Absence of "recurarization" in patients with demonstrated prolonged neuromuscular block

The possibility of "recurarization" after antagonism of the competitive neuromuscular block with anticholinesterases was studied. Observations were made on the time-course of the block in five patients at risk from recurarization because of multiple organ failure and who demonstrated unusually prolonged blockade. In none of these patients did the block recur. We conclude that, provided spontaneous recovery of neuromuscular transmission has made progress before the antagonism, and that the patient does not deteriorate or become exhausted afterwards, recurarization is unlikely.