Succinylcholine: adverse effects and alternatives in emergency medicine

Rhabdomyolysis during adjunctive treatment with cariprazine in a clozapine-resistant schizophrenia patient

We report the case of a 49-year-old male treatment-resistant schizophrenia patient, whose treatment with clozapine and sertraline was supplemented with cariprazine 1.5 mg/day while regularly presenting for electroconvulsive therapy. After 3 weeks of adjunctive treatment with cariprazine, blood tests revealed pronounced signs of rhabdomyolysis, including a creatine kinase serum level of 20 386 U/L and an AST serum level of 696 U/L. Clinically, the patient did not report somatic symptoms other than mild back pain. After discontinuation of cariprazine and normal saline infusion, the above-mentioned findings resolved rapidly. Although very rare, rhabdomyolysis can be a potentially dangerous side effect of cariprazine and clinicians should be aware of its possible occurrence.

Peripheral nervous system and neuromuscular disorders in the emergency department: A review

INTRODUCTION

Acute presentations and emergencies in neuromuscular disorders (NMDs) often challenge clinical acumen. The objective of this review is to refine the reader's approach to history taking, clinical localization and early diagnosis, as well as emergency management of neuromuscular emergencies.

METHODS

An extensive literature search was performed to identify relevant studies. We prioritized meta-analysis, systematic reviews, and position statements where possible to inform any recommendations.

SUMMARY

The spectrum of clinical presentations and etiologies ranges from neurotoxic envenomation or infection to autoimmune disease such as Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) and myasthenia gravis (MG). Delayed diagnosis is not uncommon when presentations occur "de novo," respiratory failure is dominant or isolated, or in the case of atypical scenarios such as GBS variants, severe autonomic dysfunction, or rhabdomyolysis. Diseases of the central nervous system, systemic and musculoskeletal disorders can mimic presentations in neuromuscular disorders.

CONCLUSIONS

Fortunately, early diagnosis and management can improve prognosis. This article provides a comprehensive review of acute presentations in neuromuscular disorders relevant for the emergency physician.

Risk Factors for Postoperative Urinary Retention After Lumbar Fusion Surgery: Anesthetics and Surgical Approach

INTRODUCTION

Postoperative urinary retention (POUR) after lumbar fusion surgery can lead to longer hospital stays and thus increased risk of developing other postoperative complications. Therefore, we aimed to determine the relationship between POUR and (1) surgical approach and (2) anesthetic agents, including sugammadex and glycopyrrolate.

METHODS

After institutional review board approval, L4-S1 single-level lumbar fusion surgeries between 2018 and 2021 were identified. A 3:1 propensity match of patients with POUR to those without was conducted, controlling for patient age, sex, diabetes status, body mass index, smoking status, history of benign prostatic hyperplasia, and the number of levels decompressed. POUR was defined as documented straight catheterization yielding >400 mL. We compared patient demographic, surgical, anesthetic, and postoperative characteristics. A bivariant analysis and backward multivariable stepwise logistic regression analysis ( P -value < 0.200) were performed. Significance was set to P < 0.05.

RESULTS

Of the 899 patients identified, 51 met the criteria for POUR and were matched to 153 patients. No notable differences were observed between groups based on demographic or surgical characteristics. On bivariant analysis, patients who developed POUR were more likely to have been given succinylcholine (13.7% vs. 3.92%, P = 0.020) as an induction agent. The independent predictors of POUR identified by multivariable analysis included the use of succinylcholine {odds ratio (OR), 4.37 (confidence interval [CI], 1.26 to 16.46), P = 0.022} and reduced postoperative activity (OR, 0.99 [CI, 0.993 to 0.999], P = 0.049). Factors protective against POUR included using sugammadex as a reversal agent (OR, 0.38 [CI, 0.17 to 0.82], P = 0.017). The stepwise regression did not identify an anterior surgical approach as a notable predictor of POUR.

CONCLUSION

We demonstrate that sugammadex for anesthesia reversal was protective against POUR while succinylcholine and reduced postoperative activity were associated with the development of POUR. In addition, we found no difference between the anterior or posterior approach to spinal fusion in the development of POUR.

Proposals for Standardization of Intraoperative Facial Nerve Monitoring during Parotid Surgery

Intraoperative facial nerve monitoring (FNM) has been widely accepted as an adjunct during parotid surgery to facilitate identification of the facial nerve (FN) main trunk, dissection of FN branches, confirmation of FN function integrity, detection of FN injury and prognostication of facial expression after tumor resection. Although the use of FNM in parotidectomy is increasing, little uniformity exists in its application from the literature. Thus, not only are the results of many studies difficult to compare but the value of FNM technology is also limited. The article reviews the current literature and proposes our standardized FNM procedures during parotid surgery, such as standards in FNM setup, standards in general anesthesia, standards in FNM procedures and application of stimulus currents, interpretation of electrophysiologic signals and prediction of the facial expression outcome and pre-/post-operative assessment of facial expressions. We hope that the FNM standardized procedures will provide greater uniformity, improve the quality of applications and contribute to future research.

Transcutaneous Laryngeal Ultrasonography for Assessing Vocal Cord Twitch Response in Thyroid Operation during Predissection Vagus Nerve Stimulation

BACKGROUND

In this study, we aimed to report our experience with the use of intraoperative transcutaneous laryngeal ultrasonography (TLUSG) to evaluate the vocal cord twitch response during predissection vagus nerve stimulation in thyroid surgeries and examine the reliability of this technique when compared with that of laryngeal twitch palpation (LTP).

STUDY DESIGN

The prospective data collection of consecutive patients who underwent open thyroidectomy with intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) was reviewed retrospectively. We recorded the electromyographic activity and assessed the vocal cord twitch response on LTP, TLUSG. We compared the accessibility, sensitivity, and specificity of the techniques.

RESULTS

A total of 110 patients (38 men and 72 women) with 134 nerves at risk were enrolled. The vocal cord was assessable by TLUSG in 103 (93.6%) patients and by LTP in 64 (59.1%) patients. Two patients showed negative predissection IONM signal but positive on TLUSG and the presence of laryngeal twitch response confirmed by laryngoscopy. Fourteen patients showed positive IONM signals and presence of the vocal cord twitch response on TLUSG but not on LTP. The sensitivity and specificity were 70.21% and 100%, respectively, for LTP, and those both were 100% for TLUSG. For patients who could be assessed using both techniques, TLUSG had better accuracy than LTP (100% vs 80.33%, p = 0.0005).

CONCLUSIONS

The innovative intraoperative application of TLUSG is better for evaluating the laryngeal twitch response than LTP. This technique provides practical troubleshooting guidance for patients with no IONM signals during predissection vagus nerve stimulation.

Low-Dose of Rocuronium During Thyroid Surgery: Effects on Intraoperative Nerve-Monitoring and Intubation

BACKGROUND

Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring (IONM) reduces the incidence of Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve (RLN) injuries during thyroid surgery. To preserve nerve function, long acting neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBA) should be avoided. However, NMBA are necessary for laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation. We designed this double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial to assess if a low-dose of rocuronium given at intubation would affect the IONM data recorded before the thyroid dissection.

METHODS

Hundred patients undergoing elective thyroid surgery were randomized to receive either 0.3 mg kg^-1 of low dose rocuronium (intervention) or no-NMBA (control). Intubation was performed with video-laryngoscopy. IONM was placed on RLN and nerve stimulation was performed before and after thyroid dissection. The presence of a valid amplitude prior to dissection was defined when the IONM signal was >100 μV. Occurrence of difficult laryngoscopy was reported together with intubation details including time, difficulty and failure. The lowest peripheral saturation (SpO₂) and the number of desaturation episodes during the intubation were also registered.

RESULTS

No patients showed impaired IONM signal before dissection in both groups. Cormack-Lehane grade was higher in the intervention group (1^1;2) compared to control one (1^1;1; P = 0.046). No-NMBA patients had increased number of difficult laryngoscopies (21% versus 6%, P = 0.041) and intubations (34% versus 8%; P = 0.003) as well as a longer time to intubation (78 [55; 175] versus 55 [31; 110] sec; P = 0.006). Lower values of peripheral SpO₂ during intubation attempt were registered in the no NMBA group (99 [97; 100] versus 99 [99; 100] %; P = 0.020). However, the number of intubation failure was similar between groups (p=0.495).

CONCLUSIONS

Low-dose of rocuronium does not compromise pre-dissection IONM signal and improves intubation condition when compared to a relaxant free strategy.

Assessment of remifentanil for rapid sequence induction and intubation in patients at risk of pulmonary aspiration of gastric contents compared to rapid-onset paralytic agents: study protocol for a non-inferiority simple blind randomized controlled trial (the REMICRUSH study)

Background

Rapid-onset paralytic agents are recommended to achieve muscle relaxation and facilitate tracheal intubation during rapid sequence induction in patients at risk of pulmonary aspiration of gastric contents. However, opioids are frequently used in this setting. The study’s objective is to demonstrate the non-inferiority of remifentanil compared to rapid-onset paralytic agents, in association with an hypnotic drug, for tracheal intubation in patients undergoing  procedure under general anesthesia and at risk of pulmonary aspiration of gastric contents.

Methods

The REMICRUSH (Remifentanil for Rapid Sequence Induction of Anaesthesia) study is a multicenter, single-blinded, non-inferiority randomized controlled trial comparing remifentanil (3 to 4 μg/kg) with rapid-onset paralytic agents (succinylcholine or rocuronium 1 mg/kg) for rapid sequence induction in 1150 adult surgical patients requiring tracheal intubation during general anesthesia. Enrolment started in October 2019 in 15 French anesthesia units. The expected date of the final follow-up is October 2021. The primary outcome is the proportion of successful tracheal intubation without major complications. A non-inferiority margin of 7% was chosen. Analyses of the intent-to-treat and per-protocol populations are planned.

Discussion

The REMICRUSH trial protocol has been approved by the ethics committee of The Comité de Protection des Personnes Sud-Ouest et Outre-Mer II and will be carried out according to the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki and the Good Clinical Practice guidelines. The results of this study will be disseminated through presentations at scientific conferences and publications in peer-reviewed journals. The REMICRUSH trial is the first randomized controlled trial powered to investigate whether remifentanil with hypnotics is non-inferior to rapid-onset paralytic agents with hypnotic in rapid sequence induction of anesthesia for full stomach patients considering successful tracheal intubation without major complication.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03960801. Registered on May 23, 2019.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13063-021-05192-x.

Fifteen-minute consultation: Severe traumatic brain injury in paediatrics

Paediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a non-degenerative, acquired brain insult. Following a blow or penetrating trauma to the head, normal brain function is disrupted. If it occurs during the early stages of development, deficits may not immediately become apparent but unfold and evolve over time. We address the difficulties that arise when treating a child with severe TBI.

Approach to Acute Weakness

Weakness has a broad differential diagnosis. A paradigm for organizing possibilities is to consider what part of the nervous system is involved, ranging from brain, spinal cord, nerve roots, and peripheral nerves to the neuromuscular junction. The clinician can consider internal versus external causes. Some neurologic conditions have subtle presentations yet carry a risk of short-term decompensation if not recognized. It is helpful to consider whether an emergency department presentation of weakness is a new disease process or represents an exacerbation of an established condition. Emergency presentations of weakness are challenging, and one must carefully consider potential serious causes.

Pseudocholinesterase Deficiency Considerations: A Case Study

Pseudocholinesterase deficiency, sometimes called butyrylcholinesterase deficiency, is a rare disorder in which the neuromuscular blocking drugs succinylcholine and mivacurium cannot be metabolized properly in the blood plasma. This disorder can either be acquired as a result of certain comorbidities or it can be inherited genetically. Anesthesia providers must understand the pathophysiology of pseudocholinesterase deficiency and be prepared to safely and effectively manage patients who show signs and symptoms consistent with the disorder after the use of the indicated neuromuscular blocking drugs. This article summarizes the pharmacologic and physiologic data relevant to understanding the basic pathophysiology associated with pseudocholinesterase deficiency and illustrates a case study of a young woman suspected of having the disorder after a prolonged delay in emergence from general anesthesia.

Comparison of emergence agitation between succinylcholine and rocuronium-sugammadex in adults following closed reduction of a nasal bone fracture: a prospective randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Sugammadex allows rapid recovery from rocuronium-induced neuromuscular blockade. Succinylcholine is often used for brief surgeries but is associated with myalgia, headache, histamine release, and increased lactate levels. Thus, we hypothesized that succinylcholine may affect emergence agitation (EA) and compared the effects of succinylcholine and rocuronium-sugammadex on EA in patients undergoing closed reduction of a nasal bone fracture under general anesthesia.

METHODS

Forty-two patients were prospectively enrolled and allocated randomly to the succinylcholine group (group SC) or the rocuronium-sugammadex group (group RS; each n = 21). Neuromuscular block and its reversal were achieved with succinylcholine and normal saline in group SC, whereas rocuronium and sugammadex were administered in group RS. After surgery, the incidence of EA as a primary outcome, the incidence of dangerous EA, and duration of EA as secondary outcomes were compared.

RESULTS

The incidence of EA was higher in group SC than in group RS (90.5% vs. 47.6%, respectively; relative risk [RR] 4.3; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2 to 15.7; P = .006). The incidence of dangerous EA increased in group SC compared to group RS (33.3% vs. 4.8%, respectively; RR 2.1; 95% CI 1.3 to 3.4; P = .045). The duration of agitation was longer in group SC than in group RS [106.5 (65.1) vs. 40.4 (26.0) sec; mean difference 66.1 s; 95% CI 31.0 to 101.1; effect size 1.3; P = .001).

CONCLUSION

Succinylcholine increases the incidence, severity, and duration of EA compared to rocuronium-sugammadex in patients undergoing closed reduction of a nasal bone fracture.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

CRiS Registration number KCT0002673. Initial registration date was 31 January 2018 (Retrospectively registered).

Neuromuscular blockade management for intraoperative neural monitoring

This article reviews the literature on development of neuromuscular blockade management in thyroid surgery with intraoperative neural monitoring (IONM) in the past decade. Neuromuscular blockade management includes the choice of neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) and reversal of neuromuscular blockade by sugammadex. A series of animal study and clinical trials showed NMBAs effect on IONM in thyroid surgery. We summarized five NMBA regimens for IONM: (a) relaxant-free regimen, (b) depolarizing NMBA-succinylcholine, (c) titration of nondepolarizing NMBA, and (d) rocuronium combined with sugammadex. The proper management of neuromuscular blockade during IONM has greatly developed over the past decade. The misuse of NMBAs is associated with false IONM interpretations to surgeons. A detailed understanding of NMBAs and neuromuscular blockade management by sugammadex may optimize IONM quality in patients receiving monitored thyroid surgery.

Management of anesthesia and complications in children with Tracheobronchial Foreign Body Aspiration

OBJECTIVES

Delayed diagnosis and treatment of tracheobronchial foreign body aspiration (FBA) in children may lead to morbidity and mortality. Our objective was to evaluate the anesthetic management, peri- and post-operative complications, and predisposing factors for postoperative intensive care unit (ICU) admission in children undergoing rigid bronchoscopy due to tracheobronchial FBA.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 81 children who underwent rigid bronchoscopy between January 2010 to July 2018 at Inonu University, Department of Pediatric Surgery, Turkey. Data regarding demographic characteristics, anesthetic management, length of ICU and hospital stays, and peri- and post-operative complications were retrieved from the hospital database.

RESULTS

The patients included 54 (66.7%) boys and 27 (33.3%) girls with a mean age of 29.6 ± 31.2 months. The most common presenting symptom was the suspicion of FBA, followed by acute-onset cough, cyanosis, wheezing and respiratory distress. Mean duration of anesthesia was 44.40 ± 14.72 min. Of the 81 patients, 18 (22.2%) were transferred to ICU and 63 (77.8%) patients were transferred to the ward postoperatively. Of the patients transferred to the ICU, 5 of them required mechanical ventilation. Some peri and postoperative complications, desaturation (n=16; 19.7%; p=0.001), mucosal bleeding (n=6; 7.4%; p=0.02), laryngeal edema (n=11; 13.6%; p<0.001), laryngospasm (n=13; 16.3%; p<0.001), were affected the frequency of intensive care transfer.

CONCLUSION

Bronchoscopy with general anesthesia remains the golden standard for the management of tracheobronchial FBA. In such patients, a combination consisting of a detailed preoperative clinical evaluation of the patient, selection of short-acting anesthetic agents with minimal side effects for the induction and maintenance of anesthesia, and the administration of controlled ventilation can be recommended. Additionally, early diagnosis of peri- and post-operative complications, prediction of postoperative ICU requirement, and a close cooperation of anesthesiologists and surgeons are highly important.

Anesthetic Consideration for Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy

A recent achalasia guideline suggests that peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is a safe option for achalasia that is as effective as Heller myotomy. It is recommended that POEM should be performed under general anesthesia. The incidence of adverse events such as bleeding, perforation, and carbon dioxide insufflation-related complications was lower in POEM under endotracheal general anesthesia than in POEM under sedation. Subcutaneous emphysema, pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, pneumoperitoneum, and accompanying hemodynamic instability can be caused by carbon dioxide insufflation. Treatment of possible physiological changes and adverse events during the POEM procedure from the point of view of anesthesiologists may give endoscopists a new perspective on improving patient safety. The territory of therapeutic endoscopy can be expanded through cooperation with other departments, including anesthesia services. Efforts to understand different perspectives will certainly help not only secure patient safety but also expand the area of treatment.

Evidence-based clinical guidelines on analgesia and sedation in newborn infants undergoing assisted ventilation and endotracheal intubation

AIM

This review informed pain control guidelines for clinicians performing mechanical ventilation, nasal continuous positive airway pressure and endotracheal intubation on term and preterm newborn infants.

METHODS

We reviewed literature published between 1986 and June 2017 on analgesia and sedation during assisted ventilation and before endotracheal intubation in newborn infants admitted to neonatal intensive care units. The subsequent guidelines were developed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach.

RESULTS

Our review produced five strong standard of care recommendations. One, reduce neonatal stress and use nonpharmacological analgesia during invasive ventilation. Two, favour intermittent boluses of opioids, administered after pain scores and before invasive procedures, during short expected periods of mechanical ventilation, mainly in preterm infants affected by respiratory distress syndrome. Three, do not use morphine infusion in preterm infants under 27 gestational weeks. Four, always use algometric scores to titrate analgesic drugs doses. Five, use premedication before endotracheal intubation for a more rapid, less painful, less traumatic and safer manoeuvre. We also developed 30 conditional recommendations on therapeutic options.

CONCLUSION

Our review produced 35 recommendations on standard care and therapeutic options relating to the analgesia and sedation of newborn infants during ventilation and before endotracheal intubation.

Emergency Neurological Life Support: Acute Non-traumatic Weakness

Acute non-traumatic weakness may be life-threatening if it involves the respiratory muscles and/or is associated with autonomic dysfunction. Most patients presenting with acute muscle weakness have a worsening neurological disorder that requires a rapid, systematic evaluation and detailed neurological exam to localize the disorder. Urgent laboratory tests and neuroimaging are needed to confirm the diagnosis. Because acute weakness is a common presenting sign of neurological emergencies, it was chosen as an Emergency Neurological Life Support protocol. Causes of acute non-traumatic weakness are discussed here by both presenting clinical signs and anatomical location. For each diagnosis, key features of the history, examination, investigations, and treatment are outlined in the included tables or in the "Appendix".

Preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative anesthetic prospective for thyroid surgery: what's new

The aim of this review is to analyze what's new on anesthetic prospective to perioperative management for thyroid surgery. For recent decades intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) during thyroid and parathyroid surgery has obtained more and more popularity. New modality of anesthetic technique was also developed to incorporate into surgical teamwork. For example, the precise position of EMG tube and optimal use of neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) play key roles in successful IONM system. Special focus is paid to following issues: (I) preoperative airway evaluation and pre-op preparation; (II) anesthetic managements including advanced intubation tools, NMBAs and sugammadex; and (III) post-op adverse events such as pain and postoperative nausea vomiting.

Pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions for reducing rocuronium bromide induced pain on injection in children and adults

BACKGROUND

Rocuronium bromide is a routinely used muscle relaxant in anaesthetic practice. Its use, however, is associated with intense pain on injection. While it is well established that rocuronium bromide injection causes pain in awake patients, anaesthetized patients also tend to show withdrawal movements of the limbs when this muscle relaxant is administered. Various strategies, both pharmacological and non-pharmacological, have been studied to reduce the incidence and severity of pain on rocuronium bromide injection. We wanted to find out which of the existing modalities was best to reduce pain on rocuronium injection.

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this review were to assess the ability of both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions to reduce or eliminate the pain that accompanies rocuronium bromide administration.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL 2013, Issue 7), MEDLINE via Ovid SP (1966 to July 2013) and EMBASE via Ovid SP (1980 to July 2013). We also searched specific websites. We reran the searches in February 2015 and will deal with the 11 studies of interest found through this search when we update the review.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the use of any drug or a non-pharmacological method with control patients, or those receiving no treatment to reduce the severity of pain with rocuronium injection. Our primary outcome was pain on rocuronium bromide injection measured by a pain score assessment. Our secondary outcomes were rise in heart rate and blood pressure following administration of rocuronium and adverse events related to the interventions.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used the standardized methods for conducting a systematic review as described in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Two authors independently extracted details of trial methodology and outcome data from reports of all trials considered eligible for inclusion. We made all analyses on an intention-to-treat basis. We used a fixed-effect model where there was no evidence of significant heterogeneity between studies and a random-effects model if heterogeneity was likely.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 66 studies with 7840 participants in the review, though most analyses were based on data from fewer participants. In total there are 17 studies awaiting classification. No studies were at a low risk of bias. We noted substantial statistical and clinical heterogeneity between trials. Most of the studies reported the primary outcome pain as assessed by verbal response from participants in an awake state but some trials reported withdrawal of the injected limb as a proxy for pain after induction of anaesthesia in response to rocuronium administration. Few studies reported adverse events and no study reported heart rate and blood pressure changes after administration of rocuronium. Lidocaine was the most commonly studied intervention drug, used in 29 trials with 2256 participants. The risk ratio (RR) of pain on injection if given lidocaine compared to placebo was 0.23 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.17 to 0.31; I² = 65%, low quality of evidence). The RR of pain on injection if fentanyl and remifentanil were given compared to placebo was 0.42 (95% CI 0.26 to 0.70; I² = 79%, low quality of evidence) and (RR 0.10, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.26; I² = 74%, low quality of evidence), respectively. Pain on injection of intervention drugs was reported with the use of lidocaine and acetaminophen in one study. Cough was reported with the use of fentanyl (one study), remifentanil (five studies, low quality evidence) and alfentanil (one study). Breath holding and chest tightness were reported with the use of remifentanil in two studies (very low quality evidence) and one study (very low quality evidence), respectively. The overall rate of complications was low.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The evidence to suggest that the most commonly investigated pharmacological interventions reduce pain on injection of rocuronium is of low quality due to risk of bias and inconsistency. There is low or very low quality evidence for adverse events, due to risk of bias, inconsistency and imprecision of effect. We did not compare the various interventions with one another and so cannot comment on the superiority of one intervention over another. Complications were reported more often with use of opioids.

Rocuronium Versus Suxamethonium: A Survey of First-line Muscle Relaxant Use in UK Prehospital Rapid Sequence Induction

INTRODUCTION

Prehospital anaesthesia in the United Kingdom (UK) is provided by Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) and British Association for Immediate Care (BASICS), a road-based service. Muscle relaxation in rapid sequence induction (RSI) has been traditionally undertaken with the use of suxamethonium; however, rocuronium at higher doses has comparable intubating conditions with fewer side effects.

HYPOTHESIS/PROBLEM

The aim of this survey was to establish how many prehospital services in the UK are now using rocuronium as first line in RSI.

METHODS

An online survey was constructed identifying choice of first-line muscle relaxant for RSI and emailed to lead clinicians for BASICS and HEMS services across the UK. If rocuronium was used, further questions regarding optimal dose, sugammadex, contraindications, and difference in intubating conditions were asked.

RESULTS

A total of 29 full responses (93.5%) were obtained from 31 services contacted. Suxamethonium was used first line by 17 prehospital services (58.6%) and rocuronium by 12 (41.4%). In 11 services (91.7%), a dose of 1 mg/kg of rocuronium was used, and in one service, 1.2 mg/kg (8.3%) was used. No services using rocuronium carried sugammadex. In five services, slower relaxation time was found using rocuronium (41.7%), and in seven services, no difference in intubation conditions were noted (58.3%). Contraindications to rocuronium use included high probability of difficult airway and anaphylaxis.

CONCLUSION

Use of rocuronium as first-line muscle relaxant in prehospital RSI is increasing. Continued auditing of practice will ascertain which services have adopted change and identify if complications of failed intubation increase as a result.

Emergency Resuscitation of Patients Enrolled in the US Diaspirin Cross-linked Hemoglobin (DCLHb) Clinical Efficacy Trial

INTRODUCTION

Optimal emergent management of traumatic hemorrhagic shock patients requires a better understanding of treatment provided in the prehospital/Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and emergency department (ED) settings. Hypothesis/Problem Described in this research are the initial clinical status, airway management, fluid and blood infusions, and time course of severely-injured hemorrhagic shock patients in the EMS and ED settings from the diaspirin cross-linked hemoglobin (DCLHb) clinical trial.

METHODS

Data were analyzed from 17 US trauma centers gathered during a randomized, controlled, single-blinded efficacy trial of a hemoglobin solution (DCLHb) as add-on therapy versus standard therapy.

RESULTS

Among the 98 randomized patients, the mean EMS Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) was 10.6 (SD = 5.0), the mean EMS revised trauma score (RTS) was 6.3 (SD = 1.9), and the mean injury severity score (ISS) was 31 (SD = 17). Upon arrival to the ED, the GCS was 20% lower (7.8 (SD = 5.3) vs 9.7 (SD = 6.3)) and the RTS was 12% lower (5.3 (SD = 2.0) vs 6.0 (SD = 2.1)) than EMS values in blunt trauma patients (P < .001). By ED disposition, 80% of patients (78/98) were intubated. Rapid sequence intubation (RSI) was utilized in 77% (60/78), most often utilizing succinylcholine (65%) and midazolam (50%). The mean crystalloid volume infused was 4.2 L (SD = 3.4 L), 80% of which was infused within the ED. Emergency department blood transfusion occurred in 62% of patients, with an average transfused volume of 1.2 L (SD = 2.0 L). Blunt trauma patients received 2.1 times more total fluids (7.4 L vs 3.5 L, < .001) and 2.4 times more blood (2.4 L vs 1.0 L, P < .001). The mean time of patients taken from injury site to operating room (OR) was 113 minutes (SD = 87 minutes). Twenty-one (30%) of the 70 patients taken to the OR from the ED were sent within 60 minutes of the estimated injury time. Penetrating trauma patients were taken to the OR 52% sooner than blunt trauma patients (72 minutes vs 149 minutes, P < .001).

CONCLUSION

Both GCS and RTS decreased prior to ED arrival in blunt trauma patients. Intubation was performed using RSI, and crystalloid infusion of three times the estimated blood loss volume (L) and blood transfusion of the estimated blood loss volume (L) were provided in the EMS and ED settings. Surgical intervention for these trauma patients most often occurred more than one hour from the time of injury. Penetrating trauma patients received surgical intervention more rapidly than those with a blunt trauma mechanism.

Endotracheal intubation in mice via direct laryngoscopy using an otoscope

Mice, both wildtype and transgenic, are the principal mammalian model in biomedical research currently. Intubation and mechanical ventilation are necessary for whole animal experiments that require surgery under deep anesthesia or measurements of lung function. Tracheostomy has been the standard for intubating the airway in these mice to allow mechanical ventilation. Orotracheal intubation has been reported but has not been successfully used in many studies because of the substantial technical difficulty or a requirement for highly specialized and expensive equipment. Here we report a technique of direct laryngoscopy using an otoscope fitted with a 2.0 mm speculum and using a 20 G intravenous catheter as an endotracheal tube. We have used this technique extensively and reliably to intubate and conduct accurate assessments of lung function in mice. This technique has proven safe, with essentially no animal loss in experienced hands. Moreover, this technique can be used for repeated studies of mice in chronic models.

[Changes in kaliemia following rapid sequence induction with succinylcholine in critically ill patients]

OBJECTIVE

Evaluate the changes in potassium following rapid sequence induction with succinylcholine in critically ill-patients and determine whether hospital length of stay could influence the succinylcholine-induced hyperkaliemia.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective and observational study.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

After approval by our local ethical committee, we prospectively included 36 patients admitted from more than 24hours in ICU and who required succinylcholine for rapid tracheal intubation (1mg/kg). Serum potassium was measured before, 5 and 30min after succinylcholine. The incidence of life-threatening hyperkaliemia (≥6.5mmol/L) was noted.

RESULTS

We could observe significant and transient increase in serum potassium (median increase of 0.45 [0.20-0.80] mmol/L at five minutes). A significant relationship was observed between the ICU length of stay and arterial potassium increase (r=0.37, P<0.05). From the ROC curve, a threshold of 12 days had an 86% sensitivity and 69% specificity in discriminating patients in whom the potassium increase was more than 1.5mmol/L.

CONCLUSION

Induction with succinylcholine is followed by significant but transient hyperkaliema. The ICU length of stay before giving succinylcholine could influence significantly the amplitude of potassium increase.

Succinylcholine-induced hyperkalemia in a patient with multiple sclerosis

BACKGROUND

Succinylcholine administration is associated with hyperkalemia in patients with a variety of medical conditions, including many neuromuscular disorders. Nonetheless, there is a paucity of literature describing hyperkalemia after the administration of succinylcholine to patients with multiple sclerosis.

CASE REPORT

This case report describes a 38-year-old woman with multiple sclerosis who developed life-threatening hyperkalemia after the administration of succinylcholine during rapid sequence intubation.

CONCLUSION

This case highlights the potential for iatrogenic hyperkalemia after succinylcholine in patients with neurologic diseases, including multiple sclerosis.

Endotracheal intubation in a neonatal population remains associated with a high risk of adverse events

INTRODUCTION

There has been a significant increase in premedication use for neonatal intubation in the UK over the past decade. We aimed to determine the adverse events during neonatal intubation using the most commonly used premedication regimen in the UK.

DISCUSSION

We prospectively studied all intubations performed using morphine, suxamethonium and atropine during a 3-month period in three UK tertiary neonatal units. Premedication was administered for 87/93 (94%) of intubations. Median time taken to prepare premedication was 16 min (IQR 10-35). Median time to successful intubation was 5 min (IQR 2-9) following premedication. Median lowest recorded oxygen saturation after administration of premedication was 65% (IQR 39-85). A bradycardia in the range 61-99/min accompanied the procedure in 24/93 (26%) intubations, with a median duration of bradycardia of 8 s (IQR 1-10).

CONCLUSION

Despite the widespread move to premedication for neonatal intubation, many deficiencies in everyday practice remain. The rate of haemodynamic complications is high in this commonly used premedication regimen. This study shows that there are important factors to control at the local level in terms of timely preparation and administration of premedication drugs, training and supervision of staff carrying out this high-risk procedure.

Paralytics in critical care: not always the bad guy

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The use of neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and acute lung injury remains controversial, although frequent. This review analyzes the effects of NMBAs on thoracopulmonary mechanics, gas exchange, patient outcome and their potential adverse effects.

RECENT FINDINGS

NMBAs are used in 25-45% of acute lung injury/ARDS patients for a mean period of 12 days, especially in severe ARDS. Hypoxemia and facilitation of mechanical ventilation are the main indications of NMBAs. Two randomized controlled trials showed that the systematic early use of NMBAs is associated with a sustained improvement in oxygenation in ARDS patients. The most recent suggests a beneficial effect on proinflammatory response associated with ARDS and mechanical ventilation.

SUMMARY

The use of NMBAs in acute lung injury/ARDS patients is not marginal. Recent studies suggest a beneficial effect of early use of NMBAs on oxygenation and inflammation. The role of NMBAs in the occurrence of ICU-acquired neuromyopathies and lung atelectasis in ARDS patients remains largely questioned. The use of NMBAs in the early phase of ARDS could reinforce the beneficial effects of a lung-protective ventilation. In this context, the effect of NMBAs on the outcome of ARDS patients must be evaluated.

Clinical review: Critical care management of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage

Intracerebral hemorrhage is by far the most destructive form of stroke. The clinical presentation is characterized by a rapidly deteriorating neurological exam coupled with signs and symptoms of elevated intracranial pressure. The diagnosis is easily established by the use of computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. Ventilatory support, blood pressure control, reversal of any preexisting coagulopathy, intracranial pressure monitoring, osmotherapy, fever control, seizure prophylaxis, treatment of hyerglycemia, and nutritional supplementation are the cornerstones of supportive care in the intensive care unit. Dexamethasone and other glucocorticoids should be avoided. Ventricular drainage should be performed urgently in all stuporous or comatose patients with intraventricular blood and acute hydrocephalus. Emergent surgical evacuation or hemicraniectomy should be considered for patients with large (>3 cm) cerebellar hemorrhages, and in those with large lobar hemorrhages, significant mass effect, and a deteriorating neurological exam. Apart from management in a specialized stroke or neurological intensive care unit, no specific medical therapies have been shown to consistently improve outcome after intracerebral hemorrhage.

Prehospital Airway Management Complicated by Reported Pseudocholinesterase Deficiency

Patients with pseudocholinesterase deficiency can experience prolonged neuromuscular blockade if given succinylcholine or certain other drugs. We describe the case of a patient with a reported pseudocholinesterase deficiency requiring emergent prehospital airway management. Knowledge of the reported condition influenced airway management decisions.

Masseter spasm after succinylcholine administration

We report the case of a 20-year-old woman who developed masseter spasm after receiving succinylcholine for rapid sequence intubation. Sometimes referred to as "jaws of steel," masseter spasm secondary to anesthetic administration may progress to malignant hyperthermia. Although succinylcholine-induced masseter spasm is uncommon, it is important to be prepared to deal with this entity when administering succinylcholine.

Emergency airway management

Airway control is one of the most critical interventions required for saving a life. It is essential that practitioners be as well trained as possible in the numerous techniques available to establish airway control. This article reviews some of the available techniques, though other techniques that are not discussed (such as fiberoptic-assisted endotracheal intubation) may also be useful. Perhaps the most important aspect of advanced airway management is the ability to anticipate and prepare for the difficult airway. This article gives numerous options for the difficult airway situation.

Etomidate versus succinylcholine for intubation in an air medical setting

The objective was to compare rates of successful endotracheal intubation (ETI) and requirement for multiple ETI attempts in patients receiving etomidate (ETOM) versus succinylcholine (SUX). This retrospective study analyzed adults in whom oral ETI was attempted by a helicopter EMS (HEMS) service between July 1997 to July 1999. Data were from records of the HEMS service, which uses a RN/EMTP crew; analysis was with chi-square and logistic regression (P = .05). ETI was successful in 269 (97.8%) of 275 patients, with multiple attempts occurring in 54 (20.1%) of 269. Success rates for SUX (209 of 213, 98.1%) and ETOM (60 of 62, 96.8%) were similar (P = .62). However, of 60 ETOM patients successfully intubated, 7 (11.7%) required rescue succinylcholine. When these patients are tallied as ETOM failures and SUX successes, resultant success rates for ETOM (86.9%) and SUX (98.2%) are different (P = .001). ETOM patients were more likely (P = .004) than SUX patients to require multiple attempts (33.3% versus 16.3%). ETI success rates were high in patients receiving SUX or ETOM as primary adjuncts for airway control, but initial success was more likely with SUX, and ETOM patients were more likely to require multiple attempts.

Neuromuscular blockade in children

Neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) have been widely used to control patients who need to be immobilized for some kind of medical intervention, such as an invasive procedure or synchronism with mechanical ventilation. The purpose of this monograph is to review the pharmacology of the NMBAs, to compare the main differences between the neuromuscular junction in neonates, infants, toddlers and adults, and moreover to discuss their indications in critically ill pediatric patients. Continuous improvement of knowledge about NMBAs pharmacology, adverse effects, and the many other remaining unanswered questions about neuromuscular junction and neuromuscular blockade in children is essential for the correct use of these drugs. Therefore, the indication of these agents in pediatrics is determined with extreme judiciousness. Computerized (Medline 1990-2000) and active search of articles were the mechanisms used in this review.