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Comparison of laryngeal mask airway (LMA) insertion with and without muscle relaxant in pediatric anesthesia; a randomized clinical trial

Introduction

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of using muscle relaxant on the ease of laryngeal mask airway (LMA) insertion and possibility of its related complications.

Methods

This double-blind, randomized clinical trial was performed on 60 children aged 1–4 years with ASA (American Society of Anesthesiology) I or II with upper limb injuries who were candidates for surgery. The patients were randomly allocated to the two groups receiving atracurium group as muscle relaxant (MR) or saline group (S).

Results

Regarding ease of placement, the LMA was inserted in 66.7% and 63.3% of patients straightforwardly in the MR and S groups, respectively. While it was performed with one maneuver in 23.3% and 26.7% of cases in the MR and S groups, respectively (p = 0.955). Moreover, LMA dislodgment in the two groups was 36.7% in the MR group and 20.0% in the S group without a meaningful difference (P = 0.152). The only complication observed in the two groups was laryngospasm, which occurred in 0.10% and 13.3% in the MR and S groups, respectively (p = 0.688).

Conclusion

In some pediatric anesthesia, the use of atracurium, as a muscle relaxant had no significant effect on capability of LMA insertion, maintaining airway patency, LMA seal pressure and oxygenation variations. Moreover, it did not have a preventive effect on the occurrence of complications such as laryngospasm.