degree of neuromuscular block may significantly reduce the risk of RNMB among patients undergoing general anesthesia. Studies are forthcoming to investigate how using neuromuscular blocking agent reversal with quantitative monitoring of the neuromuscular block may further improve perioperative patient safety.

Comparative performance of stimpod electromyography with mechanomyography for quantitative neuromuscular blockade monitoring.

The purpose of this study was to compare the Stimpod electromyograph neuromuscular blockade monitor to mechanomyography, which is widely considered to be the reference standard. The Stimpod electromyograph was used with its designated electrode array on the same hand as the mechanomyograph. Pairs of train-of-four measurements were recorded every 0.5-2min. When the train-of-four count was zero on the electromyograph monitor, pairs of post tetanic count measurements were recorded every 2.5min, instead of train-of-four measurements. Measurements were recorded from immediately after induction of anesthesia until just before emergence. Stimulation current was set to 60 mA with a duration of 200 microsec. The mechanomyography recording system recorded each twitch waveform for analysis. High resolution electromyograph waveforms were also recorded using a datalogger accessory provided by the manufacturer, facilitating inspection of individual waveforms. The administration of neuromuscular blocking drugs was left up to the discretion of the anesthesia care team. Twenty-three patients contributed 1,088 data pairs suitable for analysis. Bland-Altman analysis of 415 pairs of train-of-four ratios showed a bias of 0.028 and limits of agreement of -0.18 and 0.24. Two hundred seventy-three train-of-four count data pairs were compared by Cohen's quadratically weighted kappa which was calculated to be 0.44, indicating moderate agreement. Three hundred thirty-eight post tetanic count data pairs were compared by Cohen's quadradically weighted kappa which was calculated to be 0.80, indicating substantial agreement. The electromyograph produced results that were comparable to the mechanomyograph.

Incidence of postoperative residual neuromuscular blockade - A multicenter, observational study in Portugal (INSPIRE 2).

Although the use of neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) optimizes surgical conditions and facilitates tracheal intubation, it can lead to residual neuromuscular blockade (RNMB), with postoperative complications. This study aimed to assess RNMB incidence and management in Portugal. Prospective observational study of patients admitted for elective surgery requiring general anesthesia with nondepolarizing NMBAs between July 2018 and July 2019 at 10 Portuguese hospitals. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients arriving at postanesthesia care unit (PACU) with a TOF ratio <0.9. A total of 366 patients were included, with a median age of 59 years, and 89.1% classified as ASA II or III. Rocuronium was the most used NMBA (99.5%). A total of 96.2% of patients received a reversal agent, 96.6% of which sugammadex and 3.4% neostigmine. Twenty patients displayed a TOF ratio <0.9 at PACU arrival, representing an RNMB incidence of 5.5% (95% CI, 3.1%-7.8%). Only two patients displayed a TOF ratio <0.7. RNMB incidence was 16.7% with neostigmine and 5.3% with sugammadex (P = .114). In patients with intraoperative neuromuscular blockade (NMB) monitoring, RNMB incidence was 5% (95% CI, 2%-8%), which varied significantly according to the type of monitoring (P = .018). Incidence of adverse events was 3.3% (2 severe and 10 moderate). The reported overall incidence of 5.5% is numerically lower than results from similar observational studies. An appropriate pharmacological neuromuscular reversal strategy, guided by quantitative neuromuscular monitoring, has the potential to achieve even better results, converting RNMB from an unusual to a very rare or even inexistent event.

Sugammadex Is Not a Silver Bullet: Caveats Regarding Unmonitored Reversal.

Sugammadex Is Not a Silver Bullet: Caveats Regarding Unmonitored Reversal.

American Society of Anesthesiologists Issue First-Ever Practice Guideline Regarding Neuromuscular Blockade Monitoring and Reversal

American Society of Anesthesiologists Issue First-Ever Practice Guideline Regarding Neuromuscular Blockade Monitoring and Reversal

UpToDate®

UpToDate| April 2023 UpToDate® ASA Monitor April 2023, Vol. 87, 17. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.ASM.0000924968.10690.12 Views Icon Views Article contents Figures & tables Video Audio Supplementary Data Peer Review Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Cite Icon Cite Get Permissions Search Site Citation UpToDate®. ASA Monitor 2023; 87:17 doi: https://doi.org/10.1097/01.ASM.0000924968.10690.12 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Reference Manager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentAll PublicationsASA Monitor Search Advanced Search Topics: guidelines, induction of neuromuscular blockade, lung cancer, neuromuscular blockade monitoring, preoperative exercise, surgery specialty, surgical procedures, operative UpToDate® and ASA Monitor are collaborating to present select content abstracts on “What's New in Anesthesiology.” UpToDate is an evidence-based, clinical support resource used worldwide by health care practitioners to make decisions at the point of care. For complete, current “What's New” content, or to become a subscriber for full content access, go to www.uptodate.com. “What's New” abstract information is free for all medical professionals. Both the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) and European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (ESAIC) have published new guidelines on the management of neuromuscular blockade during anesthesia.1,2 In addition to other recommendations, both guidelines strongly recommend using quantitative neuromuscular monitoring (e.g., electromyography or accelerometry) rather than qualitative assessment and confirming a train-of-four ratio ≥0.9 before extubation. They also recommend using sugammadex for reversal rather than neostigmine for patients who have received rocuronium or vecuronium and who have residual block at... You do not currently have access to this content.

Optimizing neuromuscular blockade management for improving patient safety and peri-operative outcomes: a pilot phase of a quality improvement initiative.

Although quantitative monitoring of neuromuscular blockade (NMB) is recommended, it is not routinely used in daily practice. The optimizing NMB management to improve patient safety and perioperative outcomes (OBISPO) quality improvement (QI) initiative intends to address this issue and change clinicians' behaviors. A pilot phase of the prospective QI intervention was conducted. The primary objective was implement clinical practice change that emphasizes improving NMB monitoring in patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery who are eligible for fast-track extubation between February 2021 and December 2021. The secondary objective was to reduce the train-of-four ratio (TOFR) < 0.9 incidence before tracheal extubation to less than 20%. The intervention included educational sessions for teams. A total of 859 patients underwent elective cardiac surgery, 40% were eligible for fast-track extubation. From our cohort of fast-track cardiac cases, 69% had reported TOFR; 47% of them had residual paralysis (TOFR < 0.9) on arrival to PACU, 22% persisted with residual paralysis after extubation, and 27% were extubated without monitoring. The survey identified cognitive biases, knowledge gaps, unfamiliarity, and lack of trust in quantitative monitoring devices. Workflow disruptions imposed by COVID and changes in NMB monitoring devices have negatively affected our initiative. Our study showed that changes in clinician behavior are among the most challenging issues in perioperative medicine. Continuous teaching and QI initiatives, focused on quantitative NMB monitors and adequate reversal agent use, are mandatory to improve perioperative outcomes. Therefore, new proposals are required to promote changes in current practices.

Measuring Success of Patient Safety Initiatives: The 2023 American Society of Anesthesiologists Practice Guidelines for Monitoring and Antagonism of Neuromuscular Blockade

Measuring Success of Patient Safety Initiatives: The 2023 American Society of Anesthesiologists Practice Guidelines for Monitoring and Antagonism of Neuromuscular Blockade

2023 American Society of Anesthesiologists Practice Guidelines for Monitoring and Antagonism of Neuromuscular Blockade: A Report by the American Society of Anesthesiologists Task Force on Neuromuscular Blockade.

These practice guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations on the management of neuromuscular monitoring and antagonism of neuromuscular blocking agents during and after general anesthesia. The guidance focuses primarily on the type and site of monitoring and the process of antagonizing neuromuscular blockade to reduce residual neuromuscular blockade.

This Month in Anesthesiology

This Month in Anesthesiology

Peri-operative management of neuromuscular blockade: A guideline from the European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care.

Recent data indicated a high incidence of inappropriate management of neuromuscular block, with a high rate of residual paralysis and relaxant-associated postoperative complications. These data are alarming in that the available neuromuscular monitoring, as well as myorelaxants and their antagonists basically allow well tolerated management of neuromuscular blockade. In this first European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (ESAIC) guideline on peri-operative management of neuromuscular block, we aim to present aggregated and evidence-based recommendations to assist clinicians provide best medical care and ensure patient safety. We identified three main clinical questions: Are myorelaxants necessary to facilitate tracheal intubation in adults? Does the intensity of neuromuscular blockade influence a patient's outcome in abdominal surgery? What are the strategies for the diagnosis and treatment of residual paralysis? On the basis of this, PICO (patient, intervention, comparator, outcome) questions were derived that guided a structured literature search. A stepwise approach was used to reduce the number of trials of the initial research ( n = 24 000) to the finally relevant clinical studies ( n = 88). GRADE methodology (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation) was used for formulating the recommendations based on the findings of the included studies in conjunction with their methodological quality. A two-step Delphi process was used to determine the agreement of the panel members with the recommendations: R1 We recommend using a muscle relaxant to facilitate tracheal intubation (1A). R2 We recommend the use of muscle relaxants to reduce pharyngeal and/or laryngeal injury following endotracheal intubation (1C). R3 We recommend the use of a fast-acting muscle relaxant for rapid sequence induction intubation (RSII) such as succinylcholine 1 mg kg -1 or rocuronium 0.9 to 1.2 mg kg -1 (1B). R4 We recommend deepening neuromuscular blockade if surgical conditions need to be improved (1B). R5 There is insufficient evidence to recommend deep neuromuscular blockade in general to reduce postoperative pain or decrease the incidence of peri-operative complications. (2C). R6 We recommend the use of ulnar nerve stimulation and quantitative neuromuscular monitoring at the adductor pollicis muscle to exclude residual paralysis (1B). R7 We recommend using sugammadex to antagonise deep, moderate and shallow neuromuscular blockade induced by aminosteroidal agents (rocuronium, vecuronium) (1A). R8 We recommend advanced spontaneous recovery (i.e. TOF ratio >0.2) before starting neostigmine-based reversal and to continue quantitative monitoring of neuromuscular blockade until a TOF ratio of more than 0.9 has been attained. (1C).

Feasibility of intraoperative quantitative neuromuscular blockade monitoring in children using electromyography

Quantitative train-of-four (TOF) monitoring remains essential in optimizing anesthetic outcomes by assessing the depth and recovery from neuromuscular blockade. Despite this, residual neuromuscular blockade, defined as a TOF ratio <0.90, remains a concern in both adult and pediatric patients. Quantitative TOF monitoring has seen limited use in infants and children primarily due to a lack of effective equipment. This study evaluates a new electromyography (EMG)-based TOF monitor in pediatric patients undergoing inpatient surgical procedures including laparoscopic (restricted arm access) surgery. Pediatric patients undergoing inpatient surgery requiring the administration of neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) were enrolled. The EMG electrodes were placed along the ulnar nerve on the volar aspect of the arm to provide neurostimulation. The muscle action potentials from the abductor digiti minimi muscle were recorded. Neuromuscular responses were recorded by the device throughout surgery at 20-s intervals until after tracheal extubation. Data recorded on the monitor's built-in memory card were later retrieved and analyzed. The study cohort included 100 pediatric patients (62% male). The average age was 11 years (IQR: 8, 13) and the average weight was 39.6 kg (30, 48.7). Automatic detection of supramaximal stimulus was obtained in 95% of patients. The muscle action potential mean baseline amplitude (in mV) was 7.5 mV (6, 9.2). The baseline TOF ratio was 100% (100, 104). After administration of a neuromuscular blocking agent, monitoring of the TOF ratio was successful in 93% of the patients. After antagonism of neuromuscular blockade, monitoring was possible in 94% of patients when using an upgraded algorithm. The baseline amplitude recovered to 6.5 mV (5, 7.8), and the TOF ratio recovered to a mean of 90.1% (90,97) before tracheal extubation. Our results indicate that neuromuscular monitoring can be performed intraoperatively in pediatric patients weighing between 20 and 60 kg using the new commercially available EMG-based monitor. Automatic detection of neuromuscular stimulating parameters (supramaximal current intensity level and baseline amplitude of the muscle action potential) by an adult neuromuscular monitor is feasible in pediatric patients receiving nondepolarizing neuromuscular blocking agents.

Effect of quantitative versus qualitative neuromuscular blockade monitoring on rocuronium consumption in patients undergoing abdominal and gynecological surgery: a retrospective cohort study

The level of neuromuscular blockade can be assessed by subjective (qualitative) and objective (quantitative) methods. This study aims to compare the dosage of the neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBA) rocuronium and the need for reversion by sugammadex between those methods. A retrospective, observational analysis was conducted. In the tactile qualitative-neuromuscular monitoring-group (tactile NMM) (n = 244), muscle contractions were assessed tactilely. In the quantitative neuromuscular monitoring-group (n = 295), contractions were accessed using an acceleromyograph. Primary endpoints were dosage of rocuronium per minute operation-time (milligram per kilogram bodyweight per minute (mg/kgBW/min)), count of repeated rocuronium administrations and use of sugammadex. Secondary endpoints were: NMM use before repeated NMBA application or extubation, time to extubation, post-operative oxygen demand. A total of n = 539 patients were included. n = 244 patients were examined with tactile NMM and 295 patients by quantitative NMM. Quantitative NMM use resulted in significantly lower rocuronium dosing (tactile NMM: 0.01 (± 0.007) mg/kgBW/min vs. quantitative NMM: 0.008 (± 0.006) mg/kgBW/min (p < 0.001)). In quantitative NMM use fewer repetitions of rocuronium application were necessary (tactile NMM: 83% (n = 202) vs. quantitative NMM: 71% (n = 208) p = 0.007). Overall, 24% (n = 58) in the tactile NMM-group, and 20% (n = 60) in the quantitative NMM-group received sugammadex ((p = 0.3), OR: 1.21 (0.81–1.82)). Significantly fewer patients in the quantitative NMM-group required oxygen-supply postoperative (quantitative NMM: 43% (n = 120)) vs. tactile NMM: 57% (n = 128)) (p = 0.002). The use of quantitative assessment of NMBA results in a lower overall dosage and requires fewer repetitions of rocuronium application. Therefore, quantitative monitoring systems should be used to monitor NMBA intraoperatively to reduce NMBA dosing, while achieving continuous neuromuscular blockade.

Pro-Con Debate: Do We Need Quantitative Neuromuscular Monitoring in the Era of Sugammadex?

In this Pro-Con article, we debate the merits of using quantitative neuromuscular blockade monitoring. Consensus guidelines recommend their use to guide the administration of nondepolarizing neuromuscular blockade and reversal agents. A major impediment to this guideline is that until recently, reliable quantitative neuromuscular blockade monitors have not been widely available. Without them, anesthesia providers have been trained with and are adept at using a variety of qualitative neuromuscular blockade monitors otherwise known as peripheral nerve stimulators. Although perhaps less accurate, anesthesia providers find them reliable and easy to use. They have a long track record of using them with the perception that their use leads to effective neuromuscular blockade reversal and minimizes clinically significant adverse events from residual neuromuscular blockade. In the recent past, 2 disruptive developments have called upon anesthesia care providers to reconsider their practice in neuromuscular blockade administration, reversal, and monitoring. These include: (1) commercialization of more reliable quantitative neuromuscular monitors and (2) widespread use of sugammadex, a versatile reversal agent of neuromuscular blockade. Sugammadex appears to be so effective at rapidly and effectively reversing even the deepest of neuromuscular blockades, and it has left anesthesia providers wondering whether quantitative monitoring is indeed necessary or whether conventional, familiar, and less expensive qualitative monitoring will suffice? This Pro-Con debate will contrast anesthesia provider perceptions with evidence surrounding the use of quantitative neuromuscular blockade monitors to explore whether quantitative neuromuscular monitoring (NMM) is just another technology solution looking for a problem or a significant advance in NMM that will improve patient safety and outcomes.

Rapid Onset of Neuromuscular Blockade: Rocuronium vs. Succinylcholine– Neither Are Perfect!

Article| April 2022 Rapid Onset of Neuromuscular Blockade: Rocuronium vs. Succinylcholine– Neither Are Perfect! Bailor L. Hardman, MD; Bailor L. Hardman, MD Search for other works by this author on: This Site PubMed Google Scholar Kapil Anand, MD, MBA; Kapil Anand, MD, MBA Search for other works by this author on: This Site PubMed Google Scholar Girish P. Joshi, MB, BS, MD, FCAI, FASA Girish P. Joshi, MB, BS, MD, FCAI, FASA Search for other works by this author on: This Site PubMed Google Scholar ASA Monitor April 2022, Vol. 86, 42. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.ASM.0000827020.82775.c0 Connected Content Letter: Effect of Rocuronium Potency on Variability in Its Onset and Duration – Is There Causation? Views Icon Views Article contents Figures & tables Video Audio Supplementary Data Peer Review Share Icon Share MailTo Twitter LinkedIn Cite Icon Cite Get Permissions Search Site Citation Bailor L. Hardman, Kapil Anand, Girish P. Joshi; Rapid Onset of Neuromuscular Blockade: Rocuronium vs. Succinylcholine– Neither Are Perfect!. ASA Monitor 2022; 86:42 doi: https://doi.org/10.1097/01.ASM.0000827020.82775.c0 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Reference Manager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentAll PublicationsASA Monitor Search Advanced Search Topics: induction of neuromuscular blockade, neuromuscular blockade monitoring, rocuronium, succinylcholine, symptom onset Rocuronium is a non-depolarizing muscle relaxant that was first introduced in 1994, and its development ultimately replaced another aminosteroid neuromuscular blocking drug, vecuronium. Rocuronium is a monoquaternary amine with a rapid onset and intermediate duration of action. It is six to eight times less potent than vecuronium. An intubating dose of 0.6 mg/kg produces satisfactory intubating conditions within 60-90 seconds. It can be used as an alternative to succinylcholine in larger doses (1-1.2 mg/kg) for rapid sequence intubation (Continuing Education in Anaesthesia Critical Care & Pain 2004;4:2-7). In terms of why we need to consider rocuronium over succinylcholine, there are number of pharmacologic, physiologic, and even clinical factors that make using depolarizing agents less desirable. For instance, succinylcholine's nicotinic effects are well recognized, such as increased intracranial, intraocular, and even intra-gastric pressure (JAMA 2019;322:2303-12). Furthermore, the hyperkalemic risk, especially in patients who present with pathologic upregulation... You do not currently have access to this content.

Universal quantitative neuromuscular blockade monitoring at an academic medical center—A multimodal analysis of the potential impact on clinical outcomes and total cost of care

BackgroundQuantitative train-of-four monitoring is not currently the standard of care when using neuromuscular blockade, although it has the potential to eliminate the complications of residual neuromuscular blockade. There are major costs associated with the complications of residual neuromuscular blockade as well as the purchase of quantitative train-of-four monitors. The aim of this study was to determine the cost effectiveness of universal quantitative train-of-four ratio monitoring as it pertains to purchase and use of quantitative train-of-four monitors in comparison with potential costs of managing possible complications of residual neuromuscular blockade such as reintubation and pneumonia. MethodsThis observational study was conducted by the anesthesiology service for an urban academic medical center. All patients included were undergoing general endotracheal anesthesia with the use of neuromuscular blocking agents who were extubated at the end of their procedure. Qualitative and quantitative train-of-four ratio monitoring prior to extubation were compared to estimate the local incidence of residual post-operative neuromuscular blockade. The hospital electronic medical record and financial database were used to estimate the number of patients at risk for post-operative pneumonia or re-intubation, as well as the marginal costs associated with these complications. The incidence of residual post-operative neuromuscular blockade at the time of extubation was determined. The variable costs of care for patients who did or did not suffer either pneumonia or re-intubation in the postoperative period was compared to the annual cost of universal quantitative train-of-four ratio monitoring. ResultsA sensitivity analysis demonstrated that universal quantitative train-of-four ratio monitoring would result in a net cost savings for a broad range of efficacy estimates with regard to the reduction of post-operative pulmonary complications. ConclusionsIntroduction of universal quantitative train-of-four ratio monitoring may be justified based solely on the potential institutional cost savings.

Analgesia, sedation, neuromuscular blockade and delirium management practices in Chilean intensive care units

The appropriate use of analgesia, sedation, neuromuscular blockade and the diagnosis and prevention of delirium (ASBD) are associated with better outcomes in critically ill patients at Intensive Care Unit (ICUs). To know the practices about analgesia, sedation, delirium, and neuromuscular blockade use among healthcare professionals working in adult ICUs in Chile. An electronic survey was sent to 812 professionals working in ICUs using a previously published instrument, which was adapted and authorized by the author. We received 278 surveys. Fifty two percent of respondents were physicians, 34% nurses and 11% physical therapists. Their age ranged between 30 and 39 years in 43% and was over 50 years in 9%. Eighty four percent evaluated pain routinely, but only 26% use a validated scale. Sedation was routinely evaluated with a validated scale and 73% referred to have a protocol. Neuromuscular block is seldom used, and little monitoring occurs (43%). Delirium is routinely evaluated by 48% of respondents, usually using the CAM-ICU scale. There is a heterogeneous adherence to the ASBD recommended practices. The main gaps are in the assessment of pain, monitoring of neuromuscular blockade and diagnosis of delirium through validated instruments.

A Survey of the Society for Pediatric Anesthesia on the Use, Monitoring, and Antagonism of Neuromuscular Blockade.

Although the package insert clearly states that "the safety and efficacy of sugammadex in pediatric patients have not been established," we hypothesized that sugammadex is used widely in pediatric anesthetic practice supplanting neostigmine as the primary drug for antagonizing neuromuscular blockade (NMB). Additionally, we sought to identify the determinants by which pediatric anesthesiologists choose reversal agents and if and how they assess NMB in their practice. Finally, because of sugammadex's effects on hormonal contraception, we sought to determine whether pediatric anesthesiologists counseled postmenarchal patients on the need for additional or alternative forms of contraception and the risk of unintended pregnancy in the perioperative period. We e-mailed a questionnaire to all 3245 members of the Society of Pediatric Anesthesia (SPA) requesting demographic data and attitudes regarding use of NMB agents, monitoring, and antagonism practices. To address low initial response rates and quantify nonresponse bias, we sent a shortened follow-up survey to a randomly selected subsample (n = 75) of SPA members who did not initially respond. Response differences between the 2 cohorts were determined. Initial questionnaire response rate was 13% (419 of 3245). Overall, 163 respondents (38.9%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 34.2-43.8) used sugammadex as their primary reversal agent, and 106 (25.2%; 95% CI, 21.2-30.0) used it exclusively. Respondents with ≤5 years of practice used sugammadex as their primary reversal agent more often than those with ≥6 years of practice (odds ratio [OR]: 2.08; 95% CI, 1.31-3.31; P = .001). This increased utilization remained after controlling for institutional restriction and practice type (adjusted OR [aOR]: 2.20; 95% CI, 1.38-3.54; P = .001). Only 40% of practitioners always assess NMB (train-of-four), and use was inversely correlated with years of practice (Spearman ρ = -0.11, P = .04). Anesthesiologists who primarily used sugammadex assess NMB less routinely (OR: 0.56; 95% CI, 0.34-0.90; P = .01). A slim majority (52.8%) used sugammadex for pediatric postmenarchal girls; those with less experience used it more commonly (P < .001). Thirty-eight percent did not discuss its effects on hormonal contraception with the patient and/or family, independent of anesthesiologist experience (P = .33) and practice location (P = .38). No significant differences were seen in demographics or practice responses between initial and follow-up survey respondents. Sugammadex is commonly used in pediatric anesthesia, particularly among anesthesiologists with fewer years of practice. Failure to warn postmenarchal adolescents of its consequences may result in unintended pregnancies. Finally, pediatric anesthesia training programs should emphasize objective monitoring of NMB, particularly with sugammadex use.