Search

Administration of succinylcholine to patients with a variant in the butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) gene increases the risk of anesthesia emergence prior to recovery from neuromuscular blockade (NMB). Application of quantitative neuromuscular monitoring (NMM) can identify residual NMB. We present two patients with abnormal BChE gene variants. In the first case, quantitative monitoring was applied too late to prevent awareness, but allowed diagnosis and prevented admission to the intensive care unit. In the second case, monitoring was applied prior to NMB, which enabled early diagnosis and prevented premature awakening from anesthesia. These cases illustrate the importance of quantitative NMM, even in short cases and with short-acting depolarizing agents such as succinylcholine. The clinical implications of this report include a more consistent use of NMM to identify and manage patients with undiagnosed abnormal BChE and to prevent premature anesthesia emergence., Competing Interests: Name: Erica M. Harris, MSN, CRNA Contribution: This author made significant contributions to the conception, synthesis, writing, and final editing and approval of the manuscript to justify inclusion as an author. Disclosures: None. Name: Emily M. Funk, DNP, CRNA Contribution: This author made significant contributions to the conception, synthesis, writing, and final editing and approval of the manuscript to justify inclusion as an author. She is the corresponding author for this article. Disclosures: None. Name: Daniel Plezia, DNP, CRNA Contribution: This author made significant contributions to the conception, synthesis, writing, and final editing and approval of the manuscript to justify inclusion as an author. Disclosures: None. Name: Judson Elliott, MSN, CRNA Contribution: This author made significant contributions to the conception, synthesis, writing, and final editing and approval of the manuscript to justify inclusion as an author. Disclosures: None. Name: Ryland Elliott, MSN, CRNA Contribution: This author made significant contributions to the conception, synthesis, writing, and final editing and approval of the manuscript to justify inclusion as an author. Disclosures: None Name: Jessica Szydlowski Pitman, DNP, CRNA, CHSE Contribution: This author made significant contributions to the conception, synthesis, writing, and final editing and approval of the manuscript to justify inclusion as an author. Disclosures: None Name: Stuart A. Grant, MB, ChB Contribution: This author made significant contributions to the conception, synthesis, writing, and final editing and approval of the manuscript to justify inclusion as an author. Disclosures: None. The authors did not discuss off-label use within the article. Disclosure statements are available upon request., (Copyright © by the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists.)

The description of the main scientifically consolidated innovations in recent years on Rapid Sequence Induction have been the subject of this narrative review. Data sources were PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and ClinicaTrials.gov, searched up to March 21 st , 2023; rapid sequence induction and anesthesia were used as key word for the research. In recent years at least three significant innovations which have improved the procedure: firstly the possibility of using drugs which rapidly reverse the action of the myorelaxants and which have made it possible to give up the use of succinylcholine, replaced by rocuronium; secondly, the possibility of using much more effective pre-oxygenation methods than in the past, also through apneic oxygenation techniques which allow longer apnea time, and finally new monitoring systems much more effective than pulse oximetry in identifying and predicting periprocedural hypoxemia and indicating the need for ventilation in patients at risk of hypoxemia and preventing it. The description of three main scientifically consolidated innovations in recent years, in pharmacology, oxygen method of administration and monitoring, have been the subject of this narrative review.

Introduction: In class B surgical facilities, where only oral or intravenous (IV) sedation is employed without the administration of volatile anesthetics, laryngospasm is among the most common airway complications. However, these facilities generally do not stock succinylcholine to avoid the cost of storing dantrolene for the treatment of malignant hyperthermia (MH). High dose IV rocuronium with sugammadex reversal has been suggested as an alternative to succinylcholine for airway emergencies. The aim of this paper was to evaluate the clinical utility, patient safety, and financial implications of replacing succinylcholine with rocuronium and sugammadex in lieu of stocking dantrolene in class B facilities., Evidence Acquisition: A systematic review of the literature concerning neuromuscular blockade for airway emergencies in class B settings in adult patients was conducted. The MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched for published studies from January 1, 1990, to October 1, 2021. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system was used to assess the certainty of evidence., Evidence Synthesis: The search strategy yielded 1124 articles. After review, 107 articles were included, with 49 graded as "strong" evidence to provide recommendations for the posed questions., Conclusions: The use of succinylcholine in isolation without volatile agents has a low incidence of triggering MH. Laryngospasm is a common airway emergency that requires immediate treatment to avoid morbidity and mortality. Both succinylcholine and rocuronium-sugammadex provide adequate treatment of airway emergencies and rapid return of spontaneous ventilation, but succinylcholine has a superior economic and clinical profile.

The complicated history of modified electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) started back before anesthesia was incorporated when unmodified electroconvulsive therapy was not considered humane. When anesthesiologists started working with psychiatrists, ECT gradually regained acceptance by decreasing the obstacles inherent to this therapy despite the complexities of the anesthetics. However, the sociopolitical and medicolegal factors negatively impacted the use of modified ECT leading to a period of time when it was banned from use in the United States. Fortunately, as advances in anesthesia and technology continued to develop, anesthesiologists helped ECT regain widespread usage improving the safety profile, cost effectiveness, quicker onset of seizures, and ease of control despite its stained past. This allowed more accessibility, especially for high-risk medical patients, to a relatively safe and effective treatment for psychiatric diseases., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors have no conflicts of interest to report., (Copyright © 2021 Anesthesia History Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: A case of succinylcholine (SCh) and sevoflurane as a probable cause of rhabdomyolysis in an adult is presented, along with a review of the relevant literature and strategies for prevention., Summary: A nondiabetic, morbidly obese 32-year-old female developed rhabdomyolysis after administration of SCh and sevoflurane for diagnostic procedures of 30 minutes' duration. Thirty-three hours following anesthesia, the patient developed diffuse muscle tenderness and progressive weakness with a creatinine kinase (CK) of 4319 U/L. Urinalysis findings indicated contamination, a white blood cells of 12.1 × 10 3 /μL was stress induced, while all other labs were normal. Following 26 hours of intravenous fluids, the patient's CK decreased to 1243 U/L, with pain responsive to acetaminophen and improved mobility, resulting in discharge. With a lack of reasonable alternative causes and a temporal association of symptoms, procedural medication-induced rhabdomyolysis was suspected. Based on Naranjo scale evaluation, SCh and sevoflurane were probable causes of rhabdomyolysis. We reviewed the literature for SCh-induced rhabdomyolysis among adults and found 10 cases. The majority of patients received halogenated anesthesia (HA) and prophylaxis for SCh myopathy, with no known personal or family history of neuromuscular disorders (NMD) reported., Conclusion: Rhabdomyolysis was observed in a woman following the administration of SCh and sevoflurane for diagnostic procedures lasting 30 minutes. While avoidance is possible in adults with histories of NMDs, a high index of suspicion for occurrence of rhabdomyolysis is needed whenever combining SCh with HA in all adults.

In 1957, Professor Daniel Bovet received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his studies on various compounds including the muscle relaxants gallamine and succinylcholine that became very useful in anaesthesia. Textbooks credit Professor Bovet for the discovery of these drugs. However, although he indeed did discover their pharmacological character, the actual syntheses were made by Ernest Fourneau and Reid Hunt, respectively; sadly, these two scientists have largely been ignored. In this paper, a brief biography of Bovet is presented along with some of his more notable accomplishments. Particular emphasis has been placed on gallamine and succinylcholine along with their history. In an attempt to undo the "injustice" dealt to both Fourneau and Hunt, brief accounts of their history, story and character are provided.

Increasing numbers of adult patients with complex congenital heart conditions are presenting for noncardiac surgery later in life. These disorders can present challenges for surgical and anesthesia providers. Specifically, single ventricle lesions offer anatomic and physiologic concerns during the perioperative period. Single ventricle physiology represents a delicate balance between systemic and pulmonary blood flow. Any alterations in blood flow through these systems can produce undesirable hemodynamic changes, especially during the perioperative period. We present a case of an adult patient with a single left ventricle who presented for laparoscopic total colectomy due to inflammatory bowel disease. His abnormal anatomy coupled with the hemodynamic disruptions caused by laparoscopy presented significant anesthetic challenges. We highlight the anesthetic concerns of single ventricle physiology, specifically pertaining to laparoscopic surgery. We provide recommendations for safely managing these patients perioperatively. With detailed preoperative evaluation and close hemodynamic monitoring during the perioperative period, these patients can experience successful surgical and anesthetic outcomes.

Successful patient outcomes from an operative procedure require vigilance, diligence, and teamwork among the various providers involved with the surgical procedure. An understanding of the responsibilities and appreciation for the complexities of each healthcare provider's role in the operative process is essential to a harmonious relationship among the perioperative team to improve the working environment and provide safe patient care. The information provided in this article is based on commonly observed practices in the anesthesia community with the caveat that the choices can vary considerably and are influenced by patient presentation and surgical requirements.

Background: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) are associated with life-threatening perioperative complications, including rhabdomyolysis, hyperkalemia, and hyperthermia. Current recommendations contraindicate use of succinylcholine and volatile anesthetics; however, the latter recommendation remains controversial., Objective: To review the perioperative outcomes of patients with DMD and BMD., Methods: We reviewed records of patients with DMD or BMD who underwent anesthetic management at our institution from January 1990 through December 2011., Results: We identified 47 patients (DMD, 37; BMD, 10) who underwent 117 anesthetic exposures (DMD, 101; BMD, 16). Volatile anesthetic agents were used 66 times (DMD, 59; BMD, 7). One patient with undiagnosed BMD received succinylcholine and developed acute rhabdomyolysis and hyperkalemic cardiac arrest. All other major complications were attributed to the procedure (i.e., large bleeding), to preexisting comorbidities (i.e., respiratory failure, cardiac disease), or to both., Conclusions: Use of succinylcholine in children with dystrophinopathy is contraindicated. These patients have significant comorbidities and are frequently undergoing extensive operations; complications related to these factors can develop, as evidenced by our series. These complications may occur with use of volatile and nonvolatile anesthetics. However, because most of our patients were older than 8 years at the time of surgery, our observation cannot be generalized to younger dystrophin-deficient children., (© 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a ketamine:propofol combination ('ketofol') for electroconvulsive therapy on seizure activity, haemodynamic response and recovery parameters, and to compare with these with the effects of propofol alone. Twenty-four patients underwent a total of 144 electroconvulsive therapy sessions, allocated in this prospective, double-blind, crossover study. Patients were randomly assigned to receive 1 mg/kg ketofol (0.5 mg/kg propofol plus 0.5 mg/kg ketamine) or 1 mg/kg propofol 1% for anaesthesia induction. Seizure duration and quality, haemodynamic data, recovery parameters and side-effects were recorded and analysed between groups. Both motor and electroencephalography seizure durations in the ketofol group (29 ± 17 and 41 ± 17 seconds, respectively) were similar to that in the propofol group (28 ± 13 and 38 ± 16 seconds, respectively). Postictal suppression index was higher in the ketofol group (89.63 ± 7.88) than in the propofol group (79.74 ± 14.6) (P <0.05). In the ketofol group, heart rate after the seizure ended and mean arterial pressures, recorded at 0 and 5 minutes after the seizure ended, were higher than in the propofol group. Time to obeying commands was longer in the ketofol group (P <0.05). There were no untoward psychological reactions following ketofol. Although no superiority to propofol in terms of seizure duration, haemodynamic or recovery parameters was found, the ketofol mixture selected in our study provided better seizure quality than propofol. We conclude that ketofol can be an alternative strategy to enhance the seizure quality and clinical efficiency of electroconvulsive therapy.

This retrospective casenote audit involving 374 patients requiring intubation for an anaesthetic found that when the availability of sugammadex became unrestricted, its use increased from 7.1 to 65.3% (P <0.0001) of all muscle relaxant reversals, while neostigmine use decreased from 59.6 to 12.5%. Rocuronium use decreased slightly (90.8 to 79.2%, P=0.006) but vecuronium use increased (2.1 to 8.3%, P=0.02). Cisatracurium and suxamethonium use were unchanged. Total rocuronium dose (55.9 ± 24.1 vs 60.4 ± 22.3 mg) and the number of doses (1.9 ± 1.48 to 1.96 ± 1.27) were unchanged, but the time between the last dose and reversal decreased (91.7 ± 68.1 to 62 ± 52.4 minutes, P=0.0002). There appeared to be no change in postoperative nausea and vomiting, or post-anaesthesia care unit time or oxygen saturation levels. Anaesthetic theatre time fell from 143.5 ± 85.8 to 120 ± 71.2 minutes (P=0.01) and remained significant when adjusted for confounding variables (ratio of means 1.17, 95% confidence interval 1.03 to 1.34, P=0.02), although inferences in relation to causality are limited by the retrospective and observational design of the study. Hospital stay also appeared to fall (4.2 ± 3.5 to 3.4 ± 3.0 days, P=0.035), but was not statistically significant when adjusted for confounding variables (ratio of means 1.04, 95% confidence interval 0.89 to 1.2, P=0.59). These observations suggest that the unrestricted availability of sugammadex will change how steroid-based neuromuscular blocking drugs are used and reversed, but further research is needed to determine if patient outcomes will improve.

Background: Elective medical or surgical procedures are commonplace for neonates admitted to NICU. Agents such as opioids are commonly used for achieving sedation/analgesia/anaesthesia for such procedures; however, these agents are associated with adverse effects. Propofol is used widely in paediatric and adult populations for this purpose. The efficacy and safety of the use of propofol in neonates has not been defined., Objectives: To determine the efficacy and safety of propofol treatment compared to placebo or no treatment or alternate active agents in neonates undergoing sedation or anaesthesia for procedures. To conduct subgroup analyses according to method of propofol administration (bolus or continuous infusion), type of active control agent (neuromuscular blocking agents with or without the use of sedative, analgesics or anxiolytics), type of procedure (endotracheal intubation, eye examination, other procedure), and gestational age (preterm and term)., Search Strategy: We searched MEDLINE (1950 to September 30, 2010), EMBASE (1980 to September 30, 2010) and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL, The Cochrane Library 2010, Issue 2) for eligible studies without language restriction. We searched reference lists of identified articles and abstracts submitted to Pediatric Academic Societies (2002 to 2009), and international trials registries for eligible articles., Selection Criteria: We included randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials of propofol versus placebo, no treatment or other sedative/anaesthetic/analgesic agents in isolation or combination used in neonates for procedures., Data Collection and Analysis: We collected and analysed data in accordance with the standard methods of the Cochrane Neonatal Review Group., Main Results: One open-label randomised controlled trial of 63 neonates was eligible for inclusion. Thirty-three neonates in the propofol group were compared to 30 infants in the morphine-atropine-suxamethonium group. There was no statistically significant difference in the number of infants who required multiple intubation attempts (39% in the propofol group versus 57% in the morphine-atropine-suxamethonium group; RR 1.40, 95% CI 0.85 to 2.29). Times required to prepare medication, to complete the procedure and for recovery to previous clinical status were shorter in the propofol group. No difference in clinically significant side effects was observed; however, the number of events was small., Authors' Conclusions: No practice recommendation can be made based on the available evidence regarding the use of propofol in neonates. Further research is needed on the pharmacokinetics of propofol in neonates and once a relatively safe dose is identified, randomised controlled trials assessing the safety and efficacy of propofol are needed.

Background: Anesthetic management of the child with post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage is challenging and fraught with hazards such as anemia, hypovolemia, and risk of difficult airway. The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to determine the incidence and further define the anesthetic complications in this population., Methods: Retrospective cohort study of all children who underwent operative intervention for post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage (with or without adenoidectomy) from 1998 to 2005 at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Anesthetic records were examined for independent (anesthetic techniques and patient characteristics) and dependent variables (ventilatory and hemodynamic complications)., Results: Four hundred and seventy-five patients required surgery for exploration of post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage (incidence 2.9%). Intravenous rapid sequence induction was used in 401 (84.4%) patients. Succinylcholine was used in 420 (88%) patients. The most common adverse event (9.9%) was hypoxemia; most episodes occurred during emergence or extubation. Bradycardia during anesthetic induction occurred in 20 (4.2%) patients, and hypotension was noted in 12 (2.5%) patients. Thirteen (2.7%) patients were noted to be difficult to intubate, none of whom were difficult to intubate during the initial tonsillectomy., Conclusions: We determined our incidence of ventilatory and hemodynamic complications in a relatively large cohort of children with post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage. Transient hypoxemia was the most common complication and was not related to difficult intubation., (© 2010 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.)

Sugammadex can reverse rocuronium-induced muscular relaxation by encapsulation of steroidal muscle relaxants without muscarinergic side effects. Clinical studies show effective dose-dependent reversal of neuromuscular blockades after rocuronium and vecuronium. We report on a patient with deep neuromuscular block at the end of surgery following rapid sequence induction of anesthesia with high-dose rocuronium, who could rapidly be reversed without side effects after adequate i.v. sugammadex application., (© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York.)

Objectives: Peroperative haemodynamic profile comparison of two anaesthetic protocols for emergency abdominal surgery of old patients., Patients and Methods: Non-randomized monocentric study. Patients in the Optimization group were prospectively studied. Anaesthesia was induced by etomidate-succinylcholine and maintained with effect site and end-tidal target controlled administration of remifentanil and desflurane respectively to keep the BIS values between 45 and 55. These patients were matched with retrospectively studied patients constituting the Control group. The latter's were anaesthetized with etomidate-succinylcholine and anaesthesia was maintained by manually controlled administration of sufentanil and desflurane to keep systolic arterial pressure (SAP) within a range of more or less 30% of preoperative baseline SAP., Results: Twelve patients (86+/-5 yrs) were included in the Optimization group, 11 (86+/-4 yrs) in the Control group. The time spent at a SAP within more or less 30% of baseline values was 92+/-7% and 71+/-29% of total anesthesia time in the Optimization and Control groups respectively (p<0.05). That spent at a SAP less than 15 and 30% of baseline values was 23+/-11% et 3+/-5% of total anaesthesia time in the Optimization group, whereas in the MAN group it was 65+/-21% and 27+/-30% respectively (p<0.05). Desflurane and ephedrine consumption was less in the Optimization group as well as crystalloid or colloid volume loading., Conclusion: Anaesthetic agents target controlled administration and/or neurophysiologic depth of anaesthesia monitoring improve the time course of the haemodynamic effects in elderly patients undergoing abdominal surgery in emergency.

Objectives: Aim of this Germany-wide study was to evaluate the use and application customs of neuromuscular blocking drugs (NMBDs) for tracheal intubation in children of age 5 years or younger., Material and Methods: In the year 2005, a total of 3260 questionnaires were sent out to all heads of anesthesia departments at all types of hospitals as well as ambulatory anesthesia centers in Germany. The fields covered by the questionnaire were regarding institutional size, amount of general anesthesia and specifically pediatric cases, number of intubations and NMBDs used, frequency of use of the individual relaxants and techniques utilized when administering muscle relaxants., Results: Of the sent-out questionnaires 66.9% could be analyzed: 82% of hospitals use 1-3 muscle relaxants in children; 91% of the ambulatory anesthesia centers use a repertoire of 1-2 neuromuscular blockers for pediatric cases. However, general anesthesia with tracheal intubation in children is often induced without using any NMBD at all. Mivacurium is the predominantly used NMBD for pediatric intubation in Germany. In contrast, the use of succinylcholine is far less in ambulatory anesthesia centers than in hospitals. Despite controversial discussion, precurarization, priming, and timing are still utilized in German anesthesia practice., Conclusion: In Germany, mivacurium, with its favorable pharmacologic profile for short cases, is the predominantly used NMBD for pediatric tracheal intubation. Despite the known adverse effects of intubation without muscle relaxation, this technique is also wide-spread, especially among German anesthetists in ambulatory anesthesia centers. Surveys like these are important to determine a status quo of use and application customs of NMBDs in pediatric anesthesia and provide a basis for numerous other studies.

Background: Tonsillectomy in children is a common procedure; however, there appears to be a significant degree of variability in anesthetic management. Thus far, there has been no large national survey looking at the perioperative care of these children., Objectives: We conducted a national survey with the aim of determining what represents common practice in the perioperative management of children undergoing tonsillectomy surgery. We compared the respondents' management against evidence-based practice., Methods: The survey took the form of a questionnaire, which was sent to members of The Association of Paediatric Anaesthetists (APAGBI) and to Royal College tutors. The questionnaire was sent in paper format to the College Tutors and in digital format to APAGBI members. Emphasis was placed upon preoperative preparation, induction technique, airway management, analgesia, postoperative nausea and vomiting strategy, fluid management and emergence from anesthesia., Results: Responses were obtained from 173 individuals representing a broad cross-section of anesthetists from teaching and district general hospitals. Findings are as follows: the application of topical anesthetic cream is commonplace (93%), with Ametop being the primary preparation used; the intravenous route was preferred to induce anesthesia; most practitioners intubate the trachea to maintain the airway during anesthesia (79%); a muscle relaxant was employed to assist intubation of the trachea in 47% of respondents and the routine use of suxamethonium was reported to be uncommon (9%); the administration of prophylactic ondansetron and dexamethasone was reported by 79% and 70% of respondents respectively; and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used by 77% of individuals either pre-emptively or during the intraoperative period., Conclusions: Whilst there is individual variability in the management of these cases, the majority of anesthetists prefer the intravenous route for induction of anesthesia, after application of topical anesthetic cream. It is routine practice to intubate the trachea, administer paracetamol, NSAIDs, strong opiates and antiemetics.

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a highly effective treatment for severe depression. However, its use is associated with significant posttreatment cognitive impairment. Magnetic seizure therapy (MST) was developed as an alternative therapy that could reduce postseizure side effects through the induction of more "focal" seizure activity. Using an open-parallel study design, we compared 20 case-matched patients undergoing a series of either ECT or MST procedures with respect to their anesthetic, muscle relaxant, and cardiovascular drug requirements, effects on cardiovascular and electroencephalographic bispectral index (BIS) values, and early recovery times. We found that MST was associated with a reduced time to orientation (4 +/- 1 versus 18 +/- 5 min; P < 0.01) compared with ECT. To minimize residual muscle paralysis after MST, a reduction in the succinylcholine dosage (38 +/- 17 versus 97 +/- 2 mg; P < 0.01) was required. The BIS values were higher before, and lower immediately after, the stimulus was applied in the MST (versus ECT) group. The Hamilton depression rating scale score was significantly reduced from the baseline value in both treatment groups; however, the posttreatment score was lower after the series of ECT treatments (6 +/- 6 versus 14 +/- 10; P < 0.05). We conclude that MST was associated with a decreased requirement for muscle relaxants, reduced variability in the BIS values after seizure induction, and a more rapid recovery of cognitive function compared with ECT. Further studies are required to evaluate the antidepressant efficacy of MST versus ECT when they are administered at comparable levels of cerebral stimulation.

The present study evaluates the use of muscle relaxants for rapid-sequence induction (RSI) and different application techniques (pre-curarisation, priming, timing) as a part of a nationwide survey in Germany. In 86.8% of anaesthesia departments succinylcholine is used for RSI and an average of 56.5% of respondents used only succinylcholine for RSI. Of all non-depolarising muscle relaxants rocuronium is the most frequently used alternative. Of the anaesthesia departments 2.6% use rocuronium regularly in patients with increased risk for aspiration of stomach contents; level one centres significantly more than others, 12.9% answered that pre-curarisation techniques were never used, whereas 45.6% use non-depolarising neuromuscular blocking drugs before giving succinylcholine in 80-100% of cases. Priming is not used by 64.4% of respondents, as opposed to 9.8% who utilise this technique regularly. The statements regarding timing are 71.1% and 5.4%, respectively. Alcuronium is used for RSI in departments in which the financial aspect is the primary decision criteria. Despite ist known side-effects and the on-going discussion over the past years, succinylcholine is still the most frequently used muscle relaxants for RSI. Priming is often declined by anaesthetists in Germany, most probably due to the absence of clear advantages and the possibility of severe complications. It is the opinion of the authors that timing but also drugs with a slow onset (e.g., alcuronium and Pancuronium) are obsolete in the context of RSI.

Postoperative laryngospasm during emergence from anaesthesia represents a potentially life-threatening complication. Even if this is successfully overcome using drug therapy, new, serious problems may develop. We report the case of a 3 1/2 -year-old boy of African descent weighing 15 kg who developed a laryngospasm during emergence from anaesthesia. Because the airway obstruction could not be controlled by deepening the anaesthesia again and administering anti-obstructive drugs, the boy was given 15 mg succinylcholine. Thereafter prolonged apnea developed such that the patient had to be admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit. The child was extubated 6 h later and the further course was normal so that he could be released from the hospital the following day. Further diagnostic study revealed a dibucaine-sensitive, fluoride-resistant pseudocholinesterase in the plasma, which is a rare form of atypical pseudocholinesterase, explaining the prolonged arousal phase after the administration of succinylcholine. Three significant aspects of this case are discussed: 1. risk factors and treatment of perioperative airway obstruction 2. factors and treatment of prolonged apnea, and 3. delayed arousal reactions and their management in an outpatient setting.

Purpose: To determine the influence of two different pretreatment intervals, i.e. 3 and 6 min, on the efficacy of 0.01 mg/kg cisatracurium in preventing succinylcholine-induced fasciculations and myalgia., Methods: A total of 60 adult patients were randomized and received either 0.01 mg/kg cisatracurium (0.2*ED(95)) i.v. (Cis 3 group: pretreatment interval 3 min, Cis 6 group: pretreatment interval 6 min) or normal saline i.v. (placebo group) prior to injection of succinylcholine. The incidence and severity of fasciculations and myalgia and side-effects of precurarization were assessed., Results: The incidence of muscle fasciculations was only reduced in the Cis 6 group (45%) compared with the Placebo group (85%), p<0.05. Cisatracurium was associated with a higher incidence of paralytic symptoms in both pretreatment groups (Cis 3: 75%, Cis 6: 80%) compared with the Placebo group (30%), p<0.05., Conclusion: Cisatracurium is only effective in preventing succinylcholine-induced fasciculations when a longer pretreatment interval, i.e. 6 min instead of 3 min, is chosen. Precurarization led to signs of paralysis in both pretreatment groups in the majority (75-80%) of patients without reducing the incidence or severity of postoperative myalgia.

Study Objective: To determine if pretreatment with either gallamine or mivacurium before succinylcholine in children is associated with reduction in fasciculations; postoperative myalgias; or serum levels of potassium, creatinine phosphokinase (CPK), and myoglobin., Design: Prospective, randomized, double-blinded study., Setting: Operating room at a children's hospital., Patients: 45 ASA physical status IE children, aged 3 to 15 years, scheduled for emergency surgery., Interventions: The children received either normal saline 0.5 mL, mivacurium chloride 0.03 mg. kg(-1), or gallamine triethiodide 0.04 mg. kg(-1)2 minutes prior to rapid sequence induction (RSI) using thiopental sodium 5 mg. kg(-1), fentanyl 2 microg. kg(-1), and succinylcholine 2 mg. kg(-1)., Measurements: Serum potassium concentration (0, 3, 5, 7.5, and 15 min), myoglobin concentration (5 and 15 min), and CPK concentration (0 min and 24 hr). Fasciculation and myalgia were rated on a 0 to 3 score., Main Results: There was no difference between groups for fasciculation (p = 0.87) or myalgia score (p = 0.52). The mivacurium group had significantly less increase in potassium at 5 minutes (0.45 vs. 0.0, p = 0.01), myoglobin at 5 minutes (56 vs. 2, p < 0.001), myoglobin at 15 minutes (128 vs. 2.5, p < 0.001), and CPK at 24 hours (399 vs. 138, p < 0.001) following succinylcholine when compared with normal saline. Additionally, we found a significant level of association (p < 0.001) between fasciculation and myoglobin levels and fasciculation and CPK levels (p < 0.001). Gallamine was not effective in reducing the increase of potassium, myoglobin, or CPK. However, the dose of gallamine used for pretreatment was 13 times less than the dose of mivacurium., Conclusions: Administration of mivacurium 0.03 mg. kg(-1) intravenously 2 minutes before administration of succinylcholine 2 mg. kg(-1) in children is effective in reducing the increase in serum potassium at 5 minutes, the increase in myoglobin at 5 minutes and 15 minutes, and the increase in CPK at 24 hours.

Unlabelled: The purpose of our study was to assess the onset and quality of muscle paralysis and intubation conditions with succinylcholine (Sch) or rocuronium (Roc) during rapid-sequence induction. Patients were randomly assigned to receive thiopental (5 mg/kg) and Sch (1.5 mg/kg) or thiopental (5 mg/kg) and Roc (1.2 mg/kg). The anesthesiologists performing the endotracheal intubation were blinded by standing with their back to the patient. Thirty seconds after drug administration, laryngoscopy was performed. Intubating conditions were scored, the clinical onset of apnea was noted, and a train-of-four monitor recorded data. All patients were ASA physical status I-III and scheduled for emergency procedures; both groups were demographically similar. Thirteen patients received Roc and 13 received Sch. There was no significant difference between the two groups in the number of patients receiving excellent intubating scores (P = 0.41) or in the combined number of patients receiving good and excellent scores (P = 1.0). There was no significant difference in time of onset of apnea for Sch (22+/-13 s) versus Roc (16+/-8s). The return of the first twitch response was significantly faster with Sch (5.05+/-2.5 min) compared with Roc (17.3+/-21.7 min) (P = 0.0001)., Implications: In pediatric patients scheduled for emergency surgery, thiopental 5 mg/kg and rocuronium 1.2 mg/kg provided conditions for the completion of intubation in <60 s comparable to those provided by thiopental 5 mg/kg and succinylcholine 1.5 mg/kg. We conclude that rocuronium is a reasonable substitute for succinylcholine in children for rapid-sequence intubation when a rapid return to spontaneous respiration is not desired.

Study Objective: To determine if, using a variation of the "timing" principle, 0.6 mg/kg of rocuronium can achieve an onset time and intubating conditions similar to those achieved with succinylcholine., Study Design: Prospective, randomized, double-blind clinical comparison., Setting: Operating room in a university medical center., Patients: 42 ASA physical status I and II patients undergoing general anesthesia for elective surgery., Interventions: All patients were fitted with a Grass FT-10 force transducer attached to the thumb. Supramaximal stimulation was applied to the ulnar nerve with a variable current peripheral nerve stimulator. 22 patients (succinylcholine group) received a placebo bolus injection followed 20 seconds later by thiopental 4 to 5 mg/kg and succinylcholine 1 mg/kg; 20 additional patients (rocuronium group) received a bolus dose of rocuronium 0.6 mg/kg followed 20 seconds later by thiopental 4 to 5 mg/kg and a placebo bolus injection., Measurements and Main Results: We measured the onset time from administration of the muscle relaxant to 95% twitch reduction and assessed the quality of intubating conditions 60 seconds after the induction of anesthesia. There was a significant difference in the mean onset time of rocuronium (72 sec) versus succinylcholine (42 sec, p < 0.0001). However, there was no significant difference in intubating conditions 60 seconds after administration of thiopental., Conclusion: Rocuronium given 20 seconds prior to thiopental provides intubating conditions equivalent to thiopental-succinylcholine for rapid-sequence inductions, circumventing rocuronium's longer onset time to 95% neuromuscular blockade.

A recently developed echocardiographic imaging system provides real-time automated border detection (ABD), which enables the measurement of cyclic changes in cavity area, and thus the calculation of changes in intracavity volumes. Eight patients (ASA 1-2) for non-cardiac surgery received thiopental (6 mg.kg-1) and succinylcholine (1 mg.kg-1) intravenously, and the trachea was intubated. The transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) was performed before induction. after induction, and after orotracheal intubation. Left ventricular end-diastolic volume (EDV), end-systolic volume (ESV), stroke volume (SV) and ejection fraction (EF) were measured with ABD in apical four-chamber view. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) was measured simultaneously. MAP/ESV and MAP/SV were calculated as parameters of left ventricular contractility and left ventricular afterload, respectively. EF decreased significantly (P < 0.05) after induction (50.3 +/- 8.6%) compared with the value before induction (57.9 +/- 8.7%), and decreased further after intubation (41.7 +/- 10.6%). MAP/ESV also decreased significantly (P < 0.05) after induction (2.75 +/- 1.12 mmHg.ml-1) compared with the pre-induction value (3.81 +/- 1.73 mmHg.ml-1), and then returned to the pre-induction level after intubation (3.25 +/- 1.22 mmHg.ml-1). MAP/ SV showed no significant change during induction, and increased significantly (P < 0.05) after intubation (4.60 +/- 1.66 mmHg.ml-1) compared with pre-induction value (2.60 +/- 0.46 mmHg.ml-1). These findings suggest that the significant reduction in EF after induction of anesthesia was due to depression of cardiac contractility by thiopental, and that the further decrease after intubation was due to increase in afterload caused by the stimuli during intubation.

Study Objective: To determine the optimal length of preoxygenation in children., Design: Random design and comparison among groups., Setting: Operating room of a plastic surgery hospital of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and the Peking Union Medical College., Patients: Forty healthy, ASA status 1 children (age 2 to 7 yrs), undergoing elective plastic surgery., Interventions: Children in Group 1 breathed 100% oxygen (O2) for 1 minute. Group 2 children breathed 100% O2 for 2 minutes. Group 3 and Group 4 children breathed 100% O2 for 3 minutes. Anesthesia was induced with midazolam 0.3 mg/kg, fentanyl 5 micrograms/kg. Muscle relaxation was achieved with vecuronium 0.1 mg/kg (Groups 1, 2, and 3) or succinylcholine 1.5 mg/kg (Group 4)., Measurements and Main Results: Oxygen saturation (SpO2) was measured by pulse oximeter. The oximeter probe was applied to the right big toe. After preoxygenation, the times for SpO2 to decrease to 98% (T98), 95% (T95), and 90% (T90), respectively, were recorded during the apneic period. T98, T95, and T90 were significantly shorter in Group 1 than in Group 2 or Group 3. There was no statistically significant difference among Groups 2, 3, or 4 regarding T98, T95, and T90. The times for SpO2 to decrease from 95% to 90% were similar among the four groups., Conclusions: 2 minutes of preoxygenation in children can provide the maximum benefit of denitrogenation and achieve 2 minutes of safe apea. 95% and 99% confidence intervals were 69 to 100 and 59 to 100, respectively. Succinylcholine had only a slight effect on the safe apneic period.

We report on the occurrence of cardiac arrests within a few minutes following succinylcholine in 9 children, all of whom were later shown to have occult neuromuscular disease. Five of the children did not survive the catastrophic event. The anaesthetist in most cases, when discussing premedication, got the impression that the patients were in good health; just in 2 children were there indications of myopathy. Myopathic children coming to surgery and anaesthesia are rare. In these cases the administration of succinylcholine is contraindicated. But the anaesthetist must be aware of the fact that a small number of paediatric patients with unknown/subclinical myopathies might be referred to him. In these cases, without warning muscle rigor, bradycardia and hyperkalemia cardiac arrest may develop within minutes following administration of succinylcholine. The anaesthetist must be prepared for such a challenging event--particularly mentally. Misinterpretation of the symptoms as signs of malignant hyperthermia should be excluded. Resuscitation must start without delay and must continue for more than 30 minutes. Therapeutic attempts to lower extracellular potassium with glucose and insulin must fail for pharmacokinetic reasons. Therapy with intravenous calcium under control of the e.c.g. seems to be the only rational approach to the problem. It is suggested that in every healthy child coming to anaesthesia the physician should consider whether relaxation could not be achieved by other agents. Succinylcholine may well be defined as a "membrane poison"--especially considering the efflux of potassium, myoglobin and creatine kinase from the intracellular space into the bloodstream. The answer to the question asked in the title must therefore be: definitely--yes.

Most patients who require emergency airway control receive drugs to induce rapidly sufficient anesthesia for direct laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation, but there are no protocols that outline the use of specific drugs in general use. Drugs should safely and rapidly produce (1) unconsciousness; (2) paralysis; and (3) blunt intracranial pressure (ICP) responses to airway procedures. Consequences to be considered include increased ICP, hemorrhagic shock, and a full stomach. To refine the use of drugs used for airway procedures in pediatric trauma patients, the authors reviewed all cases of emergency endotracheal intubation over a recent 12-month period (1) to see whether medications used met the goals of producing unconsciousness and paralysis and blunting ICP responses were met safely; and (2) to identify potential drug-related complications. From July 1, 1990, to June 30, 1991, 60 of 791 children (7.6%) required endotracheal intubation at the scene of injury, at the referring hospital, or in our emergency department (15; 25%). Ten patients died (16.7%). Three fourths were younger than 9 years of age. All except one suffered blunt injuries. Nearly all (95%) suffered head injuries, isolated in 39 of 57 (68.4%) and combined with injuries in other regions in 18 (31.6%). Fifteen patients were in apnea (25%); seven were both apneic and pulseless. Three fourths (45 of 60) had diminished levels of consciousness; one fourth (15 of 60) were awake. Immediate endotracheal intubation proceeded appropriately without drugs in all seven patients in cardiopulmonary arrest. Only eight of the remaining 53 patients (15.1%) received an optimal medication regimen. Many patients with head injury were inadequately protected against increases in ICP. Thiopental, an effective anesthetic agent that effectively lowers intracranial pressure, was not used in 25 of 35 stable patients with isolated head injury (71.4%). Intravenous lidocaine was not used in 38 of 50 head-injured patients in whom it would have been an appropriate adjunct to control increases in ICP (76%). Eight patients received paralyzing agents alone, without sedatives or narcotics. Medications were thought inadequate to relieve the pain and discomfort of laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation in 32 of the 53 patients who should have received them (60.4%). No paralyzing agents were used in 36 of the 53 instances where it would have been appropriate (67.9%). In two of 11 instances (18.3%) where succinylcholine was administered, no prior nondepolarizing agent was used. Complications of a full stomach at the time of emergency endotracheal intubation became evident in 10 patients (16.7%) who vomited during procedures to control the airway. Two patients (3.3%) aspirated.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Operative charts were reviewed in 86 patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a condition characterized by chronic muscular denervation. A total of 161 surgical procedures was performed. Major complications were few, and only one operative death occurred, unrelated to anaesthesia. Succinylcholine and malignant hyperthermia triggering agents were used in 41 (48%) and 77 (90%) patients, respectively, without untoward effects. Contrary to previous reports, this survey supports the safe use of succinylcholine and MH triggering agents in this disease.

Thoracic endoscopic sympathectomy (TES) is a short surgical procedure used for the treatment of palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis. It involves pneumothorax, the lateral and head up position, and necessitates minimal chest excursions during breathing, so that a special type of anaesthesia is required. In 13 patients two different methods were compared and blood gas analysis as well as circulatory parameters were studied. We therefore propose an anaesthetic method using controlled mechanical ventilation; relaxation; intravenous anaesthesia; at least 1 1 fluid replacement; and careful monitoring.

A prospective controlled study was conducted to compare the efficacy of vecuronium and succinylcholine for the crash-induction technique. Following precurarisation with 0.02 mg/kg vecuronium and 0.1 mg fentanyl (group A and B) or NaCl 0.9% and 0.1 mg fentanyl (group C) preoxygenation via face mask was maintained until the patients reported heavy eye-lids or weariness or the precurarization-time attained 120 s. The patients then received 5 mg/kg thiopentone followed by 1.5 mg/kg succinylcholine (group B) or 0.08 mg/kg vecuronium (group A) resp. 0.1 mg/kg vecuronium (group C) directly before the thiopentone. Rapid intubation and scoring of the intubation condition was performed by an anaesthetist who was unaware of the grouping. The intubation time was defined as the interval from the end of the injection of the drugs until cuff-inflation of the tracheal tube. All patients in group A and B could be intubated within 60 s, in contrast to only 15 patients in group C (p less than 0.05). The intubation conditions in the succinylcholine group and in the vecuronium group with divided doses showed no significant differences, while in group C the conditions were significantly worse. The modified crash-induction technique with vecuronium in divided doses could become beneficial in patients with contraindications of the use of succinylcholine who are at risk of aspiration.

Electrocardiographic (ECG) changes during microlaryngoscopy were studied with three methods of anaesthesia. In two main groups, balanced anaesthesia was induced by Althesin (=Althesin I group) in 98 patients or by thiopentone (=thiopentone group) in 68 patients. In 23 patients, halothane anaesthesia was induced by Althesin (=Althesin II group). During the procedure, the most common ECG changes in all groups were sinus tachycardia (54-78%), junctional rhythm (28-57%), ventricular ectopic beats (12-26%), T-wave changes (9-22%) and supraventricular ectopic beats (7-17%). There was no statistically significant difference in the total number of ECG changes between the groups. There was, however, significantly more sinus tachycardia in the Althesin II group (78%) than in the thiopentone group (54%). Junctional rhythm occurred significantly more often in the Althesin II group (57%) than in the Althesin I group (31%) or in the thiopentone group (28%). Upper junctional rhythm was most common in the Althesin I group, whereas middle junctional rhythm dominated in the Althesin II group. Ischaemic S-T segment depression did not occur in the thiopentone group, whereas in the Althesin I and II groups its incidence ranged from 6 to 13%. In all patients ECG changes disappeared without any special treatment after the manipulation of the vocal cords. The results suggest that there is no decisive difference in the occurrence of ECG changes between the three methods of anaesthesia.