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

Sugammadex and neuromuscular disease: a systematic review with assessment of reporting quality and content validity

BACKGROUND

Efficacy and safety of sugammadex for the reversal of neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) in patients with neuromuscular diseases remains unclear. We summarised the available evidence and evaluated the quality of data reporting and the validity of published reports.

METHODS

We searched for reports (any design) on the usage of sugammadex (any regimen) for the reversal of an NMBA in patients (any age) with any neuromuscular disease. We used a modified CARE checklist (maximum score 23) to assess the quality of data reporting and an original specific validity checklist (maximum score 41) that was developed through a Delphi process.

RESULTS

We retrieved 126 observational reports (386 patients). Most dealt with myasthenia gravis patients receiving rocuronium. The train-of-four ratio returned to ≥0.9 in 258 of 265 (97.4%) patients in whom neuromonitoring was used. Adverse events occurred in 14 of 332 (4.2%) patients in whom adverse events were reported as present or absent. In 90 case reports, the median score of the 23-point CARE checklist was 13.5 (inter-quartile range [IQR] 11-16). In all 126 reports, the median score of the 41-point validity checklist was 23 (IQR 20-27). Scores were positively correlated.

CONCLUSIONS

These uncontrolled observations (of mainly low to moderate quality and validity) do not allow confident assessment of the efficacy and safety of sugammadex for the reversal of NMBAs in patients with neuromuscular diseases. Reporting of observational data should follow established guidelines, include specific information to ensure validity, and emphasise what the new data add to current knowledge.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW PROTOCOL

PROSPERO 2019 (CRD42019119924).

Association between reversal agents (sugammadex vs. neostigmine) for neuromuscular block and postoperative pulmonary complications: A retrospective analysis

AIMS

Residual neuromuscular blockade has been linked to pulmonary complications in the postoperative period. This study aimed to determine whether sugammadex was associated with a lower risk of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) compared with neostigmine.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study was conducted in a tertiary academic medical center. Patients ≥18 year of age undergoing noncardiac surgical procedures with general anesthesia and mechanical ventilation were enrolled between January 2019 and September 2021. We identified all patients receiving rocuronium and reversal with neostigmine or sugammadex via electronic medical record review. The primary endpoint was a composite of PPCs (including pneumonia, atelectasis, respiratory failure, pulmonary embolism, pleural effusion, or pneumothorax). The incidence of PPCs was compared using propensity score analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 1786 patients were included in this study. Among these patients, 976 (54.6%) received neostigmine, and 810 (45.4%) received sugammadex. In the whole sample, PPCs occurred in 81 (4.54%) subjects (7.04% sugammadex vs. 2.46% neostigmine). Baseline covariates were well balanced between groups after overlap weighting. Patients in the sugammadex group had similar risk (overlap weighting OR: 0.75; 95% CI: 0.40 to 1.41) compared to neostigmine. The sensitivity analysis showed consistent results. In subgroup analysis, the interaction P-value for the reversal agents stratified by surgery duration was 0.011.

CONCLUSION

There was no significant difference in the rate of PPCs when the neuromuscular blockade was reversed with sugammadex compared to neostigmine. Patients undergoing prolonged surgery may benefit from sugammadex, which needs to be further investigated.

The safety and efficacy of sugammadex for reversing neuromuscular blockade in younger children and infants

INTRODUCTION

Sugammadex, a novel selective antagonist of non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agents, has been shown to rapidly and effectively reverse moderate and deep paralysis in adults and pediatric patients over age 2, improving patient recovery and reducing the risk of postoperative complications.

AREAS COVERED

Since the use of sugammadex in patients under age 2 is not widely studied, we aim to provide an overview on the drug's application and potential use in infants and neonates. There is a limited but growing body of evidence for the safe, efficacious use of sugammadex in children under age 2. Relevant studies were identified from the most updated data including case reports, clinical trials, systematic reviews, and meta analyses.

EXPERT OPINION

The results suggest that at a dose of 2 to 4 mg/kg of sugammadex can be safely used to rapidly and effectively reverse neuromuscular blockade in neonates and infants; it is non-inferior based on incidence of adverse events compared to neostigmine. Additionally, sugammadex doses between 8 and 16 mg/kg may be used as a rescue agent for infants during 'can't intubate, can't ventilate' crisis. Overall, sugammadex offers new value in the perioperative care of patients under age 2, with further studies warranted to better understand its application and full effect in the pediatric population.

Sugammadex shortens operation time and improves operation turnover efficacy in video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery

BACKGROUND

This study compared sugammadex and neostigmine as agents for routine neuromuscular blockade reversal in video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) to determine the optimal choice that achieves a shorter operation time and improved turnover efficiency while enhancing postoperative outcomes and ensuring patient safety during thoracic surgery.

METHODS

This prospective study, conducted from July 2022 to March 2023, compared the effect of sugammadex and neostigmine on operation time and turnover efficiency in VATS, involving 60 participants randomly assigned to either group, with the primary objective of identifying the optimal anesthesia reversal choice for improved outcomes and patient safety during thoracic surgery.

RESULTS

In the study, the sugammadex group showed a significantly shorter total operation room occupancy time (130 ± 7 vs 157 ± 7 minutes; p = 0.009) than the neostigmine group. Patients in the neostigmine group had higher mean pulse rates when leaving the operation room (85 ± 3 vs 73 ± 3 beats/min; p = 0.002) and 120 minutes later in the postanesthesia care unit (76 ± 2 vs 68 ± 2; p = 0.016).

CONCLUSION

This study's findings suggest that sugammadex may enhance total operating room occupancy time, operation turnover efficacy, and respiratory recovery outcomes in VATS, potentially improving patient care and anesthesia management.

Effects of a single dose of rocuronium in patients with different body fat percentages: A randomised controlled trial

The pharmacodynamics in patients with high body fat percentage might be similar to those in obese patients. This randomised controlled clinical trial observed the effects of rocuronium in patients with different percent body fats (PBFs). Fifty-four patients who underwent elective urological or pelvic surgery under general anaesthesia at Shanghai General Hospital were included in the present study; 51 patients were included for data analysis. Patients with normal PBF (<25%) were given a single dose of rocuronium calculated based on total body weight (N-TBW, control group). Patients with a higher PBF (≥25%) were given a single dose of rocuronium calculated based on total body weight (H-TBW). Patients with higher PBF and rocuronium were dosed based on fat-free mass (H-FFM). A train of four (TOF)-Watch acceleromyography monitor was used to measure the effects of the rocuronium. H-TBW (91.9 ± 28.8 s) had significantly shorter onset time than N-TBW and H-FFM (p = 0.003). H-TBW had significantly longer clinical duration time and pharmacological duration time than the other groups (p = 0.000 and 0.000, respectively); the TOF ratio0.25-0.9 time was significantly different among the three groups (p = 0.005). There were no significant differences in the recovery time (p = 0.103) or recovery index (p = 0.159) among the three groups. The effects of rocuronium dosed based on FFM in patients with high PBFs are similar to those in normal patients. A single dose of rocuronium calculated based on TBW might shorten the onset time, prolong the clinical and pharmacological duration times, and prolong the recovery time.

The effect of sugammadex on patient morbidity and quality of recovery after general anaesthesia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Residual neuromuscular block is associated with increased patient morbidity. Therefore prevention of residual neuromuscular block is an important component of general anaesthesia where neuromuscular blocking agents are used. Whereas sugammadex improves reversal based on neuromuscular twitch monitoring parameters, there have been no prospective, adequately powered definitive studies demonstrating that sugammadex is also associated with less patient morbidity.

METHODS

We performed a systematic review of randomised trials comparing sugammadex with anticholinesterase-based reversal or placebo reversal that reported important patient outcomes beyond the postanaesthesia care unit.

RESULTS

We identified 43 articles, including 5839 trial participants. Only one trial reported days alive and out of hospital to 30 days (DAOH-30), which showed that the number of DAOH-30 was similar in those allocated to sugammadex compared with neostigmine-based reversal (25 days [19-27] vs 24 days [21-27], median difference 0.00 [-2.15 to 2.15]). Pooled analyses of data from 16 trials showed an estimated odds ratio (OR) for postoperative pulmonary complications of 0.67 (95% confidence interval 0.47-0.95) with sugammadex use. Pooled analysis showed that pneumonia (eight trials OR 0.51 [0.24-1.01] with sugammadex use), hospital length of stay (23 trials, mean difference -0.31 [-0.84 to 0.22] with sugammadex use), and patient-reported quality of recovery (11 trials, varied depending on metric used) are similar in those allocated to sugammadex vs control. The difference seen in mortality (11 trials, OR 0.39 [0.15-1.01] with sugammadex use) would be considered to be clinically significant and warrants further investigation, however, the rarity of these events precludes drawing definitive conclusions.

CONCLUSION

Although few trials reported on DAOH-30 or important patient outcomes, sugammadex is associated with a reduction in postoperative pulmonary complications, however, this might not translate to a difference in hospital length of stay, patient-reported quality of recovery, or mortality.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

PROSPERO database (CRD42022325858).

TAGAP activates Th17 cell differentiation by promoting RhoA and NLRP3 to accelerate rheumatoid arthritis development

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that can give rise to joint swelling and inflammation, potentially affecting the entire body, closely linked to the state of T cells. The T-cell activation Rho GTPase activating protein (TAGAP) is associated with many autoimmune diseases including RA and is directly linked to the differentiation of Th17 cells. The present study intends to investigate the influence of TAGAP on the RA progression and its mechanism to empower new treatments for RA. A collagen-induced-arthritis (CIA) rat model was constructed, as well as the extraction of CD4+ T cells. RT-qPCR, H&E staining and safranin O/fast green staining revealed that TAGAP interference reduced TAGAP production in the ankle joint of CIA rats, and joint inflammation and swelling were alleviated, which reveals that TAGAP interference reduces synovial inflammation and cartilage erosion in the rat ankle joint. Expression of inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-17) revealed that TAGAP interference suppressed the inflammatory response. Expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, matrix-degrading enzymes, and anti-inflammatory cytokines at the mRNA level was detected by RT-qPCR and revealed that TAGAP interference contributed to the remission of RA. Mechanistically, TAGAP interference caused a significant decrease in the levels of RhoA and NLRP3. Assessment of Th17/Treg levels by flow cytometry revealed that TAGAP promotes Th17 cells differentiation and inhibits Treg cells differentiation in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, TAGAP interference may decrease the differentiation of Th17 cells by suppressing the expression of RhoA and NLRP3 to slow down the RA progression.

A 20-year bibliometric analysis of postoperative pulmonary complications: 2003-2022

Background

Postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) are known to adversely affect surgical outcomes and patient prognoses, yet no published study provides a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the latest trends and developments in the field of PPCs. Therefore, we conducted a bibliometric analysis of 20 years of publications related to PPCs.

Methods

We examined publications on PPCs published between 2003 and 2022 in the Web of Science Core Collection database to assess trends in the field in four dimensions: trends in publications, major research power, keywords, and co-cited publications.

Results

A total of 1881 articles were analyzed using CiteSpace and VOSviewer. Overall, the number of publications on PPCs has increased in the last two decades, with 42.72% of the publications being produced in the last five years. The United States of America had the highest number of articles, accounting for 21.91% of the total. The institution with the highest number of publications was the University of Genoa, which published 54 articles and showed a general lack of inter-institutional collaboration. The most productive author was Paolo Pelosi, with no core group of authors identified in the field of PPCs. The keyword co-occurrence analysis indicated that the focus of research has shifted over the past 20 years in terms of risk factors, type of surgery, and so on, while "enhanced recovery", "prehabilitation", "driving pressure" and "sugammadex" have received the most recent attention. In the analysis of co-cited literature, the most recent clusters that received attention were driving pressure, lung cancer patient, enhanced recovery, and neuromuscular blockade.

Conclusion

This bibliometric study suggests that pulmonary protective ventilation strategies, neuromuscular blockade reversal, and pulmonary prehabilitation strategy will be the focus of attention in the coming period. More large-scale studies and strengthened institutional collaboration are necessary to generate robust evidence for guiding individualized prevention of PPCs.

An educational intervention to reduce the incidence of postoperative residual curarisation: a cluster randomised crossover trial in patients undergoing general anaesthesia

BACKGROUND

The incidence of postoperative residual curarisation remains unacceptably high. We assessed whether an educational intervention on perioperative neuromuscular block management can reduce it.

METHODS

In this multicentre, cluster randomised crossover trial, centres were allocated to receive an educational intervention either in a first or a second period. The educational intervention consisted of a lecture about neuromuscular management key points, including quantitative neuromuscular monitoring and use of reversal agents. The lecture was streamed to allow repetition. Additionally, memory cards were distributed in each operating theatre. The primary outcome was postoperative residual curarisation in the PACU. Secondary outcomes were frequency of quantitative neuromuscular monitoring, use of reversal agents, and incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications during hospital stay. Measurements were performed before randomisation and after the first and the second period. The effect of the educational intervention was estimated using multivariable mixed effects logistic regression models.

RESULTS

We included 2314 subjects in 34 Spanish centres. Postoperative residual curarisation incidence was not affected by the educational intervention (odds ratio [OR] 0.90 [95% confidence interval {CI}: 0.51-1.58]; P=0.717 and 1.30 [0.73-2.30]; P=0.371] for first and second time-period interaction). The educational intervention increased the quantitative neuromuscular monitor usage (OR 2.04 [95% CI: 1.31-3.19]; P=0.002), the use of reversal agents was unchanged (OR 0.79 [95% CI: 0.50-1.26]; P=0.322), and the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications decreased (OR 0.19 [95% CI: 0.10-0.35]; P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

An educational intervention on perioperative neuromuscular block management did not reduce the incidence of postoperative residual curarisation nor increase reversal, despite increased quantitative neuromuscular monitoring. Sugammadex reversal was associated with reduced postoperative residual curarisation. The educational intervention was associated with a decrease in postoperative pulmonary complications.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT03128151.

Sugammadex Reduced the Incidence of Postoperative Pulmonary Complications in Susceptible Patients Identified by ARISCAT Risk Index: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

The efficacy of sugammadex on postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) in susceptible patients, compared with neostigmine, remains indeterminate. The Assess Respiratory Risk in Surgical Patients in Catalonia (ARISCAT) Group Investigators proposed a risk index for the early identification of susceptible patients, with excellent externally validated discrimination ability. Meta-analytical techniques were applied to evaluate the efficacy of sugammadex on PPCs in patients with ARISCAT-defined risk factors.

METHODS

The study is registered on PROSPERO, number CRD42021261156. We searched PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane library, GreyNet, and OpenGrey for eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) without restricting the language or year of publication.

RESULTS

Twelve RCTs consisting of 1182 patients susceptible to PPCs were included. A robust reduction was observed on the incidence of PPCs in susceptible patients who received sugammadex [RR 0.66; 95% CI (0.54, 0.80), p < 0.01], with a low level of between-study heterogeneity (I2 = 45.98%; H2 = 1.85). Similar protective effects were also proved in avoiding residual neuromuscular block (NMB) [RR 0.25; 95% CI (0.11, 0.56); p < 0.01], atelectasis [RR 0.74; 95% CI (0.59, 0.95); p = 0.02], pneumonia [RR 0.49; 95% CI (0.28, 0.88); p = 0.02], and respiratory failure [RR 0.61; 95% CI (0.39, 0.96); p = 0.03]. No difference was observed regarding adverse events [RR 0.85; 95% CI (0.72, 1.01); p = 0.06].

CONCLUSION

Low to moderate quality of evidence demonstrated the edge of sugammadex over neostigmine for NMB reversal in reducing the likelihood of PPCs and residual NMB in patients with ARISCAT-defined risk factors. Clinicians may reassess the type of reversal agent when treating patients susceptible to PPCs.

Effect of intraoperative muscle relaxation reversal on the success rate of motor evoked potential recording in patients undergoing spinal surgery: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Partial neuromuscular blockade (NMB) has been applied for some surgeries to reduce bleeding and prevent patient movement for spinal surgery. Sugammadex selectively binds to rocuronium in the plasma and consequently lowers the rocuronium concentration at the neuromuscular junction. In this study, we aimed to observe whether the success rate of transcranial motor-evoked potential (TceMEP) can be increased by sugammadex compared with partial NMB during spinal surgery.

METHODS

Patients who underwent elective spinal surgery with TceMEP monitoring were randomly assigned to the sugammadex group and control group. Rocuronium was continuously infused to maintain the train of four counts (TOFc) = 2. The sugammadex group discontinued rocuronium infusion at the time of TceMEP monitoring and was infused with 2 mg/kg sugammadex; the control group was infused with the same dose of saline.

RESULTS

A total of 171 patients were included. The success rate of TceMEP monitoring in the sugammadex group was significantly higher than that in the control group. TceMEP amplitudes were greater in the sugammadex group than in the control group at 5 min, 10 min, and 20 min after the start of motor-evoked potential monitoring. The latencies of upper extremity TceMEPs monitoring showed no difference between groups. TOF ratios were greater in the sugammadex group at 5 min, 10 min, and 20 min after the start of motor-evoked potential monitoring. There were no adverse effects caused by sugammadex.

CONCLUSIONS

Sugammadex can improve the success rate of motor-evoked potential monitoring compared with moderate neuromuscular blockade induced by continuous infusion of rocuronium in spinal surgery.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The study was registered on clinicaltrials.gov.cn on 29/10/2020 (trial registration number: NCT04608682).

The Impact of Rocuronium and Sugammadex on Length of Stay in Patients Undergoing Open Spine Surgery: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS), an all-encompassing perioperative care approach, has been demonstrated to enhance surgical results, mitigate postoperative issues, and decrease the length of hospital stay (LOS) in diverse surgical specialties. In this retrospective study, our objective was to examine the influence of muscle relaxant selection on LOS and perioperative results in adult patients undergoing open spine surgery. Specifically, we compared 201 patients who received cisatracurium and neostigmine with 201 patients who received rocuronium and sugammadex, after 1:1 propensity score matching. The utilization of the rocuronium and sugammadex combination in anesthesia for open spinal surgery did not lead to a reduction in the LOS but was associated with a decreased incidence of postoperative chest radiographic abnormalities, including infiltration, consolidation, atelectasis, or pneumonia (p = 0.027). In our secondary analysis, multivariate analysis revealed multiple determinants influencing the prolonged LOS (>7 days) during open spine surgery. Bispectral index-guided anesthesia emerged as a protective factor, while variables such as excessive intraoperative blood loss and fluid administration as well as postoperative chest radiographic abnormalities independently contributed to prolonged LOS.

Consensus Guidelines for Perioperative Care for Emergency Laparotomy Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS®) Society Recommendations Part 2-Emergency Laparotomy: Intra- and Postoperative Care

BACKGROUND

This is Part 2 of the first consensus guidelines for optimal care of patients undergoing emergency laparotomy (EL) using an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) approach. This paper addresses intra- and postoperative aspects of care.

METHODS

Experts in aspects of management of high-risk and emergency general surgical patients were invited to contribute by the International ERAS® Society. PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, and Medline database searches were performed for ERAS elements and relevant specific topics. Studies on each item were selected with particular attention to randomized clinical trials, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and large cohort studies and reviewed and graded using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system. Recommendations were made on the best level of evidence, or extrapolation from studies on elective patients when appropriate. A modified Delphi method was used to validate final recommendations. Some ERAS® components covered in other guideline papers are outlined only briefly, with the bulk of the text focusing on key areas pertaining specifically to EL.

RESULTS

Twenty-three components of intraoperative and postoperative care were defined. Consensus was reached after three rounds of a modified Delphi Process.

CONCLUSIONS

These guidelines are based on best available evidence for an ERAS® approach to patients undergoing EL. These guidelines are not exhaustive but pull together evidence on important components of care for this high-risk patient population. As much of the evidence is extrapolated from elective surgery or emergency general surgery (not specifically laparotomy), many of the components need further evaluation in future studies.

Reversal of neuromuscular block: what are the costs?

Patients requiring neuromuscular block for anaesthesia have a higher risk of adverse postoperative outcomes. The choice of reversal drug and its corresponding dose is critical for improving clinical outcomes. Although drug costs are higher for sugammadex relative to neostigmine, additional factors need to be considered when choosing one drug over the other. New data from a recent study in the British Journal of Anaesthesia indicate cost advantages for sugammadex in low-risk and ambulatory patients, but for neostigmine in high-risk patients. These findings highlight the need to take local and temporal factors into consideration in addition to clinical effectiveness when performing cost analyses for administrative decision-making.

Risk factors and predictive model for pulmonary complications in patients transferred to ICU after hepatectomy

OBJECTIVE

Postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) seriously harm the recovery and prognosis of patients undergoing surgery. However, its related risk factors in critical patients after hepatectomy have been rarely reported. This study aimed at analyzing the factors related to PPCs in critical adult patients after hepatectomy and create a nomogram for prediction of the PPCs.

METHODS

503 patients' data were collected form the Peking University People's Hospital. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent risk factors to derive the nomogram. Nomogram's discriminatory ability was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), and calibration was assessed using the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test and calibration curve.

RESULTS

The independent risk factor for PPCs are advanced age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.026; P = 0.008), higher body mass index (OR = 1.139; P < 0.001), lower preoperative serum albumin level (OR = 0.961; P = 0.037), and intensive care unit first day infusion volume (OR = 1.152; P = 0.040). And based on this, we created a nomogram to predict the occurrence of PPCs. Upon assessing the nomogram's predictive ability, the AUC for the model was 0.713( 95% CI: 0.668-0.758, P<0.001). The Hosmer-Lemeshow test (P = 0.590) and calibration curve showed good calibration for the prediction of PPCs.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence and mortality of postoperative pulmonary complications in critical adult patients after hepatectomy are high. Advanced age, higher body mass index, lower preoperative serum albumin and intensive care unit first day infusion volume were found to be significantly associated with PPCs. And we created a nomogram model which can be used to predict the occurrence of PPCs.

Consensus guidelines for the perioperative management of patients undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

Deep sedation without tracheal intubation (monitored anaesthesia care) and general anaesthesia with tracheal intubation are commonly used anaesthesia techniques for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). There are distinct pathophysiological differences between monitored anaesthesia care and general anaesthesia that need to be considered depending on the nature and severity of the patient's underlying disease, comorbidities, and procedural risks. An international group of expert anaesthesiologists and gastroenterologists created clinically relevant questions regarding the merits and risks of monitored anaesthesia care vs general anaesthesia in specific clinical scenarios for planning optimal anaesthetic approaches for ERCP. Using a modified Delphi approach, the group created practical recommendations for anaesthesiologists, with the aim of reducing the incidence of perioperative adverse outcomes while maximising healthcare resource utilisation. In the majority of clinical scenarios analysed, our expert recommendations favour monitored anaesthesia care over general anaesthesia. Patients with increased risk of pulmonary aspiration and those undergoing prolonged procedures of high complexity were thought to benefit from general anaesthesia with tracheal intubation. Patient age and ASA physical status were not considered to be factors for choosing between monitored anaesthesia care and general anaesthesia. Monitored anaesthesia care is the favoured anaesthesia plan for ERCP. An individual risk-benefit analysis that takes into account provider and institutional experience, patient comorbidities, and procedural risks is also needed.

Postoperative oxygenation assessed by SpO2/FiO2 ratio and respiratory complications after reversal of neuromuscular block with Sugammadex or neostigmine: A retrospective cohort study

STUDY OBJECTIVE

Residual neuromuscular block may lead to postoperative muscle weakness, inadequate oxygenation, and other pulmonary complications. Sugammadex may provide more rapid and effective restoration of neuromuscular function than neostigmine. We therefore tested the primary hypothesis that noncardiac surgical patients given sugammadex oxygenate better during initial recovery than those given neostigmine. Secondarily, we tested the hypothesis that patients given sugammadex have fewer pulmonary complications during hospitalization.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort analysis.

SETTING

Postoperative recovery area of a tertiary care hospital.

PATIENTS

Adults who had non-cardiothoracic surgery and were given either neostigmine or sugammadex.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS

The primary outcome was the lowest SpO₂/FiO₂ ratio in the post-anesthesia care unit. The secondary outcome was a composite of pulmonary complications.

MAIN RESULTS

Among 71,457 cases, 10,708 (15%) were given sugammadex and 60,749 (85%) received neostigmine. After propensity weighting, the mean minimum SpO₂/FiO₂ ratio was 301 ± 77 (SD) in patients given sugammadex and 303 ± 71 in those given neostigmine, yielding an estimated difference in means of -3.5 (95% confidence interval: -5.3, -1.7; P = 0.0002). 4.4% of patients given sugammadex and 3.6% of patients given neostigmine had postoperative pulmonary complications (P = 0.0005, number-needed-to-be-exposed =136; 95% CI: 83, 330), with the main contributing components being new bronchospasm or exacerbation of obstructive pulmonary disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Postoperative minimum SpO₂/FiO₂ ratio during PACU admission was similar after reversal of neuromuscular block by sugammadex and neostigmine. Reversal with sugammadex was associated with more pulmonary complications, but most were minor and of little consequence.

Postoperative Pulmonary Complications and Perioperative Strategies: A Systematic Review

The occurrence of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) is frequently observed and has been linked to elevated levels of morbidity and mortality, which have adverse effects on both clinical and financial outcomes in healthcare settings. This systematic review aims to present the evidence that supports our comprehension of PPCs and emphasize the circumstances that necessitate the use of postoperative noninvasive ventilation (PNIV) or re-intubation with postoperative mechanical ventilation (POMV). A search was conducted on the National Library of Medicine's Pubmed database and Cochrane Library until November 29, 2020, to find published reports of randomized control trials (RCTs) that assessed postoperative pulmonary complications. Data related to the prevalence of PPCs and the use of PNIV, POMV, and length of hospital stay were extracted from all the studies. For the analysis, a total of 13 studies involving 6,609 patients were included, and out of these, four RCTs reported statistically significant results. The use of protective lung ventilation (PLV) with low tidal volume and positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) during intraoperative ventilation, along with pressure-controlled (PCV) ventilation, as well as the postoperative ventilation strategy of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) combined with standard oxygen therapy were the only techniques that demonstrated a clear reduction in the incidence of PPCs. Furthermore, the use of PLV with low tidal volume and PEEP and intraoperative mechanical ventilation with a vital capacity maneuver followed by 10 cm H2O of PEEP were found to decrease the requirement for postoperative noninvasive ventilation. CPAP with standard oxygen therapy was the only intervention that reduced the need for reintubation. Various ventilation strategies are available for both intraoperative and postoperative periods with the goal of decreasing the need for postoperative noninvasive ventilation (PNIV) or re-intubation with postoperative mechanical ventilation (POMV).

Postoperative pulmonary complications after sugammadex reversal of neuromuscular blockade: a systematic review and meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis

BACKGROUND

Sugammadex has been reported to lower the incidence of postoperative residual neuromuscular blockade. Despite the advantages, until recently the effects of sugammadex on postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) were controversial. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine whether reversal with sugammadex was associated with a lower risk of PPCs compared with neostigmine.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched from inception to May 2022. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies comparing PPCs in patients receiving sugammadex or neostigmine as reversal agent at the end of surgery were included. The primary outcomes focused on PPCs including desaturation, pneumonia, atelectasis, noninvasive ventilation (NIV) and reintubation. Trial sequential analysis was performed on the primary outcomes to confirm whether firm evidence was reached.

RESULTS

Meta-analysis of included studies showed that the rate of desaturation (43.2% vs 45.0%, RR = 0.82; 95% CI 0.63 to 1.05; p = 0.11) were comparable between the two groups. When looking at other primary outcomes, significantly lower risk of pneumonia (1.37% vs 2.45%, RR = 0.65; 95% CI 0.49 to 0.85; p = 0.002), atelectasis (24.6% vs 30.4%, RR = 0.64; 95% CI 0.42 to 0.98; p = 0.04), NIV (1.37% vs 2.33%, RR = 0.65; 95% CI 0.43 to 0.98; p = 0.04) and reintubation (0.99% vs 1.65%, RR = 0.62; 95% CI 0.43 to 0.91; p = 0.01) in the sugammadex group were detected compared with the neostigmine group.

CONCLUSIONS

We concluded that sugammadex is more effective at reducing the incidence of PPCs including pneumonia, atelectasis, NIV and reintubation compared with neostigmine. Further evidence, preferably from RCTs, is required to confirm these findings.

Effect of Sugammadex During Transcranial Electrical Motor Evoked Potentials Monitoring in Spinal Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial

INTRODUCTION

Neuromuscular blockade suppresses transcranial electrical motor evoked potential (TceMEP) amplitude and is usually avoided during TceMEP monitoring. In this randomized controlled trial, we investigated whether rocuronium-induced suppression of TceMEP amplitude could be reversed by sugammadex in patients undergoing spine surgery.

METHODS

Seventy-six patients undergoing spinal surgery were randomly allocated into sugammadex and control groups. In the sugammadex group, a rocuronium infusion was titrated to maintain moderate neuromuscular blockade (2 twitches on train-of-four) until dural opening when the rocuronium infusion was discontinued and 2 mg/kg sugammadex administered. In the control group, no neuromuscular blockade was administered after induction of anesthesia. The primary outcome was a comparison between sugammadex and control groups of mean TceMEP amplitudes in the abductor pollicis brevis muscles of both upper extremities 5 minutes after dural. Secondary outcomes included TceMEP amplitudes at 10, 20, 30, and 60 minutes after dural opening.

RESULTS

Sixty-six patients were included in the analysis. TceMEP amplitudes were significantly greater in the sugammadex group (629 μV, interquartile range: 987 μV) than in the control group (502 μV, interquartile range: 577 μV; P =0.033) at 5 minutes after dural opening. TceMEP amplitudes were also greater in the sugammadex group at 10 minutes ( P =0.0010), 20 minutes ( P =0.003), 30 minutes ( P =0.001), and 60 minutes ( P =0.003) after dural opening.

CONCLUSIONS

Moderate neuromuscular blockade induced by continuous infusion of rocuronium was effectively reversed by sugammadex. This suggests that sugammadex could be used to enhance TceMEP waveform monitoring during spine surgery requiring muscle relaxation.

Model for predicting early and late-onset postoperative pulmonary complications in perioperative patients receiving neuromuscular blockade: a secondary analysis

Pulmonary complications continue to be the most common adverse event after surgery. The main objective was to carry out two independent predictive models, both for early pulmonary complications in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit and late-onset pulmonary complications after 30 postoperative days. The secondary objective was to determine whether presenting early complications subsequently causes patients to have other late-onset events. This is a secondary analysis of a cohort study. 714 patients were divided into four groups depending on the neuromuscular blocking agent, and spontaneous or pharmacological reversal. Incidence of late-onset complications if we have not previously had any early complications was 4.96%. If the patient has previously had early complications the incidence of late-onset complications was 22.02%. If airway obstruction occurs, the risk of atelectasis increased from 6.88 to 22.58% (p = 0.002). If hypoxemia occurs, the incidence increased from 5.82 to 21.79% (p < 0.001). Based on our predictive models, we conclude that diabetes mellitus and preoperative anemia are two risk factors for early and late-onset postoperative pulmonary complications, respectively. Hypoxemia and airway obstruction in Post-Anesthesia Care Unit increased four times the risk of the development of pneumonia and atelectasis at 30 postoperative days.

Superiority of sugammadex in preventing postoperative pulmonary complications

BACKGROUND

Postoperative pulmonary complications often lead to increasing mortality and financial burden. Residual paralysis plays a critical role in postoperative pulmonary complications. This meta-analysis was performed to determine whether sugammadex overmatch neostigmine in reducing postoperative pulmonary complications.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Medline through Ovid, Cochrane Library, Wan fang, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Chinese BioMedical Literature Databases were searched from their inception to 24 June 2021. Random effects models were used for all analyses. Cochrane risk of bias tool was used to assess the quality of RCTs, while Newcastle Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale was used to assess for the quality of cohort studies.

RESULTS

Seventeen studies were included in the meta-analysis. Pooled data from cohort studies showed reversing neuromuscular blocking with sugammadex had less risk of compound postoperative pulmonary complications [relative risk (RR): 0.73; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.60-0.89; P = 0.002; I2 = 81%], pneumonia (RR: 0.64; 95% CI: 0.48-0.86; I2 = 42%) and respiratory failure (RR: 0.48, 95% CI: 0.41-0.56, I2 = 0%). However, pooled data from RCTs did not show any difference between the two groups in pneumonia (RR: 0.58; 95% CI: 0.24-1.40; I2 = 0%) and respiratory failure. The difference was not found between sugammadex and neostigmine about atelectasis in pooled data from either RCTs (RR: 0.85; 95% CI: 0.69-1.05; I2 = 0%) or cohort studies (RR: 1.01; 95% CI: 0.87 to 1.18; I2 = 0%).

CONCLUSION

The evidence of superiority of sugammadex was limited by the confounding factors in cohort studies and small scale of RCTs. Whether sugammadex precedes neostigmine in preventing pulmonary complications after surgery is still unknown. Well-designed RCTs with large scale are needed.

REGISTRATION

PROSPERO CRD 42020191575.

The effects of sugammadex vs. neostigmine on postoperative respiratory complications and advanced healthcare utilisation: a multicentre retrospective cohort study

Reversing neuromuscular blockade with sugammadex can eliminate residual paralysis, which has been associated with postoperative respiratory complications. There are equivocal data on whether sugammadex reduces these when compared with neostigmine. We investigated the association of the choice of reversal drug with postoperative respiratory complications and advanced healthcare utilisation. We included adult patients who underwent surgery and received general anaesthesia with sugammadex or neostigmine reversal at two academic healthcare networks between January 2016 and June 2021. The primary outcome was postoperative respiratory complications, defined as post-extubation oxygen saturation < 90%, respiratory failure requiring non-invasive ventilation, or tracheal re-intubation within 7 days. Our main secondary outcome was advanced healthcare utilisation, a composite outcome including: 7-day unplanned intensive care unit admission; 30-day hospital readmission; or non-home discharge. In total, 5746 (6.9%) of 83,250 included patients experienced postoperative respiratory complications. This was not associated with the reversal drug (adjusted OR (95%CI) 1.01 (0.94-1.08); p = 0.76). After excluding patients admitted from skilled nursing facilities, 8372 (10.5%) patients required advanced healthcare utilisation, which was not associated with the choice of reversal (adjusted OR (95%CI) 0.95 (0.89-1.01); p = 0.11). Equivalence testing supported an equivalent effect size of sugammadex and neostigmine on both outcomes, and neostigmine was non-inferior to sugammadex with regard to postoperative respiratory complications or advanced healthcare utilisation. Finally, there was no association between the reversal drug and major adverse cardiovascular events (adjusted OR 1.07 (0.94-1.21); p = 0.32). Compared with neostigmine, reversal of neuromuscular blockade with sugammadex was not associated with a reduction in postoperative respiratory complications or post-procedural advanced healthcare utilisation.

Sugammadex Versus Neostigmine for Recovery of Respiratory Muscle Strength Measured by Ultrasonography in the Postextubation Period: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Although sugammadex is well known for its use in reducing the incidence of residual neuromuscular blockade, this has not always been translated to improved clinical measures of postoperative respiratory muscle strength. Expiratory muscles play an important role in airway clearance and inspiratory muscle capacity augmentation, yet they have not been well studied. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis on whether sugammadex could enhance expiratory muscle strength recovery more completely than neostigmine in the immediate postextubation period.

METHODS

Adult patients having microlaryngeal surgery under total intravenous anesthesia were randomized to receive sugammadex or neostigmine. The thickening fraction of internal oblique abdominal muscle (TF IO ) and diaphragm excursion, respectively, reflecting expiratory and inspiratory muscle strength, were measured via ultrasonography at 3 time points: before induction (baseline), train-of-four ratio (TOFR) recovery to 0.9, and 30 minutes after postanesthesia care unit (PACU) arrival. The primary outcome was the change in TF IO from baseline to TOFR ≥0.9. The postoperative changes of diaphragm excursion from baseline, incidences of TF IO and diaphragm excursion returning to baseline levels, and the time from TOFR 0.9 to 0.95 and 1 were also measured.

RESULTS

Among 58 patients, a significant difference in the change in TF IO from baseline to TOFR ≥0.9 between the sugammadex and neostigmine groups was observed: mean ± standard deviation, 9% ± 6% vs 16% ± 9%; difference in means: -6% (95% confidence interval [CI], -10 to -2); and adjusted P =.005 (adjusting for imbalanced variables between 2 groups). Sugammadex resulted in smaller changes in diaphragm excursion from baseline to TOFR ≥0.9 compared with neostigmine: difference in means: -0.83 cm (99.4% CI, -1.39 to -0.28 cm; Bonferroni-corrected P < .001). After 30 minutes in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU),33% of patients reversed with sugammadex versus 14% of those receiving neostigmine reached baseline TF IO levels (99.4% CI, -14 to 52; Bonferroni-corrected P > .999). The incidences of TF IO and diaphragm excursion returning to baseline were relatively low (<40%) in both groups despite TOFR reaching 1. The median time from TOFR of 0.9 to 0.95 and to 1 among patients receiving sugammadex was 7 and 10× faster than those receiving neostigmine (0.3 vs 2 minutes, Bonferroni-corrected P = .003; 0.5 vs 5.3 minutes, Bonferroni-corrected P < .001, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Sugammadex provides a more complete recovery of expiratory muscle strength than neostigmine at TOFR ≥0.9. Our data suggest that the respiratory muscle strength might still be impaired despite TOFR reaching 1.

Comparison effects of two muscle relaxant strategies on postoperative pulmonary complications in transapical transcatheter aortic valve implantation: a propensity score-matched analysis

BACKGROUND

Prior studies have reported conflicting results on the effect of sugammadex on postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) and research on this topic in transapical-transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TA-TAVI) was sparse. The current study aimed to investigate whether there were differences in the incidence of PPCs between two muscle relaxant strategies (rocuronium/sugammadex vs. cisatracurium/neostigmine) in patients undergoing TA-TAVI.

METHODS

This retrospective observational study enrolled 245 adult patients underwent TA-TAVI between October 2018 and January 2021. The patients were grouped according to the type of muscle relaxant strategies (115 with rocuronium/sugammadex in the R/S group and 130 with cisatracurium/neostigmine in the C/N group, respectively). Pre- and intraoperative variables were managed by propensity score match (PSM) at a 1:2 ratio. PPCs (i.e., respiratory infection, pleural effusion, pneumothorax, atelectasis, respiratory failure, bronchospasm and aspiration pneumonitis) were evaluated from the radiological and laboratory findings.

RESULTS

After PSM, 91 patients in the R/S group were selected and matched to 112 patients in the C/N group. Patients in the R/S group showed lower PPCs rate (45.1% vs. 61.6%, p = 0.019) compared to the C/N group. In addition, the R/S group showed significant shorter extubation time (7.2 ± 6.2 vs. 10.3 ± 8.2 min, p = 0.003) and length of hospital stay (6.9 ± 3.3 vs. 8.0 ± 4.0 days, p = 0.034).

CONCLUSION

The rocuronium/sugammadex muscle relaxant strategy decreases the incidence of PPCs in patients undergoing TA-TAVI when compared to cisatracurium/neostigmine strategy. Trial registration ChiCTR, ChiCTR2100044269. Registered March 14, 2021-Prospectively registered, http://www.Chictr.org.cn .

Peri-operative management of neuromuscular blockade: A guideline from the European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care

Recent data indicated a high incidence of inappropriate management of neuromuscular block, with a high rate of residual paralysis and relaxant-associated postoperative complications. These data are alarming in that the available neuromuscular monitoring, as well as myorelaxants and their antagonists basically allow well tolerated management of neuromuscular blockade. In this first European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (ESAIC) guideline on peri-operative management of neuromuscular block, we aim to present aggregated and evidence-based recommendations to assist clinicians provide best medical care and ensure patient safety. We identified three main clinical questions: Are myorelaxants necessary to facilitate tracheal intubation in adults? Does the intensity of neuromuscular blockade influence a patient's outcome in abdominal surgery? What are the strategies for the diagnosis and treatment of residual paralysis? On the basis of this, PICO (patient, intervention, comparator, outcome) questions were derived that guided a structured literature search. A stepwise approach was used to reduce the number of trials of the initial research ( n  = 24 000) to the finally relevant clinical studies ( n  = 88). GRADE methodology (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation) was used for formulating the recommendations based on the findings of the included studies in conjunction with their methodological quality. A two-step Delphi process was used to determine the agreement of the panel members with the recommendations: R1 We recommend using a muscle relaxant to facilitate tracheal intubation (1A). R2 We recommend the use of muscle relaxants to reduce pharyngeal and/or laryngeal injury following endotracheal intubation (1C). R3 We recommend the use of a fast-acting muscle relaxant for rapid sequence induction intubation (RSII) such as succinylcholine 1 mg kg -1 or rocuronium 0.9 to 1.2 mg kg -1 (1B). R4 We recommend deepening neuromuscular blockade if surgical conditions need to be improved (1B). R5 There is insufficient evidence to recommend deep neuromuscular blockade in general to reduce postoperative pain or decrease the incidence of peri-operative complications. (2C). R6 We recommend the use of ulnar nerve stimulation and quantitative neuromuscular monitoring at the adductor pollicis muscle to exclude residual paralysis (1B). R7 We recommend using sugammadex to antagonise deep, moderate and shallow neuromuscular blockade induced by aminosteroidal agents (rocuronium, vecuronium) (1A). R8 We recommend advanced spontaneous recovery (i.e. TOF ratio >0.2) before starting neostigmine-based reversal and to continue quantitative monitoring of neuromuscular blockade until a TOF ratio of more than 0.9 has been attained. (1C).

Cost-Effectiveness of Sugammadex Versus Neostigmine to Reverse Neuromuscular Blockade in a University Hospital in Taiwan: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis

Sugammadex has several pharmacological advantages over neostigmine, including faster reversal of neuromuscular blockade and fewer adverse effects. However, the economic impact of sugammadex remains controversial due to the considerable heterogeneity of study designs and clinical settings in previous studies. In a post-hoc analysis of a randomized controlled trial, we evaluated patients who underwent elective surgeries and general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation in a medical center in Taiwan between March 2020 and August 2020. Patients were divided into either the sugammadex or neostigmine group based on the neuromuscular blocking drug used. Propensity score matching was used to balance the baseline patient characteristics between the two groups. The patient’s recovery from anesthesia and the putative cost-effectiveness of sugammadex versus neostigmine was assessed. Derived cost-effectiveness using personnel costs in the operating room and the post-anesthesia care unit was estimated using multiple linear regression models. A total of 2587 and 1784 patients were included before and after matching, respectively. Time to endotracheal extubation was significantly shorter in the sugammadex group (mean 6.0 ± standard deviation 5.3 min) compared with the neostigmine group (6.6 ± 6.3 min; p = 0.0032). In addition, the incidence of bradycardia was significantly lower in the sugammadex group (10.2%) compared with the neostigmine group (16.9%; p < 0.001). However, the total costs were significantly lower in the neostigmine group (50.6 ± 21.4 United States dollars) compared with the sugammadex group (212.0 ± 49.5 United States dollars). Despite improving postoperative recovery, the benefits of sugammadex did not outweigh its higher costs compared with neostigmine, possibly due to the low costs of labor in Taiwan’s healthcare system.

Does deep neuromuscular blockade provide improved perioperative outcomes in adult patients? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Deep neuromuscular blockade provides better surgical workspace conditions in laparoscopic surgery, but it is still not clear whether it improves perioperative outcomes, not to mention its role in other types of surgeries. We performed this systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to investigate whether deep neuromuscular blockade versus other more superficial levels of neuromuscular blockade provides improved perioperative outcomes in adult patients in all types of surgeries. Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Google Scholar were searched from inception to June 25, 2022. Forty studies (3271 participants) were included. Deep neuromuscular blockade was associated with an increased rate of acceptable surgical condition (relative risk [RR]: 1.19, 95% confidence interval [CI]: [1.11, 1.27]), increased surgical condition score (MD: 0.52, 95% CI: [0.37, 0.67]), decreased rate of intraoperative movement (RR: 0.19, 95% CI: [0.10, 0.33]), fewer additional measures to improve the surgical condition (RR: 0.63, 95% CI: [0.43, 0.94]), and decreased pain score at 24 h (MD: -0.42, 95% CI: [-0.74, -0.10]). There was no significant difference in the intraoperative blood loss (MD: -22.80, 95% CI: [-48.83, 3.24]), duration of surgery (MD: -0.05, 95% CI: [-2.05, 1.95]), pain score at 48 h (MD: -0.49, 95% CI: [-1.03, 0.05]), or length of stay (MD: -0.05, 95% CI: [-0.19, 0.08]). These indicate that deep neuromuscular blockade improves surgical conditions and prevents intraoperative movement, and there is no sufficient evidence that deep neuromuscular blockade is associated with intraoperative blood loss, duration of surgery, complications, postoperative pain, and length of stay. More high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed, and more attention should be given to complications and the physiological mechanism behind deep neuromuscular blockade and postoperative outcomes.

Association between choice of reversal agent for neuromuscular block and postoperative pulmonary complications in patients at increased risk undergoing non-emergency surgery: STIL-STRONGER, a multicentre matched cohort study

BACKGROUND

Postoperative pulmonary complications are a source of morbidity after major surgery. In patients at increased risk of postoperative pulmonary complications we sought to assess the association between neuromuscular blocking agent reversal agent and development of postoperative pulmonary complications.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective matched cohort study, a secondary analysis of data collected in the prior STRONGER study. Data were obtained from the Multicenter Perioperative Outcomes Group. Included patients were aged 18 yr and older undergoing non-emergency surgery under general anaesthesia with tracheal intubation with neuromuscular block and reversal, who were predicted to be at elevated risk of postoperative pulmonary complications. This risk was defined as American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status 3 or 4 in patients undergoing either intrathoracic or intra-abdominal surgery who were either aged >80 yr or underwent a procedure lasting >2 h. Cohorts were defined by reversal with neostigmine or sugammadex. The primary composite outcome was the occurrence of pneumonia or respiratory failure.

RESULTS

After matching by institution, sex, age (within 5 yr), body mass index, anatomic region of surgery, comorbidities, and neuromuscular blocking agent, 3817 matched pairs remained. The primary postoperative pulmonary complications outcome occurred in 224 neostigmine cases vs 100 sugammadex cases (5.9% vs 2.6%, odds ratio 0.41, P<0.01). After adjustment for unbalanced covariates, the adjusted odds ratio for the association between sugammadex use and the primary outcome was 0.39 (P<0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

In a cohort of patients at increased risk for pulmonary complications compared with neostigmine, use of sugammadex was independently associated with reduced risk of subsequent development of pneumonia or respiratory failure.

2023 American Society of Anesthesiologists Practice Guidelines for Monitoring and Antagonism of Neuromuscular Blockade: A Report by the American Society of Anesthesiologists Task Force on Neuromuscular Blockade

These practice guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations on the management of neuromuscular monitoring and antagonism of neuromuscular blocking agents during and after general anesthesia. The guidance focuses primarily on the type and site of monitoring and the process of antagonizing neuromuscular blockade to reduce residual neuromuscular blockade.

Use of rocuronium and sugammadex for video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery is associated with reduced duration of chest tube drainage: a propensity score-matched analysis

BACKGROUND

We investigated the influence of different neuromuscular blocking agents and reversal agents during anaesthesia on early removal of chest tube drainage after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS).

METHODS

This retrospective single-centre study included patients who underwent VATS after tracheal intubation under general anaesthesia. Patients received either cisatracurium and neostigmine (n=547) or rocuronium and sugammadex (n=151). Quantitative neuromuscular monitoring was used and one chest tube (size 24 Fr) was inserted. To reduce potential bias, 140 patients from each group were matched by propensity score for sex, age, body mass index and indication for VATS. Primary outcome was duration of chest tube drainage after surgery.

RESULTS

Use of rocuronium and sugammadex was associated with a shorter duration of chest tube drainage (2 [1-2] vs 2 [1-3] days; P=0.049) and a 63% reduction in delayed chest tube removal (odds ratio 0.37; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.20-0.67; P=0.005). This group also had a lower incidence of postoperative atelectasis (P=0.047) and consolidation (P=0.008). Each 1 h increase in the duration of anaesthesia was associated with a 1.57-fold increase in the delayed removal of the chest tube (95% CI: 1.25-1.96; P=0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

During general anaesthesia for VATS, compared with cisatracurium and neostigmine, use of rocuronium and sugammadex was associated with a significant decrease in the incidence of postoperative delayed removal of the chest tube, atelectasis, and pulmonary consolidation.

Sugammadex reversal of muscle relaxant blockade provided less Post-Anesthesia Care Unit adverse effects than neostigmine/glycopyrrolate

Sugammadex is a direct reversal agent of aminosteroid muscle relaxants, particularly rocuronium, with promptly and completely reverse of deep neuromuscular block (NMB), which allows better surgical conditions. Sugammadex exhibits advantages over indirect reversal agent acetylcholinesterase inhibitor neostigmine with less adverse effects. In this retrospective review, we compared the incidence of postoperative vomiting (POV), postoperative urinary retention (POUR), and hemodynamic changes between sugammadex and neostigmine/glycopyrrolate in reversal of muscular blockade. Sugammadex showed superior in all three aspects. The heart rate was 7.253 lower (P < 0.0001) and mean arterial pressure was 5.213 lower (P < 0.0001) in sugammadex group. The POV of neostigmine/glycopyrrolate group was 3.16 times more than sugammadex group (OR = 3.16, p < 0.0001), and POUR of neostigmine/glycopyrrolate group was 4.291 times more than sugammadex group (OR = 4.291, p < 0.0001). Sugammadex showed better hemodynamic stability, and lower incidence of POV and POUR than neostigmine/glycopyrrolate.

Sugammadex for reversing neuromuscular blockages after lung surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

This study determined whether sugammadex was associated with a lower risk of postoperative pulmonary complications and improved outcomes in lung surgeries.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library from January 2000 to March 2022. The characteristics of lung surgeries using sugammadex treatment compared with control drugs and postoperative outcomes were retrieved. The primary outcome was estimated through a pooled odds ratio (OR) and its 95% confidence interval (CI) was identified using a random-effects model.

RESULTS

From 465 citations, 7 studies with 453 patients receiving sugammadex and 452 patients receiving a control were included. The risk of postoperative pulmonary complication (PPCs) was lower in the sugammadex group than in the control group. Also, it showed that the effect of sugammadex on PPCs in the subgroup analysis was significantly assessed on the basis of atelectasis or non-atelectasis. Furthermore, subgroup analysis based on the relationship between high body mass index (BMI) and PPCs also showed that sugammadex had less occurrence in both the high BMI (defined as BMI ≥ 25) and low BMI groups. No difference in length of hospital stay (LOS) between the two groups was observed.

CONCLUSION

This study observed that although reversing neuromuscular blockages with sugammadex in patients undergoing thoracic surgery recorded fewer PPCs and shorter extubation periods than conventional reversal agents, no difference in LOS, postanaesthesia care unit (PACU) stay length and chest tube insertion duration in both groups was observed.

Predictive study of pharmacological reversal for residual neuromuscular blockade and postoperative pulmonary complications: a prospective, observational, cohort study

In recent years, some studies have generated controversy since they conclude that intraoperatively pharmacological reversal of neuromuscular blockade does not contribute to the reduction of postoperative residual neuromuscular blockade or pulmonary complications. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to assess the incidence of residual neuromuscular blockade and postoperative pulmonary complications according to spontaneous or pharmacological neuromuscular reversal. The secondary aim was to present a prognostic model to predict the probability of having postoperative residual neuromuscular blockade depending on a patient's comorbidities and intraoperative neuromuscular blocking agents management. A single-center, prospective, observational cohort study including patients undergoing surgical procedures with general anesthesia was designed. A total of 714 patients were analyzed. Patients were divided into four groups: cisatracurium with spontaneous reversal, cisatracurium with neostigmine antagonism, rocuronium with spontaneous reversal, and rocuronium with sugammadex antagonism. According to our binomial generalized linear model, none of the studied comorbidities was a predisposing factor for an increase in the residual neuromuscular blockade. However, in our study, pharmacological reversal of rocuronium with sugammadex and, particularly, neuromuscular monitoring during surgery were the factors that most effectively reduced the risk of residual neuromuscular blockade as well as early and late postoperative pulmonary complications.

Optimizing Reversal of Neuromuscular Block in Older Adults: Sugammadex or Neostigmine

Residual neuromuscular paralysis, the presence of clinically significant weakness after administration of pharmacologic neuromuscular blockade reversal, is associated with postoperative pulmonary complications and is more common in older patients. In contemporary anesthesia practice, reversal of neuromuscular blockade is accomplished with neostigmine or sugammadex. Neostigmine, an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, increases the concentration of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction, providing competitive antagonism of neuromuscular blocking drug and facilitating muscle contraction. Sugammadex, a modified gamma-cyclodextrin, antagonizes neuromuscular blockade by encapsulating rocuronium and vecuronium in a one-to-one ratio for renal clearance, a pharmacokinetic property that led to the recommendation that sugammadex not be administered to those with end-stage renal disease. While data are limited, reports suggest sugammadex is efficacious and well tolerated in individuals with reduced renal function. Sugammadex provides a more rapid and complete reversal of neuromuscular blockade than neostigmine. There is also accumulating evidence that sugammadex may provide a protective effect against the development of postoperative pulmonary complications, nausea, and vomiting, and that it may have beneficial effects on the rate of bowel and bladder recovery after surgery. Accordingly, sugammadex administration is beneficial for most older patients undergoing surgery.

Analgesic and Anesthetic Efficacy of Rocuronium/Sugammadex in Otorhinolaryngologic Surgery: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis

The use of rocuronium/sugammadex in otorhinolaryngologic surgery improves intubation conditions and surgical rating scales. This study primarily aimed to evaluate the effect of the combination of rocuronium and sugammadex on intraoperative anesthetic consumption. The secondary outcomes were the intraoperative and postoperative morphine milligram equivalent (MME) consumption, duration of intraoperative hypertension, extubation time, incidence of delayed extubation and postoperative nausea and vomiting, pain score, and length of stay. A total of 2848 patients underwent otorhinolaryngologic surgery at a tertiary medical center in southern Taiwan. After applying the exclusion criteria, 2648 of these cases were included, with 167 and 2481 in the rocuronium/sugammadex and cisatracurium/neostigmine groups, respectively. To reduce potential bias, 119 patients in each group were matched by propensity scores for sex, age, body weight, and type of surgery. We found that the rocuronium/sugammadex group was associated with significant preservation of the intraoperative sevoflurane and MME consumption, with reductions of 14.2% (p = 0.009) and 11.8% (p = 0.035), respectively. The use of the combination of rocuronium and sugammadex also significantly increased the dose of intraoperative labetalol (p = 0.002), although there was no significant difference in intraoperative hypertensive events between both groups. In conclusion, our results may encourage the use of the combination of rocuronium and sugammadex as part of volatile-sparing and opioid-sparing anesthesia in otorhinolaryngologic surgery.

Prevention of Postoperative Events following Reversal with Sugammadex or Neostigmine (the P-PERSoN Trial): Pilot Data Following Early Termination of a Prospective, Blinded, Randomised Trial

Background

Residual paralysis following anaesthesia is common and can lead to postoperative morbidity. While sugammadex has been shown to be effective in minimising residual paralysis, uncertainty exists as to whether its use reduces any associated morbidity. We designed this trial to determine if the use of sugammadex for the reversal of intraoperative aminosteroid neuromuscular blockade results in improvements in postoperative pulmonary complications, complications in the recovery unit, postoperative nausea and vomiting, and patient satisfaction, when compared to reversal with neostigmine.

Methods

A prospective, double-blind, randomised controlled trial in adult patients admitted for surgical operations at two Australian hospitals between December 2018 and March 2019 was performed comparing the reversal of neuromuscular paralysis using sugammadex 2 mg/kg versus neostigmine 50mcg/kg. Statistical analysis of continuous data was performed using two tailed t-tests, with categorical and ordinal data being assessed by chi-squared analysis.

Results

The trial was terminated due to a combination of resource constraints and the 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Of 51 patients screened, 33 were eligible for participation and 30 subsequently recruited and randomised. All patients received the intended treatment allocated. Data for the primary outcome was obtained in all patients. There was no difference in the rates of postoperative pulmonary complications between the sugammadex and neostigmine groups (0% (0/19) vs 9% (1/11) RR 5.0 (95% CI 0.22–113) p=0.37. There was no difference in any of the secondary outcomes between the groups.

Conclusions

The P-PERSoN trial showed no difference in postoperative pulmonary complications between sugammadex and neostigmine based reversal of aminosteroid neuromuscular block, but was underpowered to show any difference due to early trial termination. The randomisation and data collection was feasible. We support the need for an adequately resourced and funded randomised controlled trial to address this important clinical question.

Comparison of the effects of neostigmine and sugammadex on postoperative residual curarization and postoperative pulmonary complications by means of diaphragm and lung ultrasonography: a study protocol for prospective double-blind randomized controlled trial

Background

Postoperative residual curarization (PORC) may be a potential risk factor of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs), and both of them will lead to adverse consequences on surgical patient recovery. The train-of-four ratio (TOFr) which is detected by acceleromyography of the adductor pollicis is thought as the gold standard for the measurement of PORC. However, diaphragm function recovery may differ from that of the peripheral muscles. Recent studies suggested that diaphragm ultrasonography may be useful to reveal the diaphragm function recovery, and similarly, lung ultrasound was reported for the assessment of PPCs in recent years as well. Sugammadex reversal of neuromuscular blockade is rapid and complete, and there appear to be fewer postoperative complications than with neostigmine. This study aims to compare the effects of neostigmine and sugammadex, on PORC and PPCs employing diaphragm and lung ultrasonography, respectively.

Methods/design

In this prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled trial, patients of the American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status I–III, aged over 60, will be enrolled. They will be scheduled to undergo arthroplasty under general anesthesia. All patients will be allocated randomly into two groups, group NEO (neostigmine) and group SUG (sugammadex), using these two drugs for reversing rocuronium. The primary outcome of the study is the incidence of PPCs in the NEO and SUG groups. The secondary outcomes are the evaluation of diaphragm ultrasonography and lung ultrasound, performed by an independent sonographer before anesthesia, and at 10 min and 30 min after extubation in the post-anesthesia care unit, respectively.

Discussion

Elimination of PORC is a priority at the emergence of anesthesia, and it may be associated with reducing postoperative complications like PPCs. Sugammadex was reported to be superior to reverse neuromuscular blockade than neostigmine. Theoretically, complete recovery of neuromuscular function should be indicated by TOFr > 0.9. However, the diaphragm function recovery may not be the same matter, which probably harms pulmonary function. The hypothesis will be proposed that sugammadex is more beneficial than neostigmine to reduce the incidence of PPCs and strongly favorable for the recovery of diaphragm function in our study setting.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05040490. Registered on 3 September 2021

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13063-022-06328-3.

Effect of intraoperative muscle relaxation reversal on the success rate of motor-evoked potential recording in patients undergoing spinal surgery: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Transcranial motor-evoked potentials (TceMEPs) is conventionally performed without neuromuscular blockade (NMB) because of its potential interference with neuromuscular junction and signal interpretation. Sugammadex is the first highly selective antagonist that binds to rocuronium and can rapidly and effectively reverse NMB. This study aims to evaluate the success rate of intraoperative muscle relax reversal by sugammadex on intraoperative TceMEP recording.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

We will conduct a single-centre randomised controlled study. In total, 162 patients undergoing thoracic or lumbar spinal surgery will be randomly divided into the sugammadex group or control group at a ratio of 1:1. Total intravenous anaesthesia by propofol and remifentanil will be performed in both groups. In the sugammadex group, patients will receive continuous infusion of rocuronium to produce a blockade maintained for at least two twitches in train-of-four, rocuronium infusion will be discontinued and 2 mg/kg sugammadex will be given while performing TceMEPs monitoring. In the control group, rocuronium infusion will be discontinued and the same volume of saline will be infused while performing TceMEPs monitoring. The primary aim of this study is to evaluate the success rate of TceMEPs recording between two groups.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The approval for the study was certificated by the Ethical Committee of Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University on, 16 July 2021 (KY2021-082-02). The study was registered on clincaltrials.gov on 25 October 2020. Our study might guide neuromuscular blockade plans in TceMEPs monitoring undergoing spinal surgery. The findings of the study will be published in peer-reviewed journals and will be presented at national or international conference.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT04608682.

Comparison of the Effect of Sugammadex and Pyridostigmine on Postoperative Catheter-Related Bladder Discomfort: A Retrospective Matched Cohort Analysis

Background and Objectives: As the use of sugammadex for reversing neuromuscular blockade during general anesthesia increases, additional effects of sugammadex have been reported compared to cholinesterase inhibitors. Here, we compare the incidence of postoperative catheter-related bladder discomfort (CRBD) between sugammadex and pyridostigmine/glycopyrrolate treatments for reversing neuromuscular blockade. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed patients aged ≥ 18 years who underwent surgery under general anesthesia, received sugammadex or pyridostigmine with glycopyrrolate to reverse neuromuscular blockade, and had a urinary catheter in the post-anesthesia care unit between March 2019 and February 2021. After applying the exclusion criteria, 1179 patients were included in the final analysis. The incidence and severity of CRBD were collected from post-anesthesia recovery records. Results: The incidence was 13.7% in the sugammadex group (n = 211) and 24.7% in the pyridostigmine group (n = 968). Following propensity score matching, 211 patients each were included in the pyridostigmine and sugammadex matched group (absolute standardized difference (ASD), 0.01–0.05). Compared to the pyridostigmine group, the odds ratio for CRBD occurring in the sugammadex group was 0.568 (95% confidential interval, 0.316–1.021, p = 0.059). Conclusions: Sugammadex has a similar effect on the occurrence of postoperative CRBD compared with pyridostigmine.

Choice of neuromuscular block reversal agent to reduce postoperative pulmonary complications

The definition of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) is inconsistent in literature; however, PPCs include pulmonary abnormalities that adversely affect patient outcomes, such as respiratory failure, atelectasis, pneumonia, pleural effusion, and exacerbation of underlying lung conditions. Furthermore, although the incidence of PPCs varies according to its definition, surgery type, and patient population, they can lead to increased morbidity, mortality, duration of hospitalization, and medical costs; thus, efforts to identify and reduce the risk factors are important to improve patient outcomes. Among the risk factors for PPCs, residual neuromuscular block is a representative and preventable anesthesia-related risk factor that is affected by the choice of the reversal agent. However, it is not clear whether the chosen reversal agent, i.e., sugammadex, reduces PPCs better when compared to anticholinesterases. Additionally, the effects of the reversal agents on PPCs in high-risk patients, such as elderly patients, pediatric patients, those with end-stage renal disease, obesity, obstructive sleep apnea, or those undergoing specific surgeries, are diverse. To reduce the PPCs associated with the use of neuromuscular blocking agents, it is important to confirm complete reversal of the neuromuscular block under neuromuscular monitoring. Additionally, efforts to reduce the incidence of PPCs through interdisciplinary communication are required.

The Use of Muscle Relaxants and Reversal Agents in a Setting Without Cost Restrictions: Experience from a Tertiary Academic Hospital in the Netherlands

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Perioperative care in open aortic vascular surgery: A Consensus Statement by the Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS®) Society and Society for Vascular Surgery

The Society for Vascular Surgery and the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS®) Society formally collaborated and elected an international, multi-disciplinary panel of experts to review the literature and provide evidence-based recommendations related to all of the health care received in the perioperative period for patients undergoing open abdominal aortic operations (both transabdominal and retroperitoneal approaches, including supraceliac, suprarenal, and infrarenal clamp sites, for aortic aneurysm and aortoiliac occlusive disease). Structured around the ERAS® core elements, 36 recommendations were made and organized into preadmission, preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative recommendations.