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First clinical experience of tracheal intubation with the SensaScope, a novel steerable semirigid video stylet.

BACKGROUND: Problems with tracheal intubation are a major cause of anaesthesia-related morbidity and mortality. Difficulty with tracheal intubation is primarily a consequence of failure to see the vocal cords with conventional direct laryngoscopy. We report our experience with use of the SensaScope for tracheal intubation in routine clinical practice. METHODS: The SensaScope is a hybrid steerable semirigid S-shaped video stylet. Its handling and performance were assessed by anaesthetists with a minimum of 1 yr of experience. They performed four intubations each with the device in anaesthetized elective surgical patients. The view of the glottis with the Macintosh laryngoscope was compared with the view shown on the monitor by the SensaScope. The time taken to complete intubation, the final tracheal tube (TT) position and the degree of difficulty of the procedure were recorded. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients were studied. All Macintosh Cormack and Lehane grade 3 patients were converted to grade 1 or 2 with the SensaScope. Mean intubation time was 25 (12) s and correct mid-tracheal TT cuff position was achieved in all cases. The degree of difficulty was 3.0 (1.8) on a numerical scale ranging from 0 to 10. All operators rapidly became familiar with the device and mastered its technique of use. CONCLUSION: The SensaScope is a reliable and effective device for tracheal intubation under vision of the normal airway. It has great potential to facilitate management of difficult airway situations in anaesthetized and paralysed patients.

Adult↗

Monitoring the onset of neuromuscular block at the orbicularis oculi can predict good intubating conditions during atracurium-induced neuromuscular block.

This study was designed to assess whether monitoring the orbicularis oculi (OO) can predict good tracheal intubating conditions. Fifty patients, ASA grade I or II were studied. Anesthesia was induced with thiopental (5 mg/kg) and fentanyl (3 micrograms/kg). The ulnar and facial nerves were simultaneously stimulated using train-of-four (TOF) stimulations every 10 s. The responses of the adductor pollicis (AP) and the OO were estimated visually. Patients were randomly allocated to receive either atracurium 0.5 mg/kg (n = 30) or 0.3 mg/kg (n = 20). In each group, endotracheal intubation was performed randomly when the OO or the AP was completely blocked. If complete block was not obtained, intubation was performed 300 s after administration of atracurium. Intubating conditions were scored on a 1 to 4 scale. All intubations were performed by the same physician unaware of the dose and the muscular responses. After 0.5 mg/kg, both muscles were completely blocked in all patients. The average onset time (time from the injection of atracurium to the disappearance of all muscular responses after TOF) was shorter at the OO (2.35 +/- 0.12 min) than at the AP (3.59 +/- 0.15 min) (P < 0.001) (mean +/- SD). Endotracheal intubating conditions were comparable in both groups: good or excellent after 0.5 mg/kg. After 0.3 mg/kg, complete block was achieved only 2/20 at the OO and 12/20 at the AP. Intubating conditions were comparable in both groups: poor or inadequate, except in the two patients with complete OO block, for whom conditions were good.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Atracurium↗

Pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and intubation conditions after priming with three different doses of vecuronium.

The effects of three different priming doses of vecuronium on pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and endotracheal intubation conditions were investigated. Forty-two patients were studied in two parts. In each part, 21 patients were allocated into three groups (n = 7/group) receiving 10, 15, or 20 micrograms/kg vecuronium as a priming dose, followed by a 50- micrograms/kg intubating dose 6 min later. In Part I, Train-of-Four (TOF) ratios and serum concentrations after priming were measured every minute up to the sixth minute. Onset time [from injection of the intubating dose to maximum depression of the first twitch (T1)], clinical duration (T1 return from maximum block to 25% of control), and recovery index (T1 recovery from 25% to 75% of control) were calculated and serum concentrations were determined up to 6 h after injection of the intubating dose. In Part II, the intubating dose was injected 4 min after priming, onset time was determined, and intubation conditions were scored. TOF ratio was significantly lower after priming with 20 micrograms/kg at the fifth and sixth minutes (0.59 +/- 0.29 and 0.56 +/- 0.32; mean +/- 1 SD) compared with the first minute (0.95 +/- 0.1). Recovery index was significantly increased after priming with 20 micrograms/kg (13.2 +/- 6.6 min, P < 0.05) compared with 10 micrograms/kg (9.2 +/- 4.8 min) and 15 micrograms/kg (6.7 +/- 1.5 min). Between groups no differences in onset time, clinical duration, and pharmacokinetic variables were found. In Part II, onset time and intubating scores showed no significant differences between the groups.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗

Acoustic reflectometry and endotracheal intubation.

To determine whether acoustic reflection measurement of the upper airway can be used to identify tracheas that are difficult to intubate, we conducted a pilot study of adults with a documented history of unexpected failed endotracheal intubation (16 cases) and compared them with 16 controls with previous successful intubation. The two groups were matched by age, sex, height, and weight. Acoustic reflection measurements of airway cross-sectional area versus distance were made at six combinations of body (upright and supine) and neck (flexed, neutral, and extended) positions. Cumulative airway volumes were calculated from the incisors to the glottis, and these were subdivided into oral and pharyngeal volumes. For supine position with the neck extended, all patients who had been successfully intubated had pharyngeal volumes more than 43.4 mL (mean +/- SD, 56.9 +/- 8.3 mL), whereas pharyngeal volumes were less than 37.5 mL in all patients who had a history of unexpected failed intubation (mean +/- SD, 19.7 +/- 10.2 mL; P < 0.05). Using a cutoff of 40.2 mL, acoustic reflection enabled us to distinguish between patients with previous unexpected failed endotracheal intubation and those with previous successful intubation.

Acoustics↗

Tracheal intubation using alfentanil and no muscle relaxant: is the choice of hypnotic important?

Administration of alfentanil followed by propofol intravenously (IV) without neuromuscular blockade for induction of anesthesia provides adequate conditions for tracheal intubation. Other hypnotic drugs have not been thoroughly investigated in this regard. Accordingly, 140 ASA physical status I and II premedicated outpatients were randomly assigned to one of seven groups (n = 20/group). Patients in Groups I-VI received alfentanil 40 microg/kg followed by etomidate 0.3 mg/kg, propofol 2 mg/kg, or thiopental 4 mg/kg. One half of these patients (Groups II, IV, VI) also received lidocaine 1 mg/kg IV prior to the administration of the above drugs. Patients in group VII received d-tubocurarine 3 mg followed by thiopental 4 mg/kg and succinylcholine 1 mg/kg. Ninety seconds after induction, laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation were attempted and graded. Patients in Group V (alfentanil/thiopental) were significantly (P < 0.05) more likely to have a clinically unacceptable response to intubation (55%) (e.g., vigorous coughing, purposeful movement, or requirement for succinylcholine to complete intubation) compared with patients who received propofol (35%) or etomidate (20%). Alfentanil/etomidate yielded intubation conditions comparable to those achieved with alfentanil/propofol and d-tubocurarine/thiopental/succinylcholine. Lidocaine appeared to improve intubating conditions, although this improvement did not reach statistical significance. The results suggest that healthy, premedicated patients with favorable airway anatomy who have received alfentanil 40 microg/kg can be reliably tracheally intubated 90 s after administration of propofol 2 mg/kg or etomidate 0.3 mg/kg.

Adult↗

Small-dose fentanyl: optimal time of injection for blunting the circulatory responses to tracheal intubation.

UNLABELLED: This study was designed to examine the optimal time of injection of a small dose of fentanyl during anesthetic induction to attenuate circulatory responses to laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation. One hundred seventy patients were randomly assigned to one of five groups. In Groups II, III, IV, and V, patients received fentanyl (2 microg/kg) 1, 3, 5, or 10 min before tracheal intubation, respectively. Group I patients did not receive fentanyl and served as the control group. In Groups III and IV, blood pressures were not increased, except diastolic pressure in Group III, significantly postintubation compared with preinduction values; but Groups I, II, and V showed a significant increase (P < 0.05). The 1-min postintubation values of systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressure in Groups III and IV were less than those in the control group (P < 0.05). Increases of heart rate in Group IV were less (P < 0.05) than those in the control group, but significant differences were not observed in Groups II, III, and V. The number of patients with tachycardia and dysrhythmia was significantly smaller in Group IV than in the control group (P < 0.05). We conclude that the most effective time to administer fentanyl to protect circulatory responses to laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation is 5 min before tracheal intubation. IMPLICATIONS: Fentanyl is often used to reduce the hemodynamic response to tracheal intubation. However, large doses may cause unwanted side effects. Administration of fentanyl at the optimal time reduces the dose required. Our results indicate that optimal injection time of fentanyl for intubation is 5 min before intubation.

Adult↗

Tracheal intubation of healthy pediatric patients without muscle relaxant: a survey of technique utilization and perceptions of safety.

UNLABELLED: We conducted a survey of Society for Pediatric Anesthesia anesthesiologists practicing within the United States to determine the frequency of tracheal intubation of healthy infants and children using an inhaled anesthetic without muscle relaxation (IAWMR). We also examined reasons for the use of this technique. Of all responders who listed their most often used technique for tracheal intubation of healthy infants and children, IAWMR was chosen over intubation with a muscle relaxant by 38.1% and 43.6%, respectively. Anesthesiologists who most often used IAWMR for tracheal intubation of healthy infants and children had over twice the odds (odds ratio [OR] 2.30 for infants, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.18-4.50; P = 0.015) of classifying their own practice as nonacademic, and one-third the odds (OR 0.34 for infants, 95% CI 0.17-0.68; P = 0.002) of conducting more than half of their cases in a supervisory role. Anesthesiologists who use IAWMR to tracheally intubate healthy pediatric patients most commonly selected as their reasons the lack of need for a muscle relaxant and the desire to avoid both succinylcholine and the excessive duration of nondepolarizing muscle relaxants. IMPLICATIONS: Inhaled anesthetic without muscle relaxation is the most often used method of intubation for more than one third of Society for Pediatric Anesthesia anesthesiologists when tracheally intubating healthy, fasted pediatric patients undergoing elective procedures. The frequency of this practice seems to be highest in nonacademic practices.

Analysis of Variance↗

Rapid tracheal intubation with large-dose rocuronium: a probability-based approach.

UNLABELLED: There are situations in anesthesia in which it may be desirable to achieve rapid tracheal intubation with perfect conditions, i.e., no coughing or straining. To determine the dose of rocuronium that gives a high probability of achieving perfect conditions for rapid (within 60 s) tracheal intubation, we administered a range of doses of rocuronium, some larger than used previously. Sixty adults, anesthetized with thiopental 4 mg/kg IV and alfentanil 10 microg/kg IV, received rocuronium 0.4 to 2.0 mg/kg IV. We used logistic regression to define the relationship of rocuronium dose to probability of achieving perfect intubation conditions. We estimated the doses giving 90% and 95% probability of achieving perfect intubation and used resampling to determine confidence limits for these estimates. Rocuronium 1.85 and 2.33 mg/kg gave, respectively, 90% and 95% probability of perfect intubation conditions. The confidence limits (5th and 95th percentile) for these estimates were 1.15 to 2.31 and 1.23 to 3.22 mg/kg, respectively. In conclusion, it is possible to achieve perfect intubation conditions with large doses of rocuronium, but the long duration of action and expense may limit the usefulness of the technique. IMPLICATIONS: We found that it is possible to have a 90% probability of achieving perfect conditions for rapid tracheal intubation with large (up to 2.0 mg/kg) doses of rocuronium. These large doses of rocuronium may be useful in, for instance, head trauma or open globe injuries if succinylcholine is contraindicated.

Adult↗

Segmental cervical spine movement with the intubating laryngeal mask during manual in-line stabilization in patients with cervical pathology undergoing cervical spine surgery.

UNLABELLED: We quantified the extent and distribution of segmental cervical movement produced by the intubating laryngeal mask (ILM) during manual in-line stabilization in 20 anesthetized patients with cervical pathology undergoing cervical spine surgery. All patients had neurological symptoms preoperatively. The ILM was inserted with the head and neck in the neutral position. Intubation was facilitated by transillumination of the neck with a lightwand. Cervical movement was recorded with single-frame lateral radiographic images taken 1) immediately before induction (baseline); 2) during ILM insertion (insertion); 3) when transillumination was first seen at the cricothyroid membrane (intubation A); 4) when the tube was being advanced into the trachea (intubation B); and 5) during ILM removal (removal). Radiographic images were digitized and the degree of flexion/extension and posterior movement measured for the occiput (C0) through to C5. During ILM insertion, C0-5 were flexed by an average of 1-1.6 degrees (all P < 0.05). During intubation A/B, C0-4 were flexed by an average of 1.4-3.0 degrees (all P < 0.01), but C5 was unchanged. During ILM removal, C0-3 were flexed by an average of 1 degree (all: P < 0.05), but C3-5 were unchanged. During insertion and intubation A/B, C2-5 were displaced posteriorly by an average of 0.5-1.0 mm (all: P < 0.05). During removal, there was no change at C1-5. Neurological symptoms improved in all patients. We conclude that the ILM produces segmental movement of the cervical spine despite manual in-line stabilization in patients with cervical spine pathology undergoing cervical spine surgery. This motion is in the opposite direction to direct laryngoscopy, suggesting that different approaches to airway management may be more appropriate depending on the nature of the cervical instability. IMPLICATIONS: The intubating laryngeal mask produces segmental movement of the cervical spine, despite manual in-line stabilization in patients with cervical spine pathology undergoing cervical spine surgery. This motion is in the opposite direction to direct laryngoscopy, suggesting that different approaches to airway management may be more appropriate depending on the nature of the cervical instability.

Aged↗

Reexamined: the recommended endotracheal intubating dose for nondepolarizing neuromuscular blockers of rapid onset.

UNLABELLED: The results of any study of the relative importance of anesthetic depth versus intensity of neuromuscular block on conditions for endotracheal intubation can be manipulated by the investigator. Several independent factors, such as the depth of hypnosis induced, the interval between drug administration and laryngoscopy, the onset profile of the muscle relaxant, and the multiple of the 95% effective dose given, must be controlled. We attempted to design an induction sequence that provided good to excellent conditions for laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation within 75-90 s of muscle relaxant administration with doses smaller than often suggested, while still administering only customary amounts of hypnotics and opioids. Alfentanil 12.5 microg/kg, propofol 2.0 mg/kg, and a test drug were administered rapidly. The test drugs were saline 0.05 mL/kg (n = 10), rapacuronium 1.0 or 1.2 mg/kg, or rocuronium 0.50 mg/kg (n = 30 each). Laryngoscopy was commenced 75 s after the test drug. Clinically acceptable conditions for intubation were achieved in all subjects after rocuronium or rapacuronium 1.2 mg/kg and in 28 of 30 patients after rapacuronium 1.0 mg/kg. In the Saline group, only 3 individuals achieved a good or excellent rating, and intubation was impossible in 2 of 10 individuals. For muscle relaxants of low potency, doses only 1.5 times the 95% effective dose can provide very satisfactory conditions for intubation if laryngoscopy is delayed to 75 s after drug administration. IMPLICATIONS: The dose of muscle relaxant usually recommended for facilitating tracheal intubation approximates at least two times the drug's effective dose (ED(95)). When the muscle relaxant in question has a rapid onset of action, this intubation dose may be decreased to 1.5 times the ED(95).

Adolescent↗

A comparison of two tracheal intubation techniques with Trachlight and Fastrach in patients with cervical spine disorders.

UNLABELLED: Optimal airway management strategies in patients with an unstable cervical spine remain controversial. A newly designed lightwand device (Trachlight) or an intubating laryngeal mask (Fastrach) may avoid hyperextension of the neck. However, there are few objective data that guide us in selecting the appropriate devices. We conducted a prospective randomized study in 148 patients who received general anesthesia for whom the operations were related to the clinical and/or radiographic evidence of cervical abnormality. Trachlight or Fastrach was used for tracheal intubation with the head and neck held in a neutral position. In the Trachlight group, intubation was successful at the first attempt in 67 of 74 (90.5%) cases and at the second attempt in 5 (6.8%) cases. In contrast, in the Fastrach group, 54 of 74 (73.0%) patients were intubated within our protocol. The mean time for successful tracheal intubation at the first attempt was significantly shorter in the Trachlight group than in the Fastrach group. The Trachlight may be more advantageous for orotracheal intubation in patients with cervical spine disorders than the Fastrach with respect to reliability, rapidity, and safety. IMPLICATIONS: The Trachlight may be more advantageous for orotracheal intubation in patients with cervical spine disorders than the Fastrach with respect to reliability, rapidity and safety.

Adult↗

The Laryngeal Mask Airway ProSeal(TM) as a temporary ventilatory device in grossly and morbidly obese patients before laryngoscope-guided tracheal intubation.

UNLABELLED: We determined the efficacy of the laryngeal mask airway ProSeal(TM) (PLMA) as a temporary ventilatory device in morbidly obese patients before laryngoscope-guided tracheal intubation. Sixty patients (body mass index 35--60 kg/m(2)) scheduled for elective surgery, who preferred airway management under general anesthesia, were studied. The induction of anesthesia was with midazolam/fentanyl/propofol and maintenance was with sevoflurane 1%--3% in oxygen 100%. The PLMA was inserted and an effective airway established. Rocuronium was given IV for paralysis. Oropharyngeal leak pressure, ease of gastric tube placement, residual gastric volume, fiberoptic position of the airway/drainage tube, and ease of ventilation at a tidal volume of 8 mL/kg was determined. The PLMA was then removed and laryngoscope-guided tracheal intubation attempted. The number of insertion/intubation attempts (maximum two each) and time taken to establish an effective airway with each device were recorded. An effective airway was obtained at the first insertion attempt in 90% of patients (54/60) and at the second attempt in 10% (6/60). The time taken to provide an effective airway was 15 plus minus 7 s (7--42 s). Oropharyngeal leak pressure was 32 plus minus 8 cm H(2)O (12--40 cm H(2)O). The residual gastric volume was 36 plus minus 46 mL (0--240 mL). Positive pressure ventilation without air leaks was possible in 95% of patients (57/60). The vocal cords were seen from the airway tube in 75% of patients (45/60), but the esophagus was not seen. The fiberoptic view from the drainage tube revealed mucosa in 93% of patients (56/60) and an open upper esophageal sphincter in 7% (4/60). Tracheal intubation was successful at the first attempt in 90% of patients (54/60), at the second attempt in 7% (4/60), and failed in 3% (2/60). In these latter two patients, the PLMA was reinserted and surgery performed uneventfully with the PLMA. The time taken to tracheally intubate the patient was 13 plus minus 10 s (8--51 s). There were no episodes of hypoxia (SpO(2) <90%) or other adverse events. There were no differences in insertion success rate, or the time to successful insertion between the PLMA and laryngoscope-guided intubation. We conclude that the PLMA is an effective temporary ventilatory device in grossly or morbidly obese patients before laryngoscope-guided tracheal intubation. IMPLICATIONS: The laryngeal mask airway ProSeal(TM) is an effective temporary ventilatory device in grossly and morbidly obese patients before laryngoscope-guided tracheal intubation.

Adult↗

Factors associated with successful tracheal intubation of children with sevoflurane and no muscle relaxant.

UNLABELLED: Better definition of end points required to achieve successful tracheal intubation after induction with sevoflurane could improve patient care. The authors therefore designed a study that could determine, with meaningful confidence intervals, the time required to successfully intubate 80% of children by using 8% inspired sevoflurane and no muscle relaxant. We hypothesized that the time required could vary by age or body mass index. One-hundred fifty-three ASA physical status I or II patients received induction with 8% sevoflurane in 60% nitrous oxide with discontinuation of nitrous oxide 1 min after the start of the induction. The time until laryngoscopy remained close to the time required to achieve 80% successful intubation by varying induction time according to the success rate in each group of five patients. A probit model of induction time and age found that both were predictive of successful intubation (P values of 0.006 and 0.02, respectively). The induction times needed to achieve 80% successful intubation were 137 s (95% confidence interval, 94.6-159 s) and 187 s (153-230 s) for ages 1-4 yr and 4-8 yr, respectively. The persistence of spontaneous ventilation at the time of laryngoscopy, despite attempts to control ventilation, was associated with poor intubation conditions (P < 0.001). IMPLICATIONS: To successfully intubate 80% of children by using sevoflurane and no muscle relaxant, induction times of 137 and 187 s were needed in children of 1-4 yr and 4-8 yr, respectively.

Age Factors↗

Difficult endotracheal intubation in patients with sleep apnea syndrome.

UNLABELLED: Although sleep apnea syndrome (SAS) is common, studies assessing the anesthetic management of these patients are rare and consist mainly of case studies. We performed a retrospective case-control study to determine the incidence of difficult intubation in SAS patients and to determine the relationship between the severity of SAS and the occurrence of difficult intubation. Among 113 patients included (36 and 77 in the SAS and control groups, respectively), difficult intubation occurred more often in SAS patients than in controls (21.9% versus 2.6%, respectively; P < 0.05). No relationship was found between the severity of SAS and the occurrence of difficult intubation. Disappointingly, no single factor was associated with the occurrence of difficult intubation in SAS patients. We conclude that SAS is a risk factor for difficult intubation. IMPLICATIONS: Because patients with sleep apnea syndrome have an increased risk of difficult endotracheal intubation and may present with cardiovascular disease, preoperative preventive measures should be undertaken to avoid untoward events.

Adolescent↗

Relative risk analysis of factors associated with difficult intubation in obstetric anesthesia.

Difficult tracheal intubation, often unexpected, has been identified as the commonest contributory factor to anesthetic-related maternal death. The ability to predict such cases preoperatively would be of great value. Preoperative airway assessment and potential risk factors for difficult tracheal intubation were recorded in 1,500 patients undergoing emergency and elective cesarean section under general anesthesia. Airway assessment using a modified Mallampati test recorded oropharyngeal structures visible upon maximal mouth opening. Potential risk factors documented were obesity; short neck; missing, protruding, or single maxillary incisors; receding mandible; facial edema; and swollen tongue. Subsequent to induction of anesthesia, the view at laryngoscopy and difficulty at intubation were graded. There was a significant (P less than 0.001) correlation between the oropharyngeal structures seen and both the veiw at laryngoscopy and difficulty at intubation. Univariate analysis demonstrated a significant association between difficult intubation and short neck (P less than 0.001), obesity (P less than 0.0001), missing maxillary incisors (P less than 0.02), protruding maxillary incisors (P less than 0.001), single maxillary incisor (P less than 0.0001), and receding mandible (P less than 0.003). Neither facial edema (P = 0.414) nor swollen tongue (P = 0.141) were found to be associated with difficult intubation. Multivariate analysis removed obesity and missing and single maxillary incisors as risk factors. Obesity was eliminated because of its strong association with short neck. The probability of experiencing a difficult intubation for various combinations of risk factors was determined.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗

A comparison of the intubation conditions between mivacurium and rocuronium during balanced anesthesia.

BACKGROUND: Comparisons of the intubation conditions with mivacurium and rocuronium from previous reports are confounded by the use of varied induction regimens. The authors compared intubation conditions of mivacurium, rocuronium, and a placebo at 90 s and their recovery profiles during anesthesia with nitrous oxide, oxygen, and propofol. METHODS: After induction with midazolam, fentanyl, and propofol in a randomized blinded study, 100 patients received one of the following treatments: 0.25 mg/kg mivacurium in divided doses (0.15 mg/kg followed by 0.1 mg/kg 30 s later); 0.45, 0.6, 0.9, or 1.2 mg/kg rocuronium; or placebo. Evoked thumb adduction was measured throughout. Intubation was attempted 90 s after the initial dose of mivacurium and other treatment doses by a "blinded" physician. Intubating conditions were graded as excellent, good, poor, or not possible. Spontaneous recovery was studied until a 25% initial twitch height was reached. Mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate changes between groups were determined before induction through 6 min after administration of the study drugs. RESULTS: There were no important changes or intergroup differences in mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate. Intubation conditions were good or excellent for both mivacurium and rocuronium at the 0.9 mg/kg dose (93%) and at the 1.2 mg/kg dose (100%). Rocuronium at the 0.6 mg/kg dose was excellent in 27% of patients, whereas rocuronium at the 0.45 mg/kg dose had the least number of excellent conditions and the most poor or not possible assessments. Patients given placebo could not be intubated. Times to maximum blockade for 0.9 and 1.2 mg/kg rocuronium were the shortest. The times to 25% recovery for 0.6 mg/kg rocuronium (mean +/- SD = 27 +/- 8.6 min), 0.9 mg/kg (43.1 +/- 10.8), and 1.2 mg/kg (62.3 +/- 17.4 min) were significantly longer than were those for mivacurium (17.4 +/- 6.2 min). CONCLUSIONS: Mivacurium in a 0.25 mg/kg divided dose and rocuronium at 0.9 mg/kg and 1.2 mg/kg provide good or excellent intubation conditions at 90 s in most patients. Rocuronium was faster in onset at the higher doses (0.9 and 1.2 mg/kg) but had more prolonged recovery times to 25% single twitch height.

Adult↗

Intramuscular rocuronium in infants and children: a multicenter study to evaluate tracheal intubating conditions, onset, and duration of action.

BACKGROUND: This multicenter, assessor-blinded, randomized study was done to confirm and extend a pilot study showing that intramuscular rocuronium can provide adequate tracheal intubating conditions in infants (2.5 min) and children (3 min) during halothane anesthesia. METHODS: Thirty-eight infants (age range, 3-12 months) and 38 children (age range, 1 to 5 yr) classified as American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status 1 and 2 were evaluated at four investigational sites. Anesthesia was maintained with halothane and oxygen (1% end-tidal concentration if <2.5 yr; 0.80% end-tidal concentration if >2.5 yr) for 5 min. One half of the patients received 0.45 mg/kg intravenous rocuronium. The others received 1 mg/kg (infants) or 1.8 mg/kg (children) of intramuscular rocuronium into the deltoid muscle. Intubating conditions and mechanomyographic responses to ulnar nerve stimulation were assessed. RESULTS: The conditions for tracheal intubation at 2.5 and 3 min in infants and children, respectively, were inadequate in a high percentage of patients in the intramuscular group. Nine of 16 infants and 10 of 17 children had adequate or better intubating conditions at 3.5 and 4 min, respectively, after intramuscular rocuronium. Better-than-adequate intubating conditions were achieved in 14 of 15 infants and 16 of 17 children given intravenous rocuronium. Intramuscular rocuronium provided > or =98% blockade in 7.4+/-3.4 min (in infants) and 8+/-6.3 min (in children). Twenty-five percent recovery occurred in 79+/-26 min (in infants) and in 86+/-22 min (in children). CONCLUSIONS: Intramuscular rocuronium, in the doses and conditions tested, does not consistently provide satisfactory tracheal intubating conditions in infants and children and is not an adequate alternative to intramuscular succinylcholine when rapid intubation is necessary.

Androstanols↗

Comparison of the intubation conditions provided by rapacuronium (ORG 9487) or succinylcholine in humans during anesthesia with fentanyl and propofol.

BACKGROUND: Currently, the only approved muscle relaxant with a rapid onset and short duration of action is succinylcholine, a drug with some undesirable effects. Rapacuronium is an investigational nondepolarizing relaxant that also has a rapid onset and short duration and consequently should be compared with succinylcholine in its ability to facilitate rapid tracheal intubation. METHODS: This prospective, randomized clinical trial involved 336 patients. Anesthesia was induced with fentanyl and propofol and either 1.5 mg/kg rapacuronium or 1.0 mg/kg succinylcholine. The goal was to accomplish tracheal intubation by 60 s after administration of the neuromuscular blocking drug. Endotracheal intubation was performed, and conditions were graded by a blinded investigator. Recovery of neuromuscular function was assessed by electromyography. RESULTS: Intubation conditions were evaluated in 236 patients. Intubation by 60 s after drug administration occurred in 100% of patients with rapacuronium and in 98% with succinylcholine. Intubation conditions were excellent or good in 87% of patients with rapacuronium and in 95% with succinylcholine (P < 0.05). The time (median and range) to the first recovery of the train-of-four response was 8.0 (2.8-20.0) min with rapacuronium and 5.7 (1.8-17.7) min with succinylcholine (P < 0.05). The overall incidence of adverse effects was similar with both drugs. CONCLUSIONS: A 1.5-mg/kg dose of rapacuronium effectively facilitates rapid tracheal intubation. It can be considered a valid alternative to 1.0 mg/kg succinylcholine for this purpose.

Adolescent↗