Comparative study of intubating conditions at the first minute with suxamethonium, rocuronium and different priming techniques of rocuronium

Rocuronium versus succinylcholine for rapid sequence induction intubation

BACKGROUND

Patients often require a rapid sequence induction (RSI) endotracheal intubation technique during emergencies or electively to protect against aspiration, increased intracranial pressure, or to facilitate intubation. Traditionally succinylcholine has been the most commonly used muscle relaxant for this purpose because of its fast onset and short duration; unfortunately, it can have serious side effects. Rocuronium has been suggested as an alternative to succinylcholine for intubation. This is an update of our Cochrane review published first in 2003 and then updated in 2008 and now in 2015.

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether rocuronium creates intubating conditions comparable to those of succinylcholine during RSI intubation.

SEARCH METHODS

In our initial review we searched all databases until March 2000, followed by an update to June 2007. This latest update included searching the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; 2015, Issue 2), MEDLINE (1966 to February Week 2 2015), and EMBASE (1988 to February 14 2015 ) for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or controlled clinical trials (CCTs) relating to the use of rocuronium and succinylcholine. We included foreign language journals and handsearched the references of identified studies for additional citations.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included any RCT or CCT that reported intubating conditions in comparing the use of rocuronium and succinylcholine for RSI or modified RSI in any age group or clinical setting. The dose of rocuronium was at least 0.6 mg/kg and succinylcholine was at least 1 mg/kg.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors (EN and DT) independently extracted data and assessed methodological quality for the 'Risk of bias' tables. We combined the outcomes in Review Manager 5 using a risk ratio (RR) with a random-effects model.

MAIN RESULTS

The previous update (2008) had identified 53 potential studies and included 37 combined for meta-analysis. In this latest update we identified a further 13 studies and included 11, summarizing the results of 50 trials including 4151 participants. Overall, succinylcholine was superior to rocuronium for achieving excellent intubating conditions: RR 0.86 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.81 to 0.92; n = 4151) and clinically acceptable intubation conditions (RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.95 to 0.99; n = 3992, 48 trials). A high incidence of detection bias amongst the trials coupled with significant heterogeneity provides moderate-quality evidence for these conclusions, which are unchanged from the previous update. Succinylcholine was more likely to produce excellent intubating conditions when using thiopental as the induction agent: RR 0.81 (95% CI: 0.73 to 0.88; n = 2302, 28 trials). In the previous update, we had concluded that propofol was the superior induction agent with succinylcholine. There were no reported incidences of severe adverse outcomes. We found no statistical difference in intubation conditions when succinylcholine was compared to 1.2 mg/kg rocuronium; however, succinylcholine was clinically superior as it has a shorter duration of action.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Succinylcholine created superior intubation conditions to rocuronium in achieving excellent and clinically acceptable intubating conditions.

Gender determines the effect of atracurium priming technique in a randomized study

Objective: To evaluate the effect of priming atracurium over onset time and intubating time of general anesthesia between different genders.

Methodology: Sixty-six male and sixty-four female patients, ASA I-II, aged 18-65 years, were randomly divided into four groups: group M₁: male patients with saline priming; group M₂: male patients with priming atracurium dose of 0.05 mg/kg; group F₁: female patients with saline priming; group F₂: female patients with priming atracurium dose of 0.05 mg/kg. General anesthesia was induced with midazolam(0.1 mg*kg^-1) propofol(0.75 mg*kg^-1), intubation dose of atracurium (0.5 mg*kg^-1), fentanyl (3 μg*kg^-1). The incidences of dizziness, diplopia, heavy eyelids and dyspnea were observed. Neuromuscular tension was quantified by using TOF-Guard neuromuscular monitor, and intubating time was defined as the duration from the infusion of intubation dose of atracurium to the time when T4/T1=0.

Results: The intubating time of group F2 was shorter than that of group F1. There was no significant difference between group M1 and group M2. The incidences of dizziness, diplopia and heavy eyelids in group F2 were higher than those in group M2.

Conclusion: Atracurium priming technique could shorten the intubation time of female patients, but not for male patients, and the gender plays a key role in affecting the clinical outcome of atracurium priming.

Rocuronium versus succinylcholine for rapid sequence induction intubation

BACKGROUND

Patients requiring emergency endotracheal intubation often require a rapid sequence induction (RSI) intubation technique to protect against aspiration or increased intracranial pressure, or to facilitate intubation. Succinylcholine is the most commonly used muscle relaxant because of its fast onset and short duration; unfortunately, it can have serious side effects. Rocuronium has been suggested as an alternative to succinylcholine for intubation. This meta-analysis is an update since our initial Cochrane systematic review in 2003.

OBJECTIVES

To determine if rocuronium creates comparable intubating conditions to succinylcholine during RSI intubation. Comparisons were made based on dose of rocuronium, narcotic use, emergency versus elective intubation, age and induction agent. The primary outcome was excellent intubation conditions. The secondary outcome was acceptable conditions.

SEARCH STRATEGY

In our initial systematic review we searched all databases until March 2000. We have updated that search and searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library, 2007 issue 3), MEDLINE (1966 to June Week 3 2007), EMBASE (1988 to 2007 Week 26) for randomized controlled trials or controlled clinical trials relating to the use of rocuronium and succinylcholine. We included foreign language journals and handsearched the references of identified studies for additional citations.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included all trials meeting the inclusion criteria (comparison of rocuronium and succinylcholine, main outcomes of intubation conditions).

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors (JP, JL or VS) independently extracted data and assessed methodological quality for allocation concealment. We combined the outcomes in RevMan using relative risk (RR) with a random-effects model.

MAIN RESULTS

In our initial systematic review we identified 40 studies and included 26. In this update we identified a further 18 studies and included 11. In total, we identified 58 potential studies; 37 were combined for meta-analysis. Overall, succinylcholine was superior to rocuronium, RR 0.86 (95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.80 to 0.92) (n = 2690). In the group that used propofol for induction, the intubation conditions were superior with succinylcholine (RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.80 to 0.97) (n = 1183). This is contrary to our previous meta-analysis results where we reported that intubation conditions were superior in the rocuronium group when propofol was used. We found no statistical difference in intubation conditions when succinylcholine was compared to 1.2mg/kg rocuronium; however, succinylcholine was clinically superior as it has a shorter duration of action.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Succinylcholine created superior intubation conditions to rocuronium when comparing both excellent and clinically acceptable intubating conditions.

[Anesthesia in malignant hyperthermia]

Malignant hyperthermia is a condition for which the anesthesiologist must be prepared to take specific measures. Associated mortality is high despite correct diagnosis and, occasionally, the right treatment. Malignant hyperthermia is rare in Spain, however, and perhaps for this reason the Spanish public health authorities have not made an effort to respond to persistent calls for a national reference center for study and diagnosis, such as can be found in other European countries. The problem of malignant hyperthermia may become worse in the near future due to changes in the population brought about by immigration. It is therefore necessary to establish appropriately revised protocols and action plans to cope with this possibility. A reference center cannot be created by individuals, but we can become more aware of the need to establish up-to-date protocols in our departments in order to be prepared for this situation.

Impact of the intubation model on the efficacy of rocuronium during rapid sequence intubation: systematic review of randomized trials

BACKGROUND

Propofol-rocuronium is thought to be superior to thiopental-rocuronium for rapid sequence intubation (RSI). The role of the intubation model per se has never been investigated.

METHODS

Randomized comparisons of rocuronium with succinylcholine for true RSI (administration of muscle relaxant immediately after the hypnotic, intubation within 60 s) or modified RSI (delay between administration of the hypnotic and the muscle relaxant, intubation within 60 s) were sought. Good or excellent intubation conditions were expressed as relative risks (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

RESULTS

Twelve trials (1,471 patients) used a true RSI. With propofol for induction, RR for good or excellent intubation conditions with conventional rocuronium doses (0.6-0.7 mg/kg) was 0.95 (95%CI, 0.90-1.00), with high doses (0.9-1.2 mg/kg) was 0.96 (0.92-1.01) compared with succinylcholine. With thiopental for induction, RR with conventional rocuronium doses was 0.69 (0.61-0.78) and with high doses was 0.99 (0.95-1.03). Nine trials (340 patients) used a modified RSI. With propofol for induction, RR with conventional rocuronium doses was 0.98 (0.91-1.06); data on high rocuronium doses were lacking. With thiopental for induction, RR with conventional rocuronium doses was 0.97 (0.92-1.02) and with high doses was 1.0. There was no evidence that concomitantly used opioids or the dose of the induction agent had an impact on intubation conditions, independent of the intubation model.

CONCLUSION

The efficacy of rocuronium for RSI is influenced by both, the induction agent and the intubation model. To test the clinical usefulness of alternatives to succinylcholine for RSI, a true RSI model should be used.

CISATRACURIUM VS. ROCURONIUM: A PROSPECTIVE, COMPARATIVE, RANDOMIZED STUDY IN ADULT PATIENTS UNDER TOTAL INTRAVENOUS ANAESTHESIA

AIMS

To compare the pharmacodynamics of cisatracurium and rocuronium-induced neuromuscular block following single dose, allowing either spontaneous or neostigmine-accelerated complete recovery.

METHODS

Following the ethics committee approval and informed consent, 120 patients scheduled for elective surgery under TIVA with tracheal intubation were randomized into 4 groups with different cisatracurium (CIS, 0.10 or 0.15 mg.kg(-1)) or rocuronium (ROC, 0.60 or 0.90 mg.kg(-1)) doses administered. For each patient, the onset time for 95 % depression of T1, clinical duration until 25 % recovery, recovery index (T1 from 25 to 75 %) and time from T1 25 % to TOF-ratio 0.9 were determined allowing either spontaneous or induced recovery.

RESULTS

The onset times were 277 (SD 58), 220 (46), 91 (16) and 77 (16) s for the CIS 0.10, CIS 0.15, ROC 0.60 and ROC 0.90 groups (p < 0.05), respectively, with lower variability in both ROC groups (p < 0.05). The clinical durations were 42 (7), 52 (7), 35 (11) and 52 (12) min, respectively (p < 0.05 for lower doses). Recovery index was identical in all groups allowing either spontaneous recovery - 15.9 (1.8), 15.5 (1.7), 16.1 (3.7) and 16.1 (4.0) min, or following neostigmine administration - 4.4 (0.9), 4.5 (0.8), 4.3 (0.8) and 4.7 (0.7) min for respective groups. During spontaneous recovery, the variability of DUR25-TOF90 was twice as great for ROC than CIS groups (p < 0.05), while after neostigmine administration it was uniform in all groups.

CONCLUSIONS

For equipotent doses, the onset times for CIS were approximately three times longer than for ROC. The average clinical duration for both relaxants ranged from 35 to 52 min with acceptable variability. Neostigmine administration accelerated the recovery and reduced its variability. When allowing for spontaneous recovery, less scatter was demonstrated for both CIS groups than for ROC ones.