Infantile postoperative residual curarization (IPORC) - A prospective observational study

Residual neuromuscular blockade (RNMB), defined as a train-of-four ratio (TOFR) <0.90, is a complication of neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBA). Data about RNMB in children are rare. This single-center observational trial evaluated the rate of neuromuscular monitoring (NMM), the incidence, and consequences of RNMB in pediatrics.

Children over 1 month undergoing elective and urgent surgery during core work hours receiving NMBA were included in an 84-day observation period. When the anesthesiologist decided to extubate, a blinded investigator measured the TOFR by acceleromyography. Data on demographics, surgery, anesthesia, and outcome were recorded. Comparison of qualitative variables was done using the chi-square test. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare quantitative variables between patients with or without TOFR <0.90. P <0.05 was considered significant.

Eighty-nine children were included in the analysis. Rate of quantitative and qualitative NMM was 65.2% and 5.6%, respectively. Incidence of RNMB was 10.1% with TOFRs between 0.78 and 0.89 in 8 children and a TOFR of 0.48 in one child. Median time from the last NMBA administration to the TOFR before extubation was significantly shorter in patients with a TOFR <0.90 in comparison with a TOFR ≥0.90 (88 vs. 110 min). In the RNMB group, qualitative NMM was significantly more often used compared with the no RNMB group (22.2% vs. 3.8%). Adverse events were rare with no significant differences between the two groups.

RNMB in children is a relevant hazard. Qualitative NMM is not reliable to exclude RNMB. Institutional training programs on neuromuscular management in children may be helpful to improve the rate of quantitative NMM.