Clinical Predictors of Duration of Action of Cisatracurium and Rocuronium Administered Long-Term

BACKGROUND: The duration of action of neuromuscular blocking drugs (NBDs) varies between individuals and even within individuals in different settings. OBJECTIVES: To define predictors of variance in duration of action of rocuronium and cisatracurium administered long-term. METHODS: A prospective, double-blind, multicenter trial that included 113 patients scheduled for major abdominal surgery and postoperative admission to the intensive care unit. Patients received repetitive (median, 7) equipotent doses of rocuronium or cisatracurium to maintain deep relaxation (twitch height of the adductor pollicis muscle