[Increased requirement of alcuronium in burned patients]

We determined using the visual semi-quantitative method (train of four; Myotest) the initial dose of Alloferin (alcuronium) needed for complete neuromuscular relaxation during nitrous oxide/oxygen anaesthesia with fentanyl and diazepam in 12 burned patients operated for excision of necrotic skin and skin-graft on the 7th to 21th day following thermal injury. In a control group of 20 general surgery patients the initial dose of Alloferin was determined in the same way. The requirements of Alloferin was in the control group 15 mg (0.21 mg/kg) and in the group of burned patients 23.75 mg (0.35 mg/kg). The difference of the requirement of Alloferin was statistical significant between the two groups (p: 0.1%). The total protein and the beta globulin were significant higher in the control group. A extrajunctional spread of acetylcholine receptors might explain the increased requirement of Alloferin in burned patients.