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Rocuronium versus succinylcholine for rapid-sequence induction using a variation of the timing principle
J M Nelson1, R C Morell, J F Butterworth
1Department of Anesthesia, Bowman Gray School of Medicine, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC 27157-1009, USA.
Journal of Clinical Anesthesia
|June 1, 1997
Summary
Rocuronium, when administered 20 seconds before thiopental, offers comparable intubating conditions to succinylcholine for rapid sequence induction. This timing strategy effectively overcomes rocuronium's slower onset of neuromuscular blockade.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Rapid sequence induction requires effective neuromuscular blockade for optimal intubating conditions.
- Succinylcholine is a common choice but has contraindications.
- Rocuronium offers an alternative but typically has a slower onset of action.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate if a modified administration timing of rocuronium (0.6 mg/kg) can achieve intubating conditions similar to succinylcholine.
- To assess the onset time of rocuronium in comparison to succinylcholine using a specific timing protocol.
Main Methods:
- Prospective, randomized, double-blind clinical trial.
- 42 patients undergoing elective surgery received either rocuronium or succinylcholine.
- Neuromuscular blockade was monitored using a force transducer and peripheral nerve stimulator.
Main Results:
- Rocuronium demonstrated a significantly longer mean onset time (72 seconds) compared to succinylcholine (42 seconds).
- Despite the difference in onset time, intubating conditions 60 seconds after thiopental administration were not significantly different between the two groups.
Conclusions:
- Administering rocuronium 20 seconds prior to thiopental results in equivalent intubating conditions compared to the standard thiopental-succinylcholine sequence.
- This modified timing strategy for rocuronium can be effective for rapid sequence inductions, mitigating its slower onset.