Reversal Of Neuromuscular Block Research Articles

Carboxymethyl-\u03b3-cyclodextrin, a novel selective relaxant binding agent for the reversal of neuromuscular block induced by aminosteroid neuromuscular blockers: an ex vivo laboratory study

BackgroundResidual neuromuscular block at the end of surgery may compromise the patient’s safety. The risk of airway complications can be minimized through monitoring of neuromuscular function and reversal of neuromuscular block if needed. Effective reversal can be achieved with selective relaxant binding agents, however, sugammadex is the only clinically approved drug in this group.We investigated the concentration–response properties of a novel selective relaxant binding agent, carboxymethyl-γ-cyclodextrin for the reversal of neuromuscular block. We evaluated the hypothesis that it is equally potent for reversing neuromuscular block as sugammadex.MethodsPhrenic nerve – hemidiaphragm tissue preparations were isolated from male Wistar rats and suspended in a tissue holder allowing electrical stimulation of the nerve and monitoring of muscle contraction force. Concentration–response relationships were constructed for the neuromuscular blocking agents rocuronium, pipecuronium, and vecuronium. The half-effective concentrations of sugammadex and carboxymethyl-γ-cyclodextrin for reversal of neuromuscular block were determined.ResultsThe half effective concentrations (95% confidence interval, CI) were 7.50 (6.93–8.12) μM for rocuronium, 1.38 (1.33–1.42) μM for pipecuronium, and 3.69 (3.59–3.80) μM for vecuronium. The half effective concentrations (95% CI) of carboxymethyl-γ-cyclodextrin and sugammadex were 35.89 (32.67–39.41) μM and 3.67 (3.43–3.92) μM, respectively, for the reversal of rocuronium-induced block; 10.14 (9.61–10.70) μM and 0.67 (0.62–0.74) μM, respectively, for the reversal of pipecuronium-induced block; and 376.1 (341.9–413.8) μM and 1.45 (1.35–1.56) μM, respectively, for the reversal of vecuronium-induced block.ConclusionsCarboxymethyl-γ-cyclodextrin is an effective, but less potent agent for reversal of neuromuscular block than sugammadex.

Reversal of residual neuromuscular block with neostigmine or sugammadex and postoperative pulmonary complications: a prospective, randomised, double-blind trial in high-risk older patients

BackgroundResidual neuromuscular block is associated with an increased risk of postoperative pulmonary complications in retrospective studies. The aim of our study was to investigate prospectively the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications after reversal with either sugammadex (SUG) or neostigmine (NEO) in high-risk older patients. MethodsWe randomly allocated 180 older patients with significant morbidity (ASA physical status 3) ≥75 yr old to reversal of rocuronium with either SUG or NEO. Adverse events in the recovery room and pulmonary complications (defined by a 5-point [0–4; 0=best to 4=worst] outcome score) on postoperative Days 1, 3, and 7 were compared between groups. ResultsData from 168 patients aged 80 (4) yr were analysed; SUG vs NEO resulted in a reduced probability (0.052 vs 0.122) of increased pulmonary outcome score (impaired outcome) on postoperative Day 7, but not on Days 1 and 3. More patients in the NEO group were diagnosed with radiographically confirmed pneumonia (9.6% vs 2.4%; P=0.046). The NEO group showed a non-significant trend towards longer hospital length of stay across all individual centres (combined 9 vs 7.5 days), with a significant difference in Malaysia (6 vs 4 days; P=0.011). ConclusionsReversal of rocuronium neuromuscular block with SUG resulted in a small, but possibly clinically relevant improvement in pulmonary outcome in a select cohort of high-risk older patients. Clinical trial registrationACTRN12614000108617.

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.

Sugammadex for Fast-Track Surgery in Children Undergoing Cardiac Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Study

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy ofsugammadex for fast-track surgery in children undergoing cardiac surgery. This was a prospective, randomized, controlled clinical study. University hospital. The study comprised 60 children undergoing cardiac surgery. The children in group S received sugammadex, 4 mg/kg, for reversal of neuromuscular block, and the children in group N received neostigmine, 30 µg/kg, and atropine, 15 µg/kg. The recovery time to a train-of-four of 0.9 and extubation time were significantly shorter in the group S than in group N (3.4 ± 1.2 min v 76.2 ± 20.5 min and 31.0 ± 6.4 min v 125.2 ± 21.6 min, respectively; p < 0.01). The heart rate after drug administration was higher in group S than in group N (102.7 ± 9.4 beats/min v 96.9 ± 8.5 beats/min; p = 0.03), whereas the mean arterial pressure after drug administration was similar in both groups. The length of hospital stay was shorter in group S (5.8 ± 1.0 v 6.5 ± 0.9 days; p = 0.03), and the hospitalization expenses were decreased in group S compared with that of group N ($1,036 ± $114 v $1,286 ± $187; p < 0.01). The incidence of postoperative atelectasis was less in group S than in group N (0 v 20%; p = 0.024). Sugammadex can shorten the extubation time and reduce the incidence of postoperative atelectasis, with fewer adverse events, in children undergoing cardiac surgery. It may be beneficial to use sugammadex for fast-track surgery in children undergoing cardiac surgery.

Early Reversal of Neuromuscular Block by Sugammadex for Nerve Stimulation Guidance During Peripheral Nerve Block Under General Anesthesia.

Early Reversal of Neuromuscular Block by Sugammadex for Nerve Stimulation Guidance During Peripheral Nerve Block Under General Anesthesia.

Precision Neuromuscular Block Management for Neural Monitoring During Thyroid Surgery

Introduction Titration of neuromuscular block (NMB) plays a key role in intraoperative recurrent laryngeal nerve monitoring during thyroid surgery. The combination of neuromuscular blocking agent and timely partial reversal of NMB was investigated in both animal experiments and clinical neuro-monitored thyroidectomy. Methods In animal experiments, 8 piglets received sugammadex to assess the laryngeal EMG recovery after rocuronium-induced NMB. In clinical monitored thyroidectomy, 40 patients each were allocated to conventional group and sugammadex group. Conventional group received rocuronium 0.3 mg/kg at anesthesia induction, while sugammadex group received partial NMB recovery protocol- 0.6 mg/kg of rocuronium at anesthesia induction and 0.5 mg/kg of sugammadex. Main outcome was assessed by first (V1) and final (V2) EMG signal induced by vagal stimulation. Results In the porcine model, 50% recovery of laryngeal EMG amplitude was achieved at 16.8 ± 1.9 and 6 ± 2.7 minutes respectively after 0.5 and 1 mg/kg of sugammadex (p < 0.01). In monitored thyroidectomy, EMG amplitudes at V1 in group S and group C were 1214 ± 623 and 915 ± 476 μV, respectively (p = 0.02). Positive and adequately high EMG amplitudes were observed at the early surgical stage for all patients. Sugammadex groups were superior to conventional group in EMG tube placement (p < 0.001). Conclusion Both porcine model and clinical application showed that precise NMB management by low-dose sugammadex was effective for intraoperative neural monitoring (IONM). The regimen ensured optimal conditions for tracheal intubation and timely neuromuscular function restoration for high-quality EMG signal.

Early Reversal of Neuromuscular Block by Sugammadex for Nerve Stimulation Guidance During Peripheral Nerve Block Under General Anesthesia.

Early Reversal of Neuromuscular Block by Sugammadex for Nerve Stimulation Guidance During Peripheral Nerve Block Under General Anesthesia.

Application of Neuromuscular Monitoring in Pediatric Anesthesia: A Survey in China

PurposeTo determine the popularity of neuromuscular monitoring in pediatric anesthesia. DesignSelf-filled electronic questionnaire survey. MethodsAnesthesiologists were notified through a professional network platform of anesthesiology by mobile phone. The survey deadline was December 23, 2019. FindingsA total of 883 valid questionnaires were collected. A total of 738 (83%) anesthesiologists stated that they had never used neuromuscular monitoring in pediatric anesthesia, and 638 (72%) anesthesiologists stated that they were not equipped with neuromuscular monitors. A total of 869 (98.75%) anesthesiologists had used neostigmine, but only 291 (33%) anesthesiologists reported routine postoperative administration for the reversal of neuromuscular block. ConclusionsNeuromuscular monitoring in pediatric anesthesia needs to be further popularized. However, how to effectively and safely use neuromuscular antagonists are also important issues that require attention from anesthesiologists.

Infraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block and Sugammadex Use in a Paediatric Patient with Wolff-Parkinson--White Syndrome.

BackgroundWolff–Parkinson–White (WPW) syndrome is a rare disease that can cause various patterns of tachyarrhythmias. The main goal of anaesthesiologists for the perioperative anaesthetic management of WPW patients must be to avoid sympathetic stimulation and prevent tachyarrhythmias.CaseA 9-year-old male patient with a diagnosis of WPW syndrome, who underwent emergency surgery for supracondylar humerus fracture, is presented. General anaesthesia in combination with infraclavicular brachial plexus (ICBP) block was performed successfully without any complications. For the reversal of neuromuscular block, sugammadex was uneventfully used. Intraoperative sympathetic discharge due to surgical intervention was prevented with ICBP block. The ICBP block has also provided good postoperative analgesia.ConclusionsSugammadex is a good alternative for the reversal of neuromuscular blocks to avoid the undesirable effects of cholinergic drugs. Peripheral regional blocks that require relatively large doses of local anaesthetics can be safely performed with utmost attention in paediatric WPW patients.

Sugammadex versus neostigmine in pediatric cancer patients undergoing outpatient surgical procedures

Neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) are still required for the pediatric population. Residual neuromuscular block is a common complication in the early postoperative period. The objective of this study is to compare the efϑicacy of sugammadex versus neostigmine for reversing NMB in pediatric patients with cancer who undergo outpatient surgical procedures. This double-blinded study included 80 children with different oncological diagnoses, aged 2-18 years, scheduled for outpatient surgical procedures. They were randomly divided into two equal groups; Group N received neostigmine 0.03 mg/kg with atropine 0.02 mg/kg and Group S received sugammadex 2 mg/kg at the end of surgery. The patients were clinically assessed for NMB recovery and extubated. The primary outcome measure was the time from NMB reversal to recovery of the TOF ratio to 0.9% (recovery time). The secondary outcomes included the time between reversal injection and extubation (extubation time) and possible adverse events. The time to recovery of the TOF ratio to 0.9 and the time between reversal injection and extubation were signiϑicantly shorter in S Group (p&lt; 0.001). The time to reach TOF ratio of 0.9 was not correlated with age, anesthesia time, or the dose of the neuromuscular blocker. None of the children developed respiratory depression or postoperative residual curarization. Relatively few patients developed arrhythmia, hypotension, and nausea and vomiting with no signiϑicant difference between the two groups. Sugammadex is a good alternative to neostigmine for reversal of neuromuscular block in outpatient surgical procedures in children with cancer; it safely provides faster NMB reversal and extubation time.

Appropriate Use of Neuromuscular Blocking Agents and Reversal Drugs to Enhance Recovery Following Cardiac Surgery

To provide a brief review of the use of neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBA) in cardiac surgery, including strategies for reversal and the effects of residual blockade. While ample evidence exists in non-cardiac surgery demonstrating the potential harms of residual neuromuscular blockade (NMB), little is known about the effect on cardiac surgery patients. Few studies have examined whether residual effects are present following cardiac surgery and whether residual NMB has an impact on postoperative outcomes. In non-cardiac surgery, the incidence of residual NMB after surgery is high and associated with pulmonary complications. Anesthesiologists frequently underestimate the incidence of residual NMB in non-cardiac surgery. Objective measurement of the degree of neuromuscular recovery with acceleromyography may be challenging to apply and the monitors are not universally available. Therefore, reversal agents may be underutilized or yield incomplete reversal. As clinicians aim to decrease extubation times following cardiac surgery, the potential implication of residual NMB on perioperative outcomes increases. Research into the incidence and effect of residual NMB on outcomes following cardiac surgery is needed.

Neuromuscular Blocking Agents and Reversal Agents Among Hospitalized Children: A Cerner Database Study.

Background: Sugammadex (Bridion) was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in December 2015 for the reversal of neuromuscular block (NMB) induced by rocuronium and vecuronium bromide in adults undergoing surgery and approved for use in both adults and children in the European Union in 2008. Sugammadex use in children has been reported in the United States, but to what extent is not clear. Aims: The aim was to describe the utilization pattern of NMB agents and factors associated with the use of reversal agents (neostigmine and sugammadex) in US children. Methods: Cross-sectional study of children with exposure to NMB agents between 2015 and 2017 in the Cerner Health Facts® database, which is an electronic health record (EHR) database across 600 facilities in the United States. Logistic regression estimated factors associated with the use of sugammadex vs neostigmine. Results: A total of 27 094 pediatric clinical encounters were exposed to neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs), in which 21 845 were exposed to rocuronium (76%), vecuronium (18%), or both (6%). Among children with exposure to rocuronium and vecuronium, the use of sugammadex was 1.7% in 2016 and 7.6% in 2017. The multivariable logistic model suggested that children who were older (age 12-17 years vs 0-1 year; odds ratio [OR] 1.96; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.36-2.83), Hispanic or Latino ethnicity and other ethnicities (vs non-Hispanic or Latino; OR 2.03 and 1.56; 95% CI, 1.55-2.67 and 1.15-2.13, respectively), in teaching facilities (OR 1.26; 95% CI, 1.00-1.59), or admitted through emergency departments (OR 1.65; 95% CI, 1.06-2.58) were independently more likely to receive sugammadex than neostigmine after controlling for other covariates. Conclusions: In Cerner Health Facts database 2015 to 2017, among children, rocuronium was more commonly used than vecuronium, and sugammadex use was observed since 2016. Sugammadex and neostigmine users varied by demographic, clinical, and site-level characteristics.

Effects of sugammadex on postoperative respiratory management in children with congenital heart disease: a randomized controlled study

BackgroundEarly extubation can reduce pulmonary complications in children undergoing cardiac surgery. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of sugammadex for postoperative respiratory management in children with congenital heart disease. MethodsSixty children with congenital heart disease undergoing elective cardiac surgery were divided into group S and group C (30 children in each group). When post tetanic twitches count (PTC) = 1-2 and train-of-four (TOF) = 0, the children in group S received sugammadex4 mg/kg for reversal of neuromuscular block at the end of surgery, and the children in group C received the same volume of normal saline. The recovery time to TOF of 0.9, the mechanical ventilation and extubation times were recorded. On the other side, the hemodynamic parameters before and 5 min after administration, and side effects were also recorded. The levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT) before and 24 h after surgery were measured. ResultsThe recovery time to TOF of 0.9 and extubation time were significantly shorter in the group S than in the group C (4.2 ± 1.4 vs 108.2 ± 26.7 min, 66.3 ± 6.5 vs 171.6 ± 23.1 min, respectively, P < 0.01). The CRP and PCT levels were found to be increased in both groups at postoperative 24 h than before surgery. Further, the levels of PCT and CRP at postoperative 24 h were lower in group S when compared to group C (median, 7 vs 17.5 mg/ml, 1.76 vs 5.22 ng/ml, respectively, P < 0.05). There were no statistical differences observed between the two groups (P> 0.05) with respect to side effects. ConclusionSugammadex is rapid and effective in reversing rocuronium-induced neuromuscular block, and significantly reduces the extubation time and the release of postoperative CRP and PCT in children with congenital heart diseases.

A Meta-Analysis on the Effect of Dexamethasone on the Sugammadex Reversal of Rocuronium-Induced Neuromuscular Block.

Sugammadex reverses the rocuronium-induced neuromuscular block by trapping the cyclopentanoperhydrophenanthrene ring of rocuronium. Dexamethasone shares the same steroidal structure with rocuronium. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of dexamethasone on neuromuscular reversal of sugammadex after general anesthesia. Electronic databases were searched to identify all trials investigating the effect of dexamethasone on neuromuscular reversal of sugammadex after general anesthesia. The primary outcome was time for neuromuscular reversal, defined as the time to reach a Train-of-Four (TOF) ratio of 0.9 after sugammadex administration. The secondary outcome was the time to extubation after sugammadex administration. The mean difference (MD) and 95% CI were used for these continuous variables. Six trials were identified; a total of 329 patients were included. The analyses indicated that dexamethasone did not influence the time for neuromuscular reversal of sugammadex (MD −3.28, 95% CI −36.56 to 29.99, p = 0.847) and time to extubation (MD 25.99, 95% CI −4.32 to 56.31, p = 0.093) after general anesthesia. The results indicate that dexamethasone did not influence the neuromuscular reversal of sugammadex in patients after general anesthesia. Therefore, the dexamethasone does not appear to interfere with reversal of neuromuscular blockade with sugammadex in patients undergoing general anesthesia for elective surgery.

SUGAMMADEX versus neostigmine after ROCURONIUM continuous infusion in patients undergoing liver transplantation

BackgroundRapid neuromuscular block reversal at the end of major abdominal surgery is recommended to avoid any postoperative residual block. To date, no study has evaluated sugammadex performance after rocuronium administration in patients undergoing liver transplantation.This is a randomized controlled trial with the primary objective of assessing the neuromuscular transmission recovery time obtained with sugammadex versus neostigmine after rocuronium induced neuromuscular blockade in patients undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation.MethodsThe TOF-Watch SX®, calibrated and linked to a portable computer equipped with TOF-Watch SX Monitor Software®, was used to monitor and record intraoperative neuromuscular block maintained with a continuous infusion of rocuronium. Anaesthetic management was standardized as per our institution’s internal protocol. At the end of surgery, neuromuscular moderate block reversal was obtained by administration of 2 mg/kg of sugammadex or 50 mcg/kg of neostigmine (plus 10 mcg/kg of atropine).ResultsData from 41 patients undergoing liver transplantation were analysed. In this population, recovery from neuromuscular block was faster following sugammadex administration than neostigmine administration, with mean times±SD of 9.4 ± 4.6 min and 34.6 ± 24.9 min, respectively (p < 0.0001).ConclusionSugammadex is able to reverse neuromuscular block maintained by rocuronium continuous infusion in patients undergoing liver transplantation. The mean reversal time obtained with sugammadex was significantly faster than that for neostigmine. It is important to note that the sugammadex recovery time in this population was found to be considerably longer than in other surgical settings, and should be considered in clinical practice.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.govNCT02697929 (registered 3rd March 2016).

Randomised controlled trial of sugammadex or neostigmine for reversal of neuromuscular block on the incidence of pulmonary complications in older adults undergoing prolonged surgery

BackgroundResidual neuromuscular block has been associated with postoperative pulmonary complications. We hypothesised that sugammadex reduces postoperative pulmonary complications in patients aged ≥70 yr having surgery ≥3 h, compared with neostigmine. MethodsPatients were enrolled in an open-label, assessor-blinded, randomised, controlled trial. At surgical closure, subjects were equally randomised to receive sugammadex 2 mg kg−1 or neostigmine 0.07 mg kg−1 (maximum 5 mg) for rocuronium reversal. The primary endpoint was incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications. Secondary endpoints included residual paralysis (train-of-four ratio <0.9 in the PACU) and Phase 1 recovery (time to attain pain control and stable respiratory, haemodynamic, and neurological status). The analysis was by intention-to-treat. ResultsOf the 200 subjects randomised, 98 received sugammadex and 99 received neostigmine. There was no significant difference in the primary endpoint of postoperative pulmonary complications despite a signal towards reduced incidence for sugammadex (33% vs 40%; odds ratio [OR]=0.74; 95% confidence interval [CI]=[0.40, 1.37]; P=0.30) compared with neostigmine. Sugammadex decreased residual neuromuscular block (10% vs 49%; OR=0.11, 95% CI=[0.04, 0.25]; P<0.001). Phase 1 recovery time was comparable between sugammadex (97.3 min [standard deviation, sd=54.3]) and neostigmine (110.0 min [sd=62.0]), difference –12.7 min (95% CI, [–29.2, 3.9], P=0.13). In an exploratory analysis, there were fewer 30 day hospital readmissions in the sugammadex group compared with the neostigmine group (5% vs 15%; OR=0.30, 95% CI=[0.08, 0.91]; P=0.03). ConclusionsIn older adults undergoing prolonged surgery, sugammadex was associated with a 40% reduction in residual neuromuscular block, a 10% reduction in 30 day hospital readmission rate, but no difference in the occurrence of postoperative pulmonary complications. Based on this exploratory study, larger studies should determine whether sugammadex may reduce postoperative pulmonary complications and 30 day hospital readmissions. Clinical trial registrationNCT02861131.

Potency estimation of sugammadex for the reversal of moderate rocuronium-induced neuromuscular block: a non-randomized dose-response study.

There is no report investigating the precise potency of sugammadex for antagonizing various intensities of rocuronium-induced neuromuscular block. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ED95 of reversibility of sugammadex and reveal the safety factor of 2mg/kg of sugammadex for moderate rocuronium-induced neuromuscular block. Fifteen patients were enrolled in this study. After induction of anesthesia, we recorded the adductor pollicis muscle response to ulnar nerve stimulation using acceleromyography. All patients received 0.6mg/kg rocuronium. When the first twitch (T1) of the train-of-four (TOF) response reappeared, rocuronium infusion was commenced to maintain T1 at 10% of the control. After the surgery was completed and infusion of rocuronium was stopped, patients were given sugammadex by a cumulative dose technique. The effective doses of sugammadex that led to recovery of the amplitude of T1 and the TOF ratio by 95% (ED95) were calculated from the regression lines of least-squares regression analysis. The mean ED95 of sugammadex for recovery of T1 and the TOF ratio from rocuronium-induced moderate neuromuscular block was 1.34 (0.24) and 1.14 (0.24) mg/kg, respectively. The ED95 of sugammadex for the recovery of T1 was significantly greater than that for the TOF ratio. However, a sugammadex dose of 2mg/kg is equivalent to about 1.5 times the ED95 of sugammadex for reversal of moderate rocuronium-induced block, indicating its safety margin.

Comparison of Sugammadex versus Neostigmine Costs and Respiratory Complications in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnoea.

To compare sugammadex and neostigmine regarding the efficacy in reversing rocuronium-induced neuromuscular block, the incidence of post-operative respiratory complications and costs in patients undergoing surgery for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). After obtaining ethical approval and patient consent, 74 patients in ASA physical status I or II were randomised into two groups to receive 2-mg kg(-1) sugammadex (Group S) or 0.04-mg kg(-1) neostigmine+0.5-mg atropine (Group N). Groups were compared regarding time to TOF (train-of-four) 0.9, operating room time, post-anaesthesia care unit (PACU) stay, post-operative respiratory complications, costs related to neuromuscular block reversal, anaesthesia care and complication treatment. Patient demographics, anaesthesia, surgical data and total rocuronium doses were similar between groups. Time to TOF 0.9 was shorter for group S [Group N: 8 (5-18) min; Group S: 2 (1.5-6) min (p<0.001)]. Operating room time [Group S: 72.4±14.3 min; Group N: 96.6±22.8 min (p<0.001)] and PACU stay [Group S: 22.9±10.1 dk; Group N: 36.3±12.6 dk (p<0.001)] were also shorter in Group S. After extubation, desaturation was observed in 12 (32.4%) patients in group N and in 4 (8%) patients in group S (p=0.048). In group N, three patients were reintubated; there were eight (21.6%) unplanned intensive care unit (ICU) admissions. There was one unplanned ICU admission in group S. Negative pressure pulmonary oedema was observed in one patient in group N. The results regarding costs were as follows. The reversal cost was higher in the sugammadex group (vial cost 98.14 TL) than that in the neostigmine group (ampoule cost 0.27 TL; total 6147.88 TL vs. 3569.5 TL); however, complication treatment cost and total cost were lower in group S than those in group N (199.5 TL vs. 3944.6 TL) (staff anaesthesia doctor cost was 0.392 TL per min and the cost of nurse anaesthetist was 0.244 TL per min). This study confirmed the efficacy of sugammadex over neostigmine for the reversal of rocuronium-induced neuromuscular block. Sugammadex decreases the incidence of post-operative respiratory complications and related costs in patients with OSA.

Prevention of glycopyrrolate against bradycardia induced by neostigmine: a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, doubledummy, parallel-controlled clinical trial

Objective To compare the efficacy and safety of glycopyrrolate versus atropine against bradycardia induced by neostigmine. Methods Patients scheduled for elective non-cardiac surgery were central randomly assigned to experimental group(n=123) and control group (n=124). Patients in experimental group were administered with glycopyrrolate at a dose of 0.008 mg/kg and neostigmine 0.04 mg/kg in 1 minute, whereas patients in control group received atropine at a dose of 0.016 mg/kg and neostigmine 0.04 mg/kg in 1 min to antagonize the remained neuromuscular block effect at the end of operation, respectively. Heart rate was recorded for 15 min after administration of the antagonized mixture, the area under the time curve(AUC) of the difference between heart rate and baseline heart rate, heart rate per minute and the difference between heart rate and baseline heart rate were compared. The dose of atropine for rescue therapy after administration was also recorded. Also, the adverse events within 24 h after operation were followed and compared. Results The AUC of the difference between heart rate and baseline heart rate was smaller in experimental group than the AUC in control group (P 0.05). Conclusions The effects of glycopyrrolate and atropine on preventing bradycardia when given in a mixture with neostigmine for the reversal of non-depolarizing neuromuscular block were compared. Glycopyrrolate has better effect than atropine for maintaining heart rate stability. Key words: Glycopyrrolate; Atropine; Neostigmine; Bradycardia

Effect of reversal of deep neuromuscular block with sugammadex or moderate block by neostigmine on shoulder pain in elderly patients undergoing robotic prostatectomy

BackgroundFor some laparoscopic procedures, deep neuromuscular block has been shown to facilitate lower insufflation pressures and lower patient pain scores, and enhance postoperative recovery. We investigated the impact of deep neuromuscular block and its reversal on postoperative shoulder pain and outcomes after robotic prostate surgery. MethodsElderly men undergoing robotic prostatectomy were randomised to deep neuromuscular block (target post-tetanic twitch of 1–2 at the facial nerve) with sugammadex reversal or moderate neuromuscular block (target 1–2 train-of-four ratio) with neostigmine reversal. The primary endpoint was postoperative shoulder pain. The secondary endpoints included intraoperative insufflation pressure, surgical rating score, incidence of residual neuromuscular block, and postoperative recovery. ResultsA total of 50 subjects for each treatment arm were included in the analysis. The degree of neuromuscular block had no effect on the incidence of shoulder pain (deep block group 12% vs moderate block group 10%; P=1.0) or average insufflation pressure (median [inter-quartile range]) (13.3 [12.5–13.6] mm Hg vs 13.3 [11.7–14] mm Hg, P=0.86). After surgery, the deep block group had a higher normalised train-of-four ratio (0.98 [0.79–1.11] vs 0.85 [0.74–1.00]; P=0.008). The presence of postoperative shoulder pain was associated with higher BMI (31.8 [28–33.9] kg m−2vs 28 [24.8–31.1] kg m−2; P=0.036) and longer insufflation time (186 [156–257] min vs 154 [126–198] min; P=0.028). ConclusionsThe use of deep neuromuscular block during surgery does not decrease postoperative shoulder pain or enhance recovery after robotic prostatectomy. Clinical trial registrationNCT03210376.