Intubating conditions following 1R CIS, 1'R CIS atracurium (51W89). A comparison with atracurium

Atracurium Versus Cis-Atracurium for Laryngeal Relaxation and Hemodynamic Stability in Pediatric Patients: A Randomized, Double-Blind Study

Background and aim Equipotent dose of atracurium and cis-atracurium has failed to show clinically equi-effective muscle relaxation actions required for laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation (LETI) in adults. There needs to be more data on children. We aimed to compare the efficacy of equipotent atracurium and cis-atracurium for producing optimal LETI. We also compared the hemodynamic stability and side effects. Methods With approvals and informed consent, 104 children between three and 12 years were enrolled in the present randomized, double-blind, parallel-arm study. Fifty-two participants were recruited in each group and received either 2ED95 atracurium (0.5mg/kg) or 2ED95 cis-atracurium (0.1mg/kg). Three-point scale, i.e., excellent, good, and poor, were assigned based on jaw relaxation, vocal cords, diaphragmatic movement, coughing, and resistance to the laryngoscope blade. Basic hemodynamics and adverse events like flushing, hemodynamic instability, and airway spasms were noted. The groups were compared using Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney U or Chi-square tests as applicable; a p-value <0.05 was considered significant. Results Entire enrolled participants completed the study. Excellent LETI conditions were significantly higher in the atracurium than in cis-atracurium (53.8% versus 19.2%, p-value <0.001). In the present study, blunted laryngoscopy-related sympathetic surge containing the increase in hemodynamic parameters within 20% from the baseline was noted in both groups, but the blunting and fall back of hemodynamic towards the baseline was rapid in the atracurium (within 7 minutes of LETI) group than cis-atracurium, i.e., 72 minutes; p-value <0.001. Only one flushing was noted in the atracurium group compared to none in the cis-atracurium. Conclusion 2ED95 dose of cis-atracurium (0.1mg/kg), although have minor advantages of maintaining hemodynamic better, has lower adverse events, it provides significantly lower 'Excellent LETI conditions' when compared to 2ED95 dose of atracurium (0.5mg/kg) in children of age three to 12 years.

Pharmacodynamics of cisatracurium in the intensive care unit: an observational study

Background

Data from previous studies indicate that optimal conditions for intubation are met 120 seconds after administration of 0.15 mg.kg^-1 cisatracurium (ED95 × 3) following the induction of anesthesia. The aim of this study was to compare the doses required for complete paralysis after induction of anesthesia in ICU patients with the dose used in patients undergoing elective surgery.

Methods

Seventeen ICU patients undergoing percutaneous tracheostomy and 17 patients undergoing an elective surgical procedure under muscle relaxation were included. In both groups, an initial intravenous bolus of cisatracurium besylate was given at a dose of 0.15 mg.kg^-1 followed by repeated boluses of 0.03 mg.kg^-1 every four minutes. The objective was to obtain no response to the train-of-four (TOF). The contractile response of the corrugator supercilii muscle was monitored every minute by observing the TOF in response to a peripheral nerve stimulator with a constant current set to 60 mA.

Results

After the initial dose of cisatracurium, none of ICU patients (0/17) versus 15/17 of the elective surgery patients were completely paralyzed (P < 0.0001). There was a delay in the onset of neuromuscular blockade among the ICU patients. The cumulative doses of cisatracurium were significantly higher in the ICU group with 38 ± 14 mg (that is, 10 ± 4.7 ED95) versus 11 ± 2 mg (that is, 3 ± 0.3 ED95) in the elective surgery group (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

The dosing of cisatracrurium for ICU patients, which is based on the dose recommended for elective anesthesia, is unsuitable because the onset is too slow. This phenomenon is probably caused by changes in the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics. These data suggest that neuromuscular monitoring should be used in the ICU.

Primingtechnik mit Cisatracurium

OBJECTIVE

Priming can significantly shorten the onset of nondepolarizing neuromuscular blocking agents (NNBA) measured at the adductor pollicis muscle (APM). In spite of the known risks, priming is very popular especially in cases where NNBAs with a long onset time are used. However, there are no data regarding the onset of action for a priming technique measured at the laryngeal muscles although these muscles are of great importance for conditions of intubation and patient safety. The aim of this study was to compare a bolus application and a priming technique with respect to the laryngeal onset time and peak effect.

PATIENT AND METHODS

After approval of the local ethics committee and written informed consent, 36 patients undergoing elective thyroid surgery were enrolled in the study. Anesthesia was induced and maintained with a target controlled infusion of propofol (target concentration 2.7-6.0 microg/ml) and infusion of remifentanil (0.25-0.75 microg/kgbw/min). After loss of consciousness, a tube with a surface electrode was placed into the trachea without the application of any neuromuscular blocking agent. Neuromuscular monitoring consisted of evoked electromyography (EMG) of the laryngeal adductor muscles via the surface electrode and evoked acceleromyography (TOF Guard) of the right adductor pollicis muscle (APM). After transcutaneous stimulation of the recurrent laryngeal nerve and ulnar nerve, either 0.9% NaCl followed by 0.1 mg/kgbw cisatracurium after 3 min (bolus group, n=12), a priming dose of 0.01 mg/kgbw cisatracurium followed by 0.09 mg/kgbw 3 min later (low dose priming group, n=12) or a priming dose of 0.015 mg/kgbw cisatracurium followed by cisatracurium 0.085 mg/kgbw 3 min later (high dose priming group, n=12) were injected. Lag time, onset time and peak effect of NMB were recorded and compared between the groups.

RESULTS

Demographic data, lag time and peak effect were comparable between the three groups. Onset time at the laryngeal muscles was significantly shorter in the high dose priming group (80+/-17 s), when compared to the low dose priming group (128+/-23 s) and bolus group (142+/-29 s). Onset time at the APM was also significantly shorter in the high dose priming group (154+/-35 s), when compared with the bolus group (226+/-76 s). The recovery of the neuromuscular function measured at the APM showed no differences between the groups.

CONCLUSION

Our results show that only high dose priming of cisatracurium can significantly shorten the laryngeal onset time. However, clinical routine use is not recommended due to possible side-effects.

Tracheal intubating conditions and pharmacodynamics following cisatracurium in infants and children undergoing halothane and thiopental-fentanyl anesthesia

BACKGROUND

The aims of the present study were to determine the tracheal intubating conditions, onset time, duration of action, and hemodynamic responses following the administration of cisatracurium 0.15 mg x kg(-1) to infants and children.

METHODS

One hundred and eighty-one infants and children aged 1 month to 12 years were randomized to two groups to receive anesthesia with nitrous oxide-oxygen-halothane (group H) or nitrous oxide-oxygen-thiopental-fentanyl (group TF). Intubation conditions were assessed 120 s after cisatracurium administration using a 4-part scale. Neuromuscular transmission was monitored by recording the evoked compound electromyogram of the adductor pollicis.

RESULTS

The proportion of patients with excellent or good intubating conditions was similar in both groups (88 of 90, 98% in group H; 85 of 90, 94% in group TF). However, there was a significantly greater proportion of excellent intubating conditions in group H (79 of 90, 88%) compared with group TF (65 of 90, 72%) (P = 0.01) and recovery time was significantly longer in group H compared with group TF (P < 0.001). There was also a higher proportion of excellent intubating conditions in infants compared with older subjects (P = 0.02) and a shorter onset time (P < 0.001) and longer recovery time (P < 0.001) in younger compared with older patients. Changes in heart rate and arterial pressure were negligible 1 min following the cisatracurium administration.

CONCLUSIONS

Cisatracurium 0.15 mg x kg(-1) produces acceptable intubating conditions at 120 s in the great majority of infants and children. Anesthesia background and age have significant effects on intubating conditions and duration of action of cisatracurium.

Comparison of the neuromuscular blocking effect of cisatracurium and atracurium on the larynx and the adductor pollicis

BACKGROUND

Cisatracurium unlike atracurium is devoid of histamine-induced cardiovascular effects and this alone would be the greatest advantage in replacing atracurium for the facilitation of tracheal intubation. On the other hand, 2 ED(95) doses of cisatracurium (100 micro g/kg) do not yield satisfactory intubating conditions such as those seen with equipotent doses of atracurium and therefore the recommended intubating dose of cisatracurium is 3 ED(95). To understand this discrepancy better, we evaluated the potency and onset of atracurium and cisatracurium directly at the larynx adductors in humans.

METHODS

The study was conducted in 54 patients (ASA class I or II) undergoing peripheral surgery requiring general anesthesia. Cisatracurium 25-150 micro g/kg or atracurium 120-500 micro g/kg intravenous (i.v.) boluses doses were administered during anesthesia with propofol, nitrous oxide, oxygen and fentanyl. Neuromuscular block was measured by electromyography (single twitch stimulation every 10 s) at the larynx and the adductor pollicis. The dose-response effect measured at both muscles included maximum neuromuscular blockade achieved (Emax), the time to maximum depression of twitch height (onset) and time to spontaneous recovery of the twitch height to 25%, 75% and 90% (T25, T75, T90) of control value.

RESULT

The onset at the larynx was of 196 +/- 28 s after the 100 micro g/kg cisatracurium dose compared with 140 +/- 14 s after the 500 micro g/kg atracurium dose (P < 0.05). Emax at the larynx was 92 +/- 1% and 98 +/- 1% after 100 micro g/kg cisatracurium and 500 micro g/kg atracurium, respectively (P < 0.05). The time to onset of maximum suppression Emax = 100 +/- 0% after a 150 micro g/kg cisatracurium dose was 148 +/- 29 s. At the larynx, the ED(50) was 25 micro g/kg for cisatracurium and 180 micro g/kg for atracurium and the ED(95) was 87 micro g/kg for cisatracurium compared with 400 micro g/kg for atracurium.

CONCLUSION

The slow onset time at the laryngeal muscles after cisatracurium can be explained by the higher potency as compared with atracurium.

Cricoid yoke: the effect of surface area and applied force on discomfort experienced by conscious volunteers

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The application of cricoid force is central to techniques that reduce the risk of gastric regurgitation and the subsequent pulmonary aspiration associated with obstetric and emergency anaesthesia. The discomfort associated with cricoid force in awake preoperative patients increases the incidence of coughing, struggling and pain during induction of anaesthesia. This study determined if increasing the surface area of a cricoid yoke reduced the associated discomfort in volunteers.

METHODS

Fifty volunteers participated in a randomized single-blinded study. The cricoid yoke was positioned using standard anatomical landmarks and forces of 10, 20, 30 and 40 N were applied in a random order for 20s, using two different yoke attachments with surface areas of 3 and 10 cm2. A rest of 30s was allowed between the application of forces. Discomfort was graded by volunteers on a scale from 0 to 10 (0: no discomfort; 10: worse discomfort imaginable). A score of 10 was allocated if the volunteers could not tolerate the applied force for 20s.

RESULTS

Median scores for the small yoke were always higher than those for the large yoke at each force. There were significant differences between the scores for the small and large yokes at 10 and 20 N (P < 0.001) and 30 N (P = 0.0233), but there was no significant difference at 40 N.

CONCLUSIONS

The larger yoke was tolerated better by volunteers when clinically relevant cricoid forces were applied.

Tracheal intubation without muscle relaxants: remifentanil or alfentanil in combination with propofol

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

In some situations, the use of muscle relaxants (neuromuscular blocking drugs) are undesirable or contraindicated. We compared intubating conditions without muscle relaxants in premedicated patients receiving either alfentanil 40 microg kg(-1) or remifentanil 2, 3 or 4 microg kg(-1) followed by propofol 2 mg kg(-1).

METHODS

In a randomized, double-blind study, 80 healthy patients were assigned to one of four groups (n = 20). After intravenous atropine, alfentanil 40 microg kg(-1) or remifentanil 2, 3 or 4 microg kg(-1) were injected over 90 s followed by propofol 2 mg kg(-1). Ninety seconds after administration of the propofol, laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation were attempted. Intubating conditions were assessed as excellent, good or poor on the basis of ease of lung ventilation, jaw relaxation, laryngoscopy, position of the vocal cords, and patient response to intubation and slow inflation of the endotracheal tube cuff.

RESULTS

Seven patients who received remifentanil 2 microg kg(-1) and one patient who received remifentanil 3 microg kg(-1) could not be intubated at the first attempts. Excellent intubating conditions (jaw relaxed, vocal cords open and no movement in response to tracheal intubation and cuff inflation) were observed in those who received either alfentanil 40 microg kg(-1) (45% of patients) or remifentanil in doses of 2 microg kg(-1) (20%), 3 microg kg(-1) (75%) or 4 microg kg(-1) (95%). Overall, intubating conditions were significantly better (P < 0.05), and the number of patients showing excellent conditions were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in patients who received remifentanil 4 microg kg(-1) compared with those who received alfentanil 40 microg kg(-1) or remifentanil 2 microg kg(-1). No patient needed treatment for hypotension or bradycardia.

CONCLUSIONS

Remifentanil 4 microg kg(-1) and propofol 2 mg kg(-1) administered in sequence intravenously provided good or excellent conditions for tracheal intubation in all patients without the use of muscle relaxants.

Stability of the LMA-ProSeal and standard laryngeal mask airway in different head and neck positions: a randomized crossover study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The LMA-ProSeal laryngeal mask airway is a new laryngeal mask airway with a modified cuff and drainage tube. We compared oropharyngeal leak pressure, intracuff pressure and anatomical position (assessed fibreoptically) for the Size 5 LMA-ProSeal laryngeal mask airway and the classic laryngeal mask airway in different head-neck positions and using different intracuff inflation volumes.

METHODS

Thirty paralysed anaesthetized adult male patients were studied. The LMA-ProSeal laryngeal mask airway and the classic laryngeal mask airway were inserted into each patient in random order. The oropharyngeal leak pressure, intracuff pressure, and anatomical position of the airway tube and drainage tube (LMA-ProSeal laryngeal mask airway only) were documented in four head and neck positions (neutral first, then flexion, extension and rotation in random order), and at 0-40 mL cuff volumes in the neutral position in 10 mL increments.

RESULTS

Compared with the neutral position, the oropharyngeal leak pressure for both the LMA-ProSeal laryngeal mask airway and the classic laryngeal mask airway was higher in flexion and rotation (all P < or = 0.02), but lower in extension (all P < or = 0.01). Changes in head-neck position did not alter the anatomical position of the airway tube or the drainage tube. The oropharyngeal leak pressure was always higher for the LMA-ProSeal laryngeal mask airway (all P < or = 0.005) and anatomical position better for the classic laryngeal mask airway (all P < or = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

The anatomical position of the LMA-ProSeal and the classic laryngeal mask airway is stable in different head-neck positions, but head-neck flexion and rotation are associated with an increase, and head-neck extension a decrease, in oropharyngeal leak pressure and intracuff pressure. The Size 5 LMA-ProSeal laryngeal mask airway is capable of forming a more effective seal than the Size 5 classic laryngeal mask airway in males.

Breathing pattern and workload during automatic tube compensation, pressure support and T-piece trials in weaning patients

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Automatic tube compensation has been designed as a new ventilatory mode to compensate for the non-linear resistance of the endotracheal tube. The study investigated the effects of automatic tube compensation compared with breathing through a T-piece or pressure support during a trial of spontaneous breathing used for weaning patients from mechanical ventilation of the lungs.

METHODS

Twelve patients were studied who were ready for weaning after prolonged mechanical ventilation (10.2 +/- 8.4 days) due to acute respiratory failure. Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were excluded. Thirty minutes of automatic tube compensation were compared with 30 min periods of 7 cmH2O pressure support and T-piece breathing. Breathing patterns and workload indices were measured at the end of each study period.

RESULTS

During T-piece breathing, the peak inspiratory flow rate (0.65 +/- 0.20 L s(-1)) and minute ventilation (8.9 +/- 2.7L min(-1)) were lower than during either pressure support (peak inspiratory flow rate 0.81 +/- 0.25 L s(-1) minute ventilation 10.2 +/- 2.3 L min(-1), respectively) or automatic tube compensation (peak inspiratory flow rate 0.75 +/- 0.26L s(-1); minute ventilation 10.8 +/- 2.7 L min(-1)). The pressure-time product as well as patients' work of breathing were comparable during automatic tube compensation (pressure-time product 214.5 +/- 104.6 cmH2O s(-1) min(-1), patient work of breathing 1.1 +/- 0.4 J L(-1)) and T-piece breathing (pressure-time product 208.3 +/- 121.6 cmH2O s(-1) min(-1), patient work of breathing 1.1 +/- 0.4 J L(-1)), whereas pressure support resulted in a significant decrease in workload indices (pressure-time product 121.2 +/- 64.1 cmH2O s(-1) min(-1), patient work of breathing 0.7 +/- 0.4 J L(-1)).

CONCLUSIONS

In weaning from mechanical lung ventilation, patients' work of breathing during spontaneous breathing trials is clearly reduced by the application of pressure support 7 cmH2O, whereas the workload during automatic tube compensation corresponded closely to the values during trials of breathing through a T-piece.

Anaesthetic agents in adult day case surgery

This study reports a review of all comparative published studies of adult day case anaesthesia in the English language up to December 2000. Ten databases were searched using appropriate keywords and data were extracted in a standardized fashion. One hundred-and-one published studies were examined. Recovery measurements were grouped as early, intermediate, late, psychomotor and adverse effects. With respect to induction of anaesthesia, propofol was superior to methohexital, etomidate and thiopental, but equal to sevoflurane and desflurane. Desflurane and sevoflurane were both superior to thiopental. There was no detectable difference between sevoflurane and isoflurane. With respect to the maintenance of anaesthesia, isoflurane and halothane were the worst. There were no significant differences between propofol, desflurane, sevoflurane and enflurane. Propofol is the induction agent of choice in day case patients. The use of a propofol infusion and avoidance of nitrous oxide may help to reduce postoperative nausea and vomiting.

Prediction of difficult tracheal intubation

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Preoperative bedside screening tests for difficult tracheal intubation may be neither sensitive nor specific enough for clinical use. The aim was to investigate if a combination of the Mallampati classification of the oropharyngeal view with either the thyromental or sternomental distance measurement improved the predictive value.

METHODS

A total of 212 (109 male, 103 female) non-obstetric surgical patients, aged >18 yr, undergoing elective surgical procedures requiring tracheal intubation were assessed preoperatively with respect to the oropharyngeal (modified Mallampati) classification, thyromental and sternomental distances. An experienced anaesthetist, blinded to the preoperative airway assessment, performed laryngoscopy and graded the view according to Cormack and Lehane's classification.

RESULTS

Twenty tracheal intubations (9%) were difficult as defined by a Cormack and Lehane Grade 3 or 4, or the requirement for a bougie in patients with Cormack and Lehane Grade 2. Used alone, the Mallampati oropharyngeal view, and thyromental and sternomental distances were associated with poor sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive values. Combining the Mallampati Class III or IV with either a thyromental distance <6.5cm or a sternomental distance <12.5cm decreased the sensitivity (from 40 to 25 and 20%, respectively), but maintained a negative predictive value of 93%. The specificity and positive predictive values increased from 89 and 27% respectively for Mallampati alone to 100%.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest that the Mallampati classification, in conjunction with measurement of the thyromental and sternomental distances, may be a useful routine screening test for preoperative prediction of difficult tracheal intubation.

Remifentanil versus alfentanil in total intravenous anaesthesia for day case surgery

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

We assessed the intraoperative haemodynamic responses and recovery profiles of total intravenous anaesthesia with remifentanil and alfentanil for outpatient surgery.

METHODS

Patients in Group 1 (n = 20) received alfentanil 20 microg kg(-1) followed by 2 microg kg(-1) min(-1) intravenously; patients in Group 2 (n = 20) received remifentanil 1 microg kg(-1) followed by 0.5 microg kg(-1) min(-1) intravenously. Both groups then received propofol 2 mg kg(-1) followed by 9 mg kg(-1) h(-1) intravenously. Five minutes after skin incision, infusion rates were decreased, and at the end of surgery, all infusions were discontinued. Early recovery was assessed by the Aldrete score, whereas intermediate recovery was assessed with the postanaesthetic discharge scoring system (PADS).

RESULTS

Perioperative arterial pressure was similar in both groups; heart rate was lower in Group 2 (P < 0.05). The times to spontaneous and adequate respiration, response to verbal commands, extubation and times for Aldrete score > or = 9 were shorter in Group 2 patients (P < 0.05). Pain scores were higher in Group 2 patients (P < 0.05). Overall times for postanaesthetic discharge scores > or = 9 were similar.

CONCLUSIONS

Early recovery of patients after day surgery is significantly shorter after total intravenous anaesthesia with remifentanil compared with that with alfentanil but postoperative pain management must be planned ahead.

Effects of different doses of oral ketamine for premedication of children

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

A need exists for a safe and effective oral preanaesthetic medication for use in children undergoing elective surgery. The study sought to define the dose of oral ketamine that would facilitate induction of anaesthesia without causing significant side-effects.

METHODS

We studied 80 children undergoing elective surgery under general anaesthesia who received oral ketamine 4, 6 or 8 mg kg(-1) in a prospective, randomized, double-blind placebo controlled study. We compared the reaction to separation from parents, transport to the operating room, the response to intravenous cannula insertion and application of an anaesthetic facemask, the induction of anaesthesia and recovery from anaesthesia.

RESULTS

In the group receiving ketamine 8 mg kg(-1), the children were significantly calmer than those of the other groups, and anaesthesia induction was more comfortable. Recovery from anaesthesia was longer in the group receiving ketamine 8 mg kg(-1) compared with the other groups, but no differences between the groups were observed after 2 h in the recovery room.

CONCLUSIONS

It is concluded that oral ketamine 8 mg kg(-1) is an effective oral premedication in inpatient children undergoing elective surgery.

Trendelenburg positioning after cardiac surgery: effects on intrathoracic blood volume index and cardiac performance

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The efficacy of the Trendelenburg position, a common first step to treat suspected hypovolaemia, remains controversial. We evaluated its haemodynamic effects on cardiac preload and performance in patients after cardiac surgery.

METHODS

Twelve patients undergoing mechanical ventilation of the lungs who demonstrated left ventricular 'kissing papillary muscles' by transoesophageal echocardiography, thus suggesting hypovolaemia, were positioned 30 degrees head down for 15 min immediately after cardiac surgery. Cardiac output by thermodilution, central venous pressure, pulmonary artery occlusion pressure, left ventricular end-diastolic area by transoesophageal echocardiography and intrathoracic blood volume by thermo- and dye dilution were determined before, during and after this Trendelenburg manoeuvre.

RESULTS

Trendelenburg's manoeuvre was associated with increases in central venous pressure (9 +/- 2 to 12 +/- 3 mmHg) and pulmonary artery occlusion pressure (8 +/- 2 to 11 +/- 3 mmHg). The intrathoracic blood volume index increased slightly (dye dilution from 836 +/- 129 to 872 +/- 112 mL m(-2); thermodilution from 823 +/- 129 to 850 +/- 131 mL m(-2)) as did the left ventricular end-diastolic area index (7.5 +/- 2.1 to 8.1 +/- 1.7 cm2 m(-2)), whereas mean arterial pressure and the cardiac index did not change significantly. After supine repositioning, the cardiac index decreased significantly below baseline (3.0 +/- 0.6 versus 3.5 +/- 0.8 L min(-1) m(-2)) as did mean arterial pressure (76 +/- 12 versus 85 +/- 11 mmHg), central venous pressure (8 +/- 2 mmHg) and pulmonary artery occlusion pressure (6 +/- 4 mmHg). The intrathoracic blood volume index and left ventricular end-diastolic area index did not differ significantly from baseline.

CONCLUSIONS

Trendelenburg's manoeuvre caused only a slight increase of preload volume, despite marked increases in cardiac-filling pressures, without significantly improving cardiac performance.

Anaesthetic and haemodynamic effects of continuous spinal versus continuous epidural anaesthesia with prilocaine

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

To compare, using prilocaine, the effects of continuous spinal anaesthesia (CSA) and continuous epidural anaesthesia (CEA) on haemodynamic stability as well as the quality of anaesthesia and recovery in patients undergoing transurethral resection of the prostate gland.

METHODS

Thirty patients (>60 yr) were randomized into two groups. Prilocaine, 2% 40 mg, was given to patients in the CSA group, and prilocaine 1% 150mg was given to patients in the CEA group. Incremental doses were given if the level of sensory block was lower than T10 or if needed during surgery.

RESULTS

There was a significant decrease in mean arterial pressure in Group CEA compared with Group CSA (P < 0.01). The decrease in heart rate in Group CSA occurred 10 min after the first local anaesthetic administration and continued through the operation (P < 0.05). The level of sensory anaesthesia was similar in both groups. The times to reach the level of T10 and the upper level of sensory blockade (Tmax) were 18.0 +/- 4.7 and 25.3 +/- 7.0 min in Groups CSA and CEA, respectively, and were significantly longer in Group CEA. The duration of anaesthesia was 76.8 +/- 4min and was shorter in Group CSA (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Spinal or epidural anaesthesia administered continuously was reliable in elderly patients undergoing transurethral resection of the prostate. Continuous spinal anaesthesia had a more rapid onset of action, produced more effective sensory and motor blockade and had a shorter recovery period. Prilocaine appeared to be a safe local anaesthetic for use with either continuous spinal anaesthesia or continuous epidural anaesthesia.

Cortical activity assessed by Narcotrend in relation to haemodynamic responses to tracheal intubation at different stages of cortical suppression and reflex control

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Many anaesthesiologists still interpret haemodynamic responses as signs of insufficient cortical suppression. The aim was to illustrate how haemodynamics may only poorly reflect the level of cortical suppression and that electroencephalographic monitoring could indicate different relationships between cortical effects and haemodynamics.

METHODS

Anaesthesia was induced with thiopental (7 mg kg(-1)), and fentanyl (2 microg kg(-1)) with succinylcholine (1.5 mg kg(-1)) for neuromuscular blockade in the 11 patients of Group 1. In Group 2 (n = 15), thiopental (7 mg kg(-1)) and succinylcholine (1.5 mg kg(-1)) were given. In Group 3, the patients (n = 13) received thiopental (7 mg kg(-1)), fentanyl (2 microg kg(-1)) and cisatracurium (0.1 mg kg(-1)), and they were intubated 3 min later than the patients in Groups 1 and 2. We determined conventional electroencephalographic (EEG) variables and classified 14 EEG stages in real-time ranging from A (= 1), indicating full wakefulness, to F1 (= 14), at profound cortical suppression.

RESULTS

All groups had profound cortical suppression 45 s after thiopental administration, which rapidly decreased (EEG stage, 11 (6-13) versus 7 (2-13) at 4 min, P < 0.0001). Decreasing EEG stages were associated with increasing SEF 95, relative alpha and beta power and decreasing relative delta power. During tracheal intubation, profound cortical suppression remained unchanged in Groups 1 and 2. In Group 3, cortical suppression had decreased before laryngoscopy (P < 0.005). In Group 2, 11 patients had heart rate responses to tracheal intubation, whereas only two responded in Group 1 (P = 0.015) and three in Group 3 (P = 0.02). Thirteen patients in Group 2 had arterial pressure responses, and five in Group 1 (P = 0.038). Circulatory responses did not differ between Groups 1 and 3.

CONCLUSIONS

Electroencephalographic monitoring was suitable to indicate in real-time that haemodynamics only poorly reflect rapidly changing levels of cortical suppression, and how haemodynamics and cortical activity depend on the applied combination of hypnotic and analgesic drugs during anaesthesia induction with thiopental.

Increasing the injection volume by dilution improves the onset of motor blockade, but not sensory blockade of ropivacaine for brachial plexus block

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Ropivacaine used for axillary plexus block provides effective motor and sensory blockade. Varying clinical dosage recommendations exist. Increasing the dosage by increasing the concentration showed no improvement in onset. We compared the behaviour of a constant dose of ropivacaine 150 mg diluted in a 30, 40 or 60 mL injection volume for axillary (brachial) plexus block.

METHODS

A prospective, randomized, observer-blinded study on patients undergoing elective hand surgery was conducted in a community hospital. Three groups of patients with a constant dose of ropivacaine 150 mg, diluted in 30,40 or 60 mL NaCl 0.9%, for axillary plexus blockade were compared for onset times of motor and sensory block onset by assessing muscle strength, two-point discrimination and constant-touch sensation.

RESULTS

Increasing the injection volume of ropivacaine 150 mg to 60 mL led to a faster onset of motor block, but not of sensory block, in axillary plexus block, compared with 30 or 40 mL volumes of injection.

CONCLUSIONS

The data show that the onset of motor, but not of sensory block, is accelerated by increasing the injection volume to 60 mL using ropivacaine 150 mg for axillary plexus block. This may be useful for a more rapid determination of whether the brachial plexus block is effective. However, when performing surgery in the area of the block, sensory block onset seems more important.

Newer neuromuscular blocking agents: how do they compare with established agents?

Rapacuronium bromide (rapacuronium; ORG-9487) is a nondepolarising muscle relaxant (NMBA) with a low potency [90% effective dose (ED90) 1 mg/kg], which to some extent is responsible for its rapid onset of action. Because of the high plasma clearance (5.3 to 11.1 mg/kg/min) of rapacuronium, its clinical duration of action following single bolus doses up to 2 mg/kg in adults is short (i.e. <20 minutes). Rapacuronium forms a pharmacologically active 3-desacetyl metabolite, ORG-9488, which may contribute to a delay in spontaneous recovery after repeat bolus doses or infusions. After rapacuronium 1.5 mg/kg clinically acceptable intubating conditions are achieved within 60 to 90 seconds in the majority of adult and elderly patients undergoing elective anaesthesia. However, in a rapid-sequence setting. intubating conditions are less favourable after rapacuronium 1.5 to 2.5 mg/kg than after succinylcholine. The most prominent adverse effects of rapacuronium (tachycardia, hypotension and bronchospasm) are dose-related, and in particular pulmonary adverse effects are observed more frequently under conditions of a rapid-sequence induction in adults. Therefore, it seems worthwhile to consider only doses of rapacuronium < or = 1.5 mg/kg to facilitate rapid tracheal intubation, and to use succinylcholine or rocuronium rather than rapacuronium in a rapid-sequence setting. Rapacuronium, however, is a suitable alternative to mivacurium chloride (mivacurium) and succinylcholine for short procedures (e.g. ambulatory anaesthesia). Rocuronium bromide (rocuronium) is a relatively low-potent, intermediateacting NMBA. Its main advantage is the rapid onset of neuromuscular block whereby good or excellent intubating conditions are achieved within 60 to 90 seconds after rocuronium 0.6 mg/kg (2 x ED95), and within 60 to 180 seconds after smaller doses (1 to 1.5 x ED95). Larger doses of rocuronium (> or = 1 mg/kg) seem to be suitable for rapid-sequence induction under relatively light anaesthesia. However, it is still a matter of controversy whether, in the case of an unanticipated difficult intubation, the long duration of rocuronium administered in such large doses outweighs the many adverse effects of succinylcholine. Rocuronium has mild vagolytic effects and does not release histamine, even when administered in large doses. Rocuronium is primarily eliminated via the liver and its pharmacokinetic profile is similar to that of vecuronium bromide (vecuronium). Unlike vecuronium, rocuronium has no metabolite. Cisatracurium besilate (cisatracurium), the IR-cis, 1'R-cis isomer of atracurium besilate (atracurium) is approximately 4 times more potent than atracurium. The onset time of cisatracurium is significantly slower than after equipotent doses of atracurium. The recommended intubating dose is 0.15 to 0.2 mg/kg (3 to 4 times ED95). Over a wide range of clinically relevant doses the recovery properties of cisatracurium are affected by neither the size of the bolus dose nor by the duration of infusion. Unlike atracurium, cisatracurium does not trigger histamine release. Like atracurium, cisatracurium undergoes Hofmann elimination. In contrast to atracurium, cisatracurium does not undergo hydrolysis by nonspecific plasma esterases. Moreover, about 77% of the drug is cleared by organ-dependent mechanisms.

Onset time, endotracheal intubating conditions, and plasma histamine after cisatracurium and vecuronium administration

Cisatracurium is a nondepolarizing muscle relaxant with a slow onset. We performed a prospective, randomized, double-blind clinical trial in 60 patients (ASA physical status I or II) to assess whether cisatracurium (0.15 or 0.25 mg/kg) or vecuronium (0.15 mg/kg), administered as a bolus immediately after induction of anesthesia with fentanyl and thiopental, would provide a faster onset time and better tracheal intubating conditions than previously reported. We sought to determine whether patients given muscle relaxants in this commonly used induction sequence would exhibit cutaneous, systemic, or chemical evidence of histamine release. Onset time of the relaxants was determined by using mechanomyography. Intubating conditions were scored on a defined interval scale by an anesthesiologist blinded to the relaxant administered. Heart rate and arterial blood pressure were measured noninvasively every minute from 10 min before to 5 min after the application of the muscle relaxant. Mean (+/- SD) onset times for 0.25 mg/kg cisatracurium (68.3 +/- 19.5 s) and for 0.15 mg/kg vecuronium (69.5 +/- 29.2 s) were significantly different from those in the 0.15 mg/kg cisatracurium group (105 +/- 41.2 s). The intubating conditions were better with the larger dose of cisatracurium or vecuronium (P < 0.03). Although plasma histamine levels were not statistically different among groups, levels >1 ng/mL were observed in 5 of 40 patients who received cisatracurium but in none of the 20 patients who received vecuronium. There were no significant hemodynamic differences among the groups. In a dose of 0.25 mg/kg, cisatracurium has as rapid an onset time as vecuronium 0.15 mg/kg, but the former shows evidence of histamine release.

IMPLICATIONS

Cisatracurium has been considered a drug with a relatively slow onset but that has the significant benefit of being devoid of chemically mediated histamine release. In this study, we describe an onset time faster than previously reported when cisatracurium was given immediately after thiopental. We also note that several patients had abnormal histamine levels after cisatracurium administration.

A comparison of the neuromuscular blocking effects and reversibility of cisatracurium and atracurium

The neuromuscular blocking effects and the reversibility of cisatracurium 0.1 or 0.15 mg.kg-1 were compared with those of atracurium 0.5 mg.kg-1 during anaesthesia with propofol, nitrous oxide and isoflurane. Neuromuscular block was monitored using train-of-four stimulation while recording the mechanomyographic response of the adductor pollicis muscle. The block was either allowed to recover spontaneously or was antagonised with neostigmine 50 micrograms.kg-1 at 10% or 25% recovery of the first twitch of the train-of-four. The median times to maximum block were 2.7, 2.2 and 1.5 min following cisatracurium 0.1 and 0.15 mg.kg-1 and atracurium 0.5 mg.kg-1, respectively. After cisatracurium 0.1 mg.kg-1 had been given, the median time to recovery of the train-of-four ratio to 0.8 ('adequate recovery') was 74 min during spontaneous recovery, 48 min after reversal with neostigmine when the first twitch of the train-of-four had returned to 10% of control and 50 min after reversal when the first twitch of the train-of-four had returned to 25% of control. These times for cisatracurium 0.15 mg.kg-1 and atracurium 0.5 mg.kg-1 were 90, 66 and 57 min and 75, 56 and 54 min, respectively. Administration of neostigmine significantly shortened the time to adequate recovery for both drugs but there were no significant differences in the case of either neuromuscular blocking drug between the groups of patients given neostigmine at 10 or 25% recovery of the first twitch of the train-of-four.