Postoperative apnoea following nivalin administration

Four patients developed postoperative apnoea after neuroleptanalgesia, and were given Nivalin whilst in an apnoeic state to reverse residual neuromuscular block. Neuromuscular transmission was monitored by a peripheral nerve stimulator, and recurarization was not observed. Central respiratory depression was the cause of postoperative apnoea. The possible mechanisms and the mode of prevention are stated in this paper.