[Clinical experience with atracurium--a continuous infusion technic].

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Atracurium is a non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent.
• Maintaining stable neuromuscular blockade during lengthy surgeries can be challenging with intermittent dosing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy and safety of a continuous infusion technique for atracurium.
• To establish a starting infusion rate for atracurium and determine the need for individualized adjustments.

Main Methods:

• Administered an initial bolus of atracurium (0.5 mg/kg).
• Initiated a continuous infusion of atracurium at a mean rate of 0.008 mg/kg/min.
• Monitored neuromuscular block, with recommendations for peripheral nerve stimulator use for titration.

Main Results:

• The continuous infusion technique achieved a stable neuromuscular block.
• Significant individual variability in patient response to atracurium was observed.
• An arbitrary infusion rate based solely on patient mass is not feasible.

Conclusions:

• Continuous atracurium infusion offers a viable alternative to repeated boluses for prolonged surgical procedures.
• Individualized titration, preferably using a peripheral nerve stimulator, is crucial for optimizing atracurium infusion therapy.
• The mean infusion rate of 0.008 mg/kg/min serves as a potential starting point for atracurium continuous infusion.