Reversal Of Neuromuscular Blockade Research Articles

Anesthetic recommendations for maternal and fetal safety in nonobstetric surgery: a balancing act.

Nonobstetric surgery during pregnancy is associated with maternal and fetal risks. Several physiologic changes create unique challenges for anesthesiologists. This review highlights physiologic changes of pregnancy and presents clinical recommendations based on recent literature to guide anesthetic management for the pregnant patient undergoing nonobstetric surgery. Nearly every anesthetic technique has been safely used in pregnant patients. Although it is difficult to eliminate confounding factors, exposure to anesthetics could endanger fetal brain development. Perioperative fetal monitoring decisions require an obstetric consult based on anticipated maternal and fetal concerns. Given the limitations of fasting guidelines, bedside gastric ultrasound is useful in assessing aspiration risk in pregnant patients. Although there is concern about appropriateness of sugammadex for neuromuscular blockade reversal due its binding to progesterone, preliminary literature supports its safety. These recommendations will equip anesthesiologists to provide safe care for the pregnant patient and fetus undergoing nonobstetric surgery.

Effect of Changing Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate Formula on Sugammadex Use and Pulmonary Complications for African American and non-African American Patients.

Sugammadex is associated with fewer postoperative pulmonary complications than is neostigmine reversal of neuromuscular blockade. However, the Food and Drug Administration-approved package insert states that its use is "not recommended" in severe renal impairment, separately defined as creatinine clearance <30 mL/min. Recently, the formula for estimating glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was updated to remove the race variable. Compared to the prior formula, the new consensus equation lowers the estimated GFR for African American patients and raises it for everyone else. We sought to determine how this change could differently impact the use of sugammadex, and thus the rate of pulmonary complications, for both African American and non-African American patients. We used Monte Carlo simulation models to estimate the difference in pulmonary complications that would be suffered by patients when the change in creatine clearance calculated from the estimated GFR (using the old race-based and new race-neutral Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration formulas) crossed the 30 mL/min threshold, which would require a change in sugammadex or neostigmine use. We found that 0.22% (95% confidence interval 0.14%-0.36%) of African American patients' creatinine clearance would drop from above to below 30 mL/min making sugammadex not recommended and 0.19% (0.16%-0.22%) of non-African American patients would have creatinine clearance increase to >30 mL/min making sugammadex now recommended. Based on our model, we estimate that African American patients would suffer (count [95% confidence interval]) 3 [0.4-6] more pulmonary complications per 100,000 African American patients who received rocuronium or vecuronium through the change from sugammadex to neostigmine reversal to comply with labeling recommendations. Conversely, the same change in formulas would reduce the number of non-African American patients suffering pulmonary complications by 3 [2-4] per 100,000. The recent change in GFR formulas may potentially be associated with an increase in postoperative pulmonary complications in African American patients and a decrease in postoperative pulmonary complications in non-African American patients through GFR-driven changes in sugammadex use.

Factors Associated With Decision to Use and Dosing of Sugammadex in Children: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Observational Study.

Sugammadex was initially approved for reversal of neuromuscular blockade in adults in the United States in 2015. Limited data suggest sugammadex is widely used in pediatric anesthesia practice however the factors influencing use are not known. We explore patient, surgical, and institutional factors associated with the decision to use sugammadex versus neostigmine or no reversal, and the decision to use 2 mg/kg vs 4 mg/kg dosing. Using data from the Multicenter Perioperative Outcomes Group (MPOG) database, an EHR-derived registry, we conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study. Eligible cases were performed between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2020, for children 0 to 17 years at US hospitals. Cases involved general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation and administration of rocuronium or vecuronium. Using generalized linear mixed models with institution and anesthesiologist-specific random intercepts, we measured the importance of a variety of patient, clinician, institution, anesthetic, and surgical risk factors in the decision to use sugammadex versus neostigmine, and the decision to use a 2 mg/kg vs 4 mg/kg dose. We then used intraclass correlation statistics to evaluate the proportion of variance contributed by institution and anesthesiologist specifically. There were 97,654 eligible anesthetics across 30 institutions. Of these 47.1% received sugammadex, 43.1% received neostigmine, and 9.8% received no reversal agent. Variability in the choice to use sugammadex was attributable primarily to institution (40.4%) and attending anesthesiologist (27.1%). Factors associated with sugammadex use (compared to neostigmine) include time from first institutional use of sugammadex (odds ratio [OR], 1.08, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08-1.09, per month, P < .001), younger patient age groups (0-27 days OR, 2.59 [2.00-3.34], P < .001; 28 days-1 year OR, 2.72 [2.16-3.43], P < .001 vs 12-17 years), increased American Society of Anesthesiologists [ASA] physical status (ASA III: OR, 1.32 [1.23-1.42], P < .001 ASA IV OR, 1.71 [1.46-2.00], P < .001 vs ASA I), neuromuscular disease (OR, 1.14 (1.04-1.26], P = .006), cardiac surgery (OR, 1.76 [1.40-2.22], P < .001), dose of neuromuscular blockade within the hour before reversal (>2 ED95s/kg OR, 4.58 (4.14-5.07], P < .001 vs none), and shorter case duration (case duration <60 minutes OR, 2.06 [1.75-2.43], P < .001 vs >300 minutes). Variation in sugammadex use was primarily explained by institution and attending anesthesiologist. Patient factors associated with the decision to use sugammadex included younger age, higher doses of neuromuscular blocking agents, and increased medical complexity.

Comparison of three scoring criteria to assess recovery from general anesthesia in the postanesthesia care unit in the indian population.

Different discharge criteria are available for shifting patients out from postanesthesia care room following surgery. This study was done to compare the three-scoring system namely traditional time-based criteria, Fast track criteria and modified Aldrete score, in Indian population patients who recover after general anesthesia in postanesthesia care unit (PACU). Three hundred and seventy-five patients scheduled for general anesthesia were included in this study. Induction of anesthesia was done with intravenous (IV) propofol and maintained with sevoflurane inhalation with oxygen and nitrous oxide. Reversal of residual neuromuscular blockade was done with IV neostigmine and glycopyrrolate. Patients were shifted to PACU following tracheal extubation and recovery was assessed using the traditional time-based criteria, fast track criteria, and modified Aldrete score. As per modified Aldrete score, mean time of shift out is 19 min with median of 15 min and standard deviation of 21.7 min. As per fast-track score, mean time of shift out is 187 min with median of 30 min and standard deviation of 243.7 min. As per the time-based criteria, mean time of shift out is 222 min with median of 240 min and standard deviation of 136.8 min. While using modified Aldrete score, majority of patients had a shorter stay in PACU and faster time to shift out as compared to fast-track criteria and traditional time-based criteria. Modified Aldrete score when compared to fast-track scoring and time-based criteria shows early recovery and reduces the length of stay in PACU.

Economic Impact of Postoperative Urinary Retention in the US Hospital Setting.

Background: Postoperative urinary retention (POUR) is a common and distressing surgical complication that may be associated with the pharmacological reversal technique of neuromuscular blockade (NMB). Objective: This study aimed to investigate the impact that POUR has on medical charges. Methods: This was a retrospective observational study of adult patients undergoing select surgeries who were administered neuromuscular blockade agent (NMBA), which was pharmacologically reversed between February 2017 and November 2021 using data from the PINC-AI™ Healthcare Database. Patients were divided into 2 groups: those experiencing POUR (composite of retention of urine, insertion of temporary indwelling bladder catheter, insertion of non-indwelling bladder catheter) during index hospitalization following surgery and those without POUR. Surgeries in inpatient and outpatient settings were analyzed separately. A cross-sectional comparison was performed to report total hospital charges for the 2 groups. Furthermore, patients experiencing subsequent POUR events within three days after discharge from index hospitalization were studied. Results: A total of 330 838 inpatients and 437 063 outpatients were included. POUR developed in 13 020 inpatients and 2756 outpatients. Unadjusted results showed that POUR was associated with greater charges in both inpatient ( 78 556 without POUR, p < .001) and outpatient ( 35 433 without POUR, p < .001) settings. After adjusting for confounders, POUR was found to be associated with greater charges with an overall mean adjusted difference of 95 760- 13 160 (95% CI 14 571, p < .001) in outpatient settings. Charges associated with subsequent POUR events following discharge ranged from 1694 outpatient charges. Conclusions: Surgical patients who were pharmacologically reversed for NMB and developed a POUR event incurred greater charges than patients without POUR. These findings support the use of NMB reversal agents associated with a lower incidence of POUR.

A retrospective cohort study of the effect of sugammadex versus neostigmine on postoperative gastrointestinal motility in open colorectal surgical procedures

IntroductionNeuromuscular blockers (NMB) are used in surgical procedures to facilitate muscle relaxation and intubation. NMBs are then reversed at the end of the surgery with either an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, such as neostigmine, or a modified cyclodextrin compound, such as sugammadex. Neostigmine and glycopyrrolate elicit counteracting cholinergic effects, potentially impairing postoperative gastrointestinal motility. This may have higher significance in colorectal surgery procedures given the baseline risk of delayed postoperative motility associated with some operations. MethodsThis is a retrospective, single-center, cohort review of open colorectal procedures that received either sugammadex alone, or neostigmine with glycopyrrolate. The primary outcome was time from end of colorectal procedure to time of first bowel movement. Secondary outcomes included incidence of postoperatively placed nasogastric tubes, nausea and vomiting, need for motility agents or TPN, hospital length of stay, 30-day hospital readmission or return to emergency department (ED). ResultsA total of 99 patients were included in the sugammadex group and 350 in the neostigmine + glycopyrrolate group. Time to first bowel movement was significantly faster in the sugammadex group (61.7 h) compared to the neostigmine group (71.9 h) (p = 0.03). Secondary outcomes were similar between the two groups, except for a higher incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting in the sugammadex group (p = 0.04). DiscussionThese findings support that sugammadex may be utilized for open colorectal procedures to aid in earlier discharge which could lead to differences in length of stay. Using sugammadex did not result in patients requiring additional interventions or experiencing symptoms of post-operative ileus. ConclusionCompared to neostigmine and glycopyrrolate, patients receiving sugammadex for neuromuscular blockade reversal in open colorectal procedures experienced a shorter time to return of bowel function. The results from this study confirm the findings from previous retrospective studies that were conducted.

The arousal effect of sugammadex reversal of neuromuscular blockade differs with anesthetic depth in propofol-remifentanil anesthesia: a randomized controlled trial

Sugammadex reverses neuromuscular blockade by encapsulating steroidal neuromuscular blockers; therefore, it does not pharmacologically affect sedation levels. However, some clinicians avoid using it because of sudden unwanted acting out or patient arousal. Previous studies suggested sugammadex-induced awakening, but frontal muscle contraction after sugammadex administration compromised reliability of results obtained from EEG-based anesthesia depth monitoring tools like bispectral index (BIS). We hypothesized that sugammadex would affect patients’ arousal depending on their baseline levels of sedation. We evaluated arousal signs after sugammadex administration with BIS between 25 − 35 and 45 − 55 under steady-state propofol-remifentanil anesthesia at the end of a surgery (n = 33 in each group). After sugammadex administration, twelve patients with a BIS of 45 − 55 showed clinical signs of awakening but none with a BIS of 25 − 35 (36.4% vs. 0%, P = 0.001). The distribution of the modified observer’s assessment of alertness/sedation scale scores was also significantly different between the two groups (P < 0.001). Changes in the BIS were significantly greater in the BIS 45 − 55 than in the 25 − 35 group (median difference, 7; 95% CI 2 − 19, P = 0.002). Arousal after sugammadex was affected by patient sedation levels, and clinical signs of awakening appeared only in those with BIS 45 − 55. Unwanted arousal of the patient should be considered when using sugammadex under shallow anesthesia.Clinical trial registry number: Clinical Trial Registry of Korea (https://cris.nih.go.kr; Principal investigator: Jieae Kim; Registration number: KCT0006248; Date of first registration: 11/06/2021).

Bradycardic Arrest in a Child with Complex Congenital Heart Disease Due to Sugammadex Administration.

The neuromuscular blocking drugs rocuronium and vecuronium are often used during general anesthesia. These drugs temporarily paralyze the patient and thus both facilitate placement of an endotracheal tube and prevent any patient movement during surgery. Reversal of neuromuscular blockade is necessary at the end of surgery to avoid postoperative weakness and adverse respiratory events in the recovery room. Neostigmine, the traditional reversal agent, may not completely restore muscle strength. Sugammadex is a reversal agent that is more effective and quicker acting than neostigmine. In adults, sugammadex administration has rarely been associated with bradycardia and cardiac arrest. In healthy children, the bradycardia that occurs after sugammadex administration is benign and does not require intervention. There is 1 case report of a 10- to 15-second bradycardic arrest after sugammadex administration to a 10-year-old child with heart disease. The present case report describes an 8-month-old child with complex congenital heart disease who experienced a 10-minute bradycardic arrest after the administration of sugammadex. Pediatric anesthesiologists should be aware that sugammadex administration to children with heart disease may cause hemodynamically significant bradycardia.

Reversal of Rocuronium-Induced Neuromuscular Blockade by Sugammadex Under Sevoflurane and Desflurane Anesthesia in Children.

In children, neuromuscular blockers may have different effects with various inhalation agents and incomplete reversal of the blockade continues to be a problem. The aim of the study is to observe the effects of sugammadex on reversing the blockade by a single dose of rocuronium, the peak inspiratory pressure, hemodynamic parameters in children under sevoflurane and desflurane anesthesia. One hundred forty-eight children aged 2-10 years old, to be operated under shortterm general anesthesia, were enrolled in this prospective randomized controlled trial. After induction, the patients were intubated at the end of TOF (Train-of-four) ratio of 1.0-0. The time taken until TOF reached 0.25 was recorded, and 2 mg/kg sugammadex was administered to the patients. The period until the TOF was at least 0.9 and in the first 10 minutes after sugammadex injection, peak inspiratory pressure, the systolic-diastolic arterial pressure, and the heart rate were monitored and possible side effects were observed in the recovery room. Following the injection of sugammadex, the time taken for TOF of 0.25 to reach >0.9 was significantly shorter in the 2-4-year-old age group under sevoflurane anesthesia. After sugammadex injection, a small but statistically significant increase in peak inspiratory pressure values was observed in Group D at the 2nd, 5th, and 10th minutes. Rapid and complete recovery was achieved from the block induced by a single dose of 0.6 mg/ kg rocuronium by the use of sugammadex which did not give rise to any side effects.

Effect of neuromuscular blockade reversal on post-operative urinary retention following inguinal herniorrhaphy.

This study aims to define the risk of post-operative urinary retention (POUR) following inguinal hernia repair in those that received sugammadex compared to anticholinesterase. Adults undergoing inguinal herniorrhaphy from January 2019 to July 2022 with at least 30-day follow-up receiving rocuronium or edrophonium and reversed with an anticholinesterase or sugammadex were included. 1-to-2 propensity score matched models were fitted to evaluate the treatment of effect of sugammadex vs. anticholinesterase on POUR, adjusting for patient comorbidities, ASA class, wound class, operative laterality, urgency of case, and open versus minimally invasive repair. 3345 patients were included in this study with 1101 (32.9%) receiving sugammadex for neuromuscular blockade reversal. The 30-day rate of POUR was 2.8%; 1.4% in the sugammadex and 4.4% in the anticholinesterase group. After propensity score matching, patients receiving sugammadex had significantly lower risk of POUR compared to anticholinesterase overall (OR 0.340, p < 0.001, 95% CI 0.198-0.585), in open (OR 0.296, p = 0.013, 95% CI 0.113-0.775) and minimally invasive cases (OR 0.36, p = 0.002, 95% CI 0.188-0.693), unilateral (OR 0.371, p = 0.001, 95% CI 0.203-0.681) and bilateral repairs (OR 0.25, p = 0.025, 95% CI 0.074-0.838), elective (OR 0.329, p < 0.001, 95% CI 0.185-0.584) and clean cases (OR 0.312, p < 0.001, 95% CI 0.176-0.553). The incidence of 30-day new onset POUR was 2.8%. Sugammadex was associated with significantly lower risk of POUR after inguinal herniorrhaphy compared to anticholinesterase overall and when stratifying by operative modality, laterality, and wound class.

Sugammadex for reversal of rocuronium-induced neuromuscular blockade during alfaxalone anesthesia in dogs

ObjectiveTo investigate the reversal effect of sugammadex on neuromuscular blockade induced by a single bolus of rocuronium in dogs under alfaxalone anesthesia. Study designRandomized, prospective, crossover experimental study. AnimalsA group of six adult Beagle dogs (three females and three males), weighing 11.3–15.8 kg and aged 6–8 years, were used. MethodsDogs were anesthetized twice with a 1.25 times minimum infusion rate of alfaxalone, with a washout period of at least 14 days between experiments. Neuromuscular function was monitored using acceleromyography with train-of-four (TOF) stimulation of the peroneal nerve. After recording the control TOF ratio (TOFRC), rocuronium (0.5 mg kg–1) was administered intravenously. Subsequently, sugammadex (4 mg kg–1) or an equal volume of saline (control treatment) was administered intravenously when the TOF count returned from 0 to 1 after neuromuscular blockade. Time from rocuronium injection to TOF count = 0 (onset time), time from TOF count = 0 to TOF count = 1 (maximum blockade period), time of first twitch amplitude recovery from 0.25 to 0.75 (recovery index), and time from sugammadex or saline administration to TOF ratio/TOFRC ≥ 0.9 (recovery time) were recorded. ResultsThe onset time and maximum blockade duration did not differ between sugammadex treatment [1.2 (0.7–1.5) minutes and 9.9 (6.3–10.5) minutes, respectively] and control treatment [median (range); 1.0 (0.7–1.1) minutes and 9.9 (8.8–11.5) minutes, respectively] (p = 0.219 and 0.844, respectively). Recovery index was 0.5 (0.3–0.7) minutes in sugammadex treatment, which was shorter than that in control treatment [4.5 (3.7–4.9) minutes] (p = 0.031). Recovery time was 0.8 (0.5–2.8) minutes in sugammadex treatment, which was shorter than that in control treatment [10.5 (6.8–14.3) minutes] (p = 0.031). Conclusions and clinical relevanceRocuronium-induced neuromuscular blockade was effectively reversed by sugammadex in dogs anesthetized with alfaxalone.

Allergic Reactions to Sugammadex: A Case Series and Review of the Literature.

Sugammadex is a novel agent for the reversal of neuromuscular blockade; it acts by encapsulating -rocuronium or vecuronium, eliminating the active compound from the circulation, thereby providing rapid and complete recovery even with profound or complete neuromuscular blockade. Clinical advantages, including reduced incidence of residual blockade, decreased nausea and vomiting, decreased dry mouth, less change in heart rate, and reduced pulmonary complications, have been demonstrated when comparing sugammadex to conventional agents, such as neostigmine, that inhibit acetylcholinesterase. Although generally safe and effective, anaphylactoid and allergic reactions have been reported with sugammadex. The potential for hypersensitivity reactions with sugammadex and previous reports from the literature, as well as diagnostic and treatment strategies, are presented in 3 pediatric cases.

The interaction of dexamethasone with sugammadex and rocuronium during general anesthesia in rhinoplasty surgeries

Aims: Sugammadex is a cyclodextrin specifically designed to reverse the action of rocuronium through encapsulation. Theoretically, it is possible that sugammadex can encapsulate cortisone. There have been conflicting results regarding clinical dexamethasone-sugammadex interactions in patients under general anesthesia. The primary outcome of the present study is to investigate any possible alteration in the efficacy of sugammadex as a reversal of rocuronium due to dexamethasone injection in rhinoplasty surgery. The secondary outcome is evaluation of clinical observation sugammadex in these groups of patients.&#x0D; Methods: Adult patients with the American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) II risk class undergoing rhinoplasty were included. All patients received standard general anesthesia with neuromuscular blockade using rocuronium. Patients were allocated to either the dexamethasone group or control group. The anesthesiologist measured the time interval between sugammadex injection and the recording of the 90% train of four. Additionally, the duration required for extubation after sugammadex injection was recorded. Finally, the signs of residual respiratory insufficiency and muscle weakness were checked in the post-anesthesia care unit until the 2nd-hour post-surgery. &#x0D; Results: Sixty-one patients were enrolled in the study. The dexamethasone group included 30, and the control group included 31 patients. The comparison of demographic and surgical characteristics of these two groups showed no statistical difference. The duration required for extubation was higher in dexmethasone group compared to control group (p=0.001). The total rocuronium administration dose was higher in dexmethasone group (p=0.01). The time required for the recovery of the head, upper, and lower extremity lifting was longer in the dexamethasone group (p=0.001, 0.003, and 0.047, respectively). &#x0D; Conclusion: The present study demonstrated an interaction between sugammadex and dexamethasone, which affected the reversal of neuromuscular blockade during rhinoplasty surgeries.

Chronic exposure to dexamethasone may not affect sugammadex reversal of rocuronium-induced neuromuscular blockade: an in vivo study on rats.

Chronic glucocorticoid exposure is associated with resistance to nondepolarizing neuromuscular blocking agents. Therefore, we hypothesized that sugammadex-induced recovery would occur more rapidly in subjects exposed to chronic dexamethasone compared to those who were not exposed. This study evaluated the sugammadex-induced recovery profile after neuromuscular blockade (NMB) in rats exposed to chronic dexamethasone. Sprague-Dawley rats were allocated to three groups (dexamethasone, control, and pair-fed group) for the in vivo study. The mice received daily intraperitoneal dexamethasone injections (500 μg/kg) or 0.9% saline for 15 days. To achieve complete NMB, 3.5 mg/kg rocuronium was administered on the sixteenth day. The recovery time to a train-of-four ratio ≥ 0.9 was measured to evaluate the complete recovery following the sugammadex injection. Among the groups, no significant differences were observed in the recovery time to a train-of-four ratio ≥ 0.9 following sugammadex administration (P = 0.531). The time to the second twitch of the train-of-four recovery following rocuronium administration indicated that the duration of NMB was significantly shorter in Group D than that in Groups C and P (P = 0.001). Chronic exposure to dexamethasone did not shorten the recovery time of sugammadex-induced NMB reversal. However, the findings of this study indicated that no adjustments to sugammadex dosage or route of administration is required, even in patients undergoing long-term steroid treatment.

The effect of neuromuscular blockade reversal agents on postoperative pulmonary complications in patients undergoing femur fracture repair surgery: A retrospective observational study.

Femoral fracture repair surgery under general anesthesia is associated with postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs). However, information on PPCs caused by residual neuromuscular blockade following perioperative use of neuromuscular blockers is limited. This study aimed to identify the differences in the incidence of PPCs according to the type of neuromuscular blockade reversal agent used in femoral fracture repair surgery, as well as the risk factors for PPCs. We retrospectively analyzed the electronic medical records of 604 patients aged >18 years who underwent general anesthesia for femoral fracture repair surgery at a single university hospital between March 2017 and March 2022. Patients in whom sugammadex or anticholinesterase was used to reverse the neuromuscular block were subjected to propensity score matching. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors for PPCs. Among the 604 patients, 108 were matched in each group. The incidence rates of PPCs overall and in the anticholinesterase and sugammadex groups were 7.0%, 8.3%, and 5.6%, respectively, with no significant differences between the groups. Older age, higher American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status, and lower preoperative oxygen saturation were risk factors, whereas emergency surgery was a preventive factor. Our results demonstrated that the incidence of PPC did not differ significantly between sugammadex and anticholinesterase in patients undergoing femur fracture repair under general anesthesia. Identifying the risk factors and confirming complete recovery from neuromuscular blockade might be more important.

Evaluation of Sugammadex Dosing for Neurological Examination in the Emergency Department

Background: Prolong effects of non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agents after rapid sequence intubation may prevent meaningful neurological examination, delaying appropriate diagnosis and neurosurgical intervention. Sugammadex is indicated for the reversal of neuromuscular blockade induced by rocuronium. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate low- (2 mg/kg) vs standard-dose (4 mg/kg) sugammadex for rocuronium-induced deep neuromuscular blockade reversal in the emergency department (ED) by achieving a post-treatment train-of-four (TOF) of 4 to facilitate neurological examination. Methods: This was a single-center, retrospective, cohort study evaluating low-vs standard-dose sugammadex for neuromuscular blockade reversal in the ED. Results: 34 patients were identified within the designated time period, 24 of which were included in the final analysis ([n = 9 low-dose], [n = 15 standard-dose]). Median sugammadex doses were 2.3 mg/kg and 4.1 mg/kg for low- and standard-dose, respectively. The majority of patients presented for intraparenchymal hemorrhage (54.2%). No significant difference in success rate of NMBA reversal was found between low- and standard-dose sugammadex ([100.0% vs 93.3%], P = 1.000). A total of 9 patients had a neurosurgical procedure performed after sugammadex administration. Low-dose sugammadex was associated with significantly less acquisition cost compared to the standard dose (P < .001). Conclusion: Low- (2 mg/kg) and standard-dose (4 mg/kg) sugammadex successfully reversed rocuronium-induced deep neuromuscular blockade in the ED by achieving a post-treatment TOF of 4 to facilitate neurologic examination. Low-dose sugammadex may be a viable option for deep NMBA reversal in the ED and is associated with decreased institutional cost.

Comparison the effects of sugammadex and neostigmine/atropine on cognitive functions in bariatric surgery patents: Randomized controlled trial

Background/Aim: A recently introduced drug, sugammadex, can be a good alternative to conventional neuromuscular blockade reversal agents, such as neostigmine. This choice is of great importance, especially in the patients in whom it would be wise to avoid cholinergic side effects. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of sugammadex and the combination of neostigmine/atropine on post-operative cognitive dysfunction in bariatric surgery patients. Methods: This randomized controlled trial included a total of 90 patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) I–III physical status and body mass index &gt;30 who were scheduled for elective sleeve gastrectomy were recruited for the study after obtaining ethics committee approval. Written consent was obtained from each patient. The exclusion criteria consisted of several parameters: lack of consent, co-existing muscular diseases, and severe cardiovascular diseases (New York Heart Association [NYHA]). The patients were randomly divided into two groups, and the randomization was performed by the investigator using previously prepared envelopes. In both groups, Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) was performed before the operation. The patients’ memory, attentive executive functions, and motor skills were evaluated as part of a control cognitive evaluation. After the operation while in the post-anesthesia care unit and when the Modified Aldrete Recovery Score was ≥9, the MMSE evaluation was repeated one and six hours later. Results: The pre-operative MMSE results were similar in both groups. In the post-operative period, MMSEpo, MMSEpo1, and MMSEpo6 values were not significantly different between the groups. When a detailed examination of MMSEpo data was performed, it was determined that the MMSE scores were 20–25 in 14 patients (32.6%) in Group N/A and six patients (14.6%) in Group S. In Group N/A, the percentage of patients with MMSE 20–25 was significantly higher than that of Group S (X2=3.807; P=0.046). Conclusion: In this study, sugammadex produced less effects on cognitive functions when compared with neostigmine/atropine combination. The neostigmine/atropine combination produced mild effects on cognitive functions in the first hour of recovery.

Retrospective Analysis of Sugammadex Use in Adolescent Females on Progestin-Containing Contraceptives

Sugammadex, a novel neuromuscular blockade reversal agent, functions as a steroid binder postulated to decrease hormone exposure used within progestin-containing contraceptive medications. Thus, alternative non-medication contraceptive methods are recommended to prevent unplanned pregnancies. The study aims were to evaluate sugammadex use in adolescent females prescribed a progestin-containing contraceptive and positive pregnancy screening frequency. We hypothesized that sugammadex use is infrequent in this population and no pregnancy screens would be positive. This is a retrospective observational cohort study utilizing the TriNetX electronic health record database of female subjects aged 12-21 years reported to be prescribed sugammadex. The data collected were analyzed for demographic characteristics, International Classification of Diseases 9th and 10th edition diagnostics, medication, procedural codes, progestin-containing medication timing, and timing of pregnancy screening. We included 18,686 subjects (contraceptive group, 2017 [10.8%], and no contraceptive group, 16,669 [89.2%]). Both groups had similar frequencies of pregnancy screening (contraceptive group, 54 [2.7%], vs no contraceptive group, 366 [2.2%]). Of the contraceptive group, 1 (0.05%) subject, 17 years of age, was confirmed to have a positive pregnancy screen 35 days after surgery. We found that sugammadex may be administered to adolescent females prescribed progestin-containing contraceptives, but positive pregnancy screens are rare. Effective counseling, use of nonhormonal contraceptives 7 days after sugammadex administration, and the theoretical reproductive risks of this agent may have contributed to these findings. Continued counseling after sugammadex use in the adolescent population is recommended to avoid the occurrence of unplanned pregnancies.

Sugammadex Use for Reversal in Nonobstetric Surgery During Pregnancy: A Reexamination of the Evidence.

Sugammadex Use for Reversal in Nonobstetric Surgery During Pregnancy: A Reexamination of the Evidence.

Reversing Neuromuscular Blockade without Nerve Stimulator Guidance in a Postsurgical ICU-An Observational Study.

We aimed to determine if not using residual neuromuscular blockade (RNB) analysis to guide neuromuscular blockade reversal administration in the postsurgical ICU resulted in consequences related to residual weakness. This single-center, prospective study evaluated 104 patients arriving in a postcardiac surgical ICU. After demonstrating spontaneous movement and T > 35.5 °C, all patients underwent RNB evaluation, and neostigmine/glycopyrrolate was then administered. When patients later demonstrated an adequate Rapid Shallow Breathing Index, negative inspiratory force generation, and arterial blood gas values with minimal mechanical ventilatory support, RNB evaluation was repeated in 94 of the 104 patients, and all patients were extubated. Though RNB evaluation was performed, patients were extubated without considering these results. Eleven of one hundred four patients had not achieved a Train-of-Four (TOF) count of four prior to receiving neostigmine. Twenty of ninety-four patients demonstrated a TOF ratio ≤ 90% prior to extubation. Three patients received unplanned postextubation adjunct respiratory support-one for obvious respiratory weakness, one for pain-related splinting compounding baseline disordered breathing but without obvious benefit from BiPAP, and one for a new issue requiring surgery. Residual neuromuscular weakness may have been unrecognized before extubation in 1 of 104 patients administered neostigmine without RNB analysis. ICU-level care may mitigate consequences in such cases.