Search

Background: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is widely accepted as a safe and effective treatment in psychiatric patients. Although succinylcholine is the choice of muscle relaxant in this process, its adverse effects and contraindications must be considered. Objectives: This study investigated the efficacy of cisatracurium as an alternative in ECT patients. Materials & Methods: This single-blind clinical trial was performed in an academic hospital in Northern Iran from July 2023 to March 2024. A total of 62 eligible ECT patients were enrolled in the survey and randomly divided into succinylcholine (0.5 mg/kg) and cisatracurium (0.1 mg/kg) groups. Seizure duration, mean arterial pressure, heart rate, the time to return to spontaneous breathing, and recovery time were recorded and compared between the two groups. Results: No significant difference was observed between the two groups regarding seizure duration and hemodynamic parameters (P>0.05). However, the time to return to spontaneous breathing (P=0.0001) and recovery time (P=0.0001) were significantly longer in the cisatracurium group. None of the patients was affected by serious adverse effects. Conclusion: Cisatracurium is a safe alternative to succinylcholine and can be administrated during ECT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Succinylcholine is commonly used as a neuromuscular blocker during electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), but it can induce myalgia in patients. Dexmedetomidine, an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist, may mitigate this side effect. This study investigates the efficacy of dexmedetomidine in reducing succinylcholine-induced myalgia in ECT patients. Materials and Methods We conducted a randomized, double-blind clinical trial involving 100 patients scheduled for ECT. Participants were divided into two groups: the dexmedetomidine group (n=50) received 1 µg/kg dexmedetomidine prior to succinylcholine administration, while the control group (n=50) received a placebo. Myalgia was assessed using a numerical rating scale (0-10) 24 hours post-ECT. Results The dexmedetomidine group reported a significantly lower incidence of myalgia (20%) compared to the control group (48%) (p < 0.01). The mean myalgia score in the dexmedetomidine group was 2.1 ± 1.3, while the control group had a mean score of 4.8 ± 2.5 (p < 0.01). No significant adverse effects were noted in either group. Conclusion Dexmedetomidine significantly reduces the incidence and severity of succinylcholine-induced myalgia in patients undergoing ECT. This finding supports the use of dexmedetomidine as a premedication option in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an effective intervention for psychiatric patients. Succinylcholine is considered the drug of choice for muscle relaxation for ECT. Significant adverse effects of succinylcholine include fasciculation and myalgia. Dexmedetomidine is a highly selective α-2 adrenergic agonist. This study aims to determine the efficacy of a low dose of dexmedetomidine in reducing succinylcholine-induced myalgia in patients receiving ECT. Methods: This randomised controlled trial was conducted on 100 patients, aged 18-65 years, undergoing ECT, who were randomly allocated into two groups with an allocation ratio of 1:1. Group D received intravenous (IV) dexmedetomidine 0.25 µg/kg, and Group C received IV normal saline (0.9%). Patients' self-reported myalgia scores were measured after 60 min of the procedure. Fasciculations were noted after IV succinylcholine administration. Heart rate (HR) and mean blood pressure (MBP) were measured at baseline, after infusion (5 min) and after ECT (0, 2.5, 5, 10, 15, 30 min). Continuous data were analysed using a Student's t-test for two-group comparisons, a mixed model analysis of variance for group comparisons and various time point analyses. Categorical data were analysed using the Chi-square/Fisher's exact test. Results: There were no differences between the groups regarding demographics. Myalgia and fasciculations were less in Group D than in Group C (P < 0.001). MBP and HR changes were comparable (P > 0.05). Conclusion: A low dose of dexmedetomidine (0.25 µg/kg) effectively reduces myalgia and fasciculations due to succinylcholine in patients undergoing electroconvulsive therapy. Keywords: Dexmedetomidine, electroconvulsive therapy, fasciculation, myalgia, succinylcholine, Author(s): Bhavna Sriramka (corresponding author) [1]; Sasmita Panigrahy [1]; Mathan Kumar Ramasubbu [2]; Suvendu N. Mishra [3] INTRODUCTION Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a valuable non-pharmacological treatment for patients with persistent [...]

Introduction: Postoperative myalgia in surgical patients is mainly caused by the routinely administered depolarizing muscle relaxant, Succinylcholine. There are many proposed strategies but no one were indicated as ideal preventive mechanisms for Succinylcholine induced post-operative myalgia. Even if data were sparse, Lidocaine pretreatment can reduce postoperative myalgia which requires further supportive evidences urging the initiation of this study. Methods: Prospective longitudinal cohort study was conducted from March to May 2021 at Dessie Comprehensive Specialized Hospital on 208 adult surgical patients. Patients pretreated with Lidocaine preoperatively were grouped as exposed and others as unexposed. Patients meeting the inclusion criteria during the study period were selected sequentially from the daily operation schedule list. Postoperative myalgia level was measured using post-operative myalgia survey repeatedly. The result was analyzed by Cochran's Q test and generalized estimating equation (GEE). Adjusted odds ratio with 95 % confidence interval and p value 0.05). Exposure to Lidocaine reduces postoperative myalgia significantly [AOR = 0.33, 95 % CI = (0.17,0.66)]. Multimodal analgesia [AOR = 0.32, 95 % CI = (0.18,0.55)], non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs alone [AOR = 0.47, 95 % CI = (0.29,0.76)], postoperative immobility [AOR = 0.61, 95 % CI = (0.47,0.8)], and being male [AOR = 0.48, 95 % CI = (0.26,0.87)] were other determinants in reducing Succinylcholine induced postoperative myalgia. Conclusion: Lidocaine pretreatment can significantly reduce the occurrence of Succinylcholine induced postoperative myalgia. Additionally, usage of multimodal analgesia with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or even only non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the intraoperative and postoperative period can reduce Succinylcholine induced postoperative myalgia.

Pawe&lstrok; Radkowski,1– 3 Maria Agnieszka Derkaczew,2 Micha&lstrok; Adam Jacewicz,4,5 Dariusz Onichimowski1,2 1Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Regional Specialist Hospital in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland; 2Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland; 3Hospital zum Heiligen Geist, Fritzlar, Germany; 4Regional Specialist Hospital in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland; 5Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, PolandCorrespondence: Maria Agnieszka Derkaczew, Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland, Email m.derkaczew@gmail.comAbstract: The prevalence of morbid obesity in today’s population around the world is alarming. Morbid obesity involves substantial changes in body composition and function, which can affect the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of many drugs. This paper aims to discuss the application of muscle relaxants and their reversing agents in patients with morbid obesity. This work is based both on the available literature and the author’s personal experience. Dosage recommendations for muscle relaxants in morbidly obese patients are as follows: non-depolarizing relaxants like rocuronium, vecuronium, atracurium, and cisatracurium should be based on ideal body weight. Succinylcholine dosage should be adjusted to total body weight with a 200 mg maximum, while mivacurium should also be based on total body weight. Pancuronium is not used due to its long duration. Neostigmine dosing remains uncertain, but some suggest using total body weight. When it comes to Sugammadex opinions of the authors are divided, some indicate that it should be dosed based on ideal body weight, but more recent studies show that it should be based on 40% of corrected body weight.Keywords: muscle relaxants, muscle relaxants reversal agents, succinylcholine, sugammadex, morbid obesity, obese patients

The neuromuscular junction is a complex structure consisting of the muscle cell, the nerve terminal of a motor neuron and the synaptic cleft. It is the site of action for neuromuscular blocking drugs, which are a cornerstone of anaesthetic practice. These drugs can be divided into depolarizing and non-depolarizing drugs; the latter can be further subdivided into benzylisoquinolinium and aminosteroid compounds. Reversal agents are also discussed. The pharmacology of neuromuscular blocking drugs and reversal agents is discussed including mechanism of action, metabolism, factors influencing choice of drug as well as adverse effect profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dose–response of intravenous lidocaine in preventing postoperative vomiting (POV) in children remains unclear. This study investigated whether intravenous lidocaine dose-dependently decreased POV risk within 24 h postoperatively in children undergoing tonsillectomy (with or without adenoidectomy) without severe complications. Patients aged 3–12 years (American Society of Anesthesiologists grade I–II) scheduled for elective tonsillectomy (with or without adenoidectomy) were enroled from December 2021 to March 2022. They were randomly grouped according to the lidocaine dose (A [0 mg kg−1], B [1 mg kg−1], C [1.5 mg kg−1], and D [2 mg kg−1]) and were administered the same induction protocol (sufentanil, propofol, and suxamethonium chloride). Anaesthesia was maintained with sevoflurane. The incidence of POV within 24 h postoperatively was 46, 40, 36, and 20% in groups A, B, C, and D, respectively, with significant differences between groups D and A. Postoperative analgesic rescues in groups A, B, C, and D were 62, 36, 34, and 16%, respectively, with significant differences between groups D and B, C and A, and D and A. No severe adverse events were reported. Intravenous lidocaine has a dose-dependent effect on reducing the risk of POV in children undergoing tonsillectomy (with or without adenoidectomy) without serious adverse events. Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2100053006. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Succinylcholine and rocuronium are the predominant neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) used for rapid sequence intubation (RSI) in the emergency department (ED). Prior studies have found reduced first‐attempt intubation success (FAIS) with rocuronium compared to succinylcholine. Recent large registry data have shown no difference in intubating conditions or FAIS. Objectives. The objective of this study was to compare FAIS rates for rocuronium and succinylcholine when used for RSI in a high‐acuity academic ED. Methods. This was a single‐center retrospective study. Patients were included if they received either succinylcholine or rocuronium for RSI in the ED from January 2016 to August 2020. The primary endpoint was FAIS. Subgroup analyses were performed evaluating the impact of weight‐based dosing on FAIS for each agent, and multivariate analysis was conducted to evaluate the impact of baseline characteristics on the primary outcome. Results. There were 448 patients who received rocuronium and 183 patients who received succinylcholine. No difference was observed in unadjusted FAIS between patients receiving rocuronium (median weight‐based dose: 1.22 mg/kg) or succinylcholine (median weight‐based dose: 1.43 mg/kg) (361 (80.6%) vs. 150 (82.0%), p = 0.69). There were no differences in FAIS between the weight‐based dose categories for rocuronium and for succinylcholine. Conclusions. These findings were consistent with those from recent studies indicating no difference in FAIS between rocuronium and succinylcholine, although the median dose of rocuronium used in this study was higher than traditionally recommended. Larger prospective studies are warranted to further evaluate the effect of weight‐based paralytic dosing on FAIS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim & Objective: The aim of this study was designed to compare the effect on Intraocular Pressure of Rocuronium with that of Succinylcholine during Rapid Sequence Induction of anaesthesia using Propofol and Fentanyl. Methodology: This was a sequential controlled study. The study was conducted at Apollo Institute of Medical Sciences & Research, Hyderabad, Telangana. Patients were allocated sequentially to one of two groups (n20 in each group) to receive Succinylcholine (group S) and Rocuronium (group R). All patients were medicated with Tab Alprazolam 0.5 mg orally night before surgery. Preoxygenation was done for 3 min, Anaesthesia was induced with Inj Fentanyl 2 mcg/kg and a sleep dose of Propofol given at a rate of 100 mg /min until loss of verbal response. Results: There was no significant difference between groups in Age, Sex, Weight, Propofol dose, Baseline IOP, Baseline MAP or Baseline HR. The difference in the changes in IOP between the Succinylcholine and Rocuronium groups was highly significant (P=0.001). Conclusion: To conclude Rocuronium bromide in a dose of 1 mg/kg Provides Good to Excellent intubating conditions comparable to that of Succinylcholine. It is a suitable agent for tracheal intubation in patients undergoing elective and emergency ophthalmic surgery where raise in intraocular pressure is undesirable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Suxamethonium is hydrolysed by butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) and a low BChE activity can result in a prolonged duration of action of suxamethonium. The BChE activity is reduced during pregnancy and postpartum period by up to 33%. However, it can also be reduced by mutations in the BChE gene. In this study, we assessed BChE activity and mutations in the BChE gene in pregnant and postpartum patients with prolonged duration of action of suxamethonium. It was hypothesised that at least 30% of patients with a low BChE activity did not have a mutation in the BChE gene. Methods: In this registry study we focused on pregnant and postpartum patients with a history of prolonged duration of action of suxamethonium referred to the Danish Cholinesterase Research Unit (DCRU) between March 2007 and January 2023. Primary outcome was the proportion of patients without a mutation among patients with a low BChE activity. Secondary outcomes were the proportion of patients with a low BChE activity and the proportion of patients with a mutation out of the total number of patients. Results: A total of 40 patients were included and among patients with a low BChE activity, 6% (95% CI: 1%–21%) did not have a mutation. Out of the total number of included patients referred to the DCRU, 90% (95% CI: 76%–97%) had a mutation and 94% (95% CI: 80%–99%) had a low BChE activity. Conclusion: Among pregnant and postpartum patients with a history of prolonged duration of action of suxamethonium and a low BChE activity, 6% did not have a mutation in the BChE gene. Our findings suggest that during pregnancy and postpartum clinically relevant prolonged duration of action of suxamethonium rarely occurs in genotypically normal patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Malignant hyperthermia is a potentially lethal condition triggered by specific anesthetic drugs, especially a depolarizing muscle relaxant of succinylcholine (Suxamethonium). Despite the frequent use of succinylcholine with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), there has been no reported case of potentially lethal malignant hyperthermia following ECT. In addition, the time interval between the administration of succinylcholine and the onset of malignant hyperthermia has not been outlined in the context of ECT. Case presentation We present the case of a 79-year-old woman suffering from severe depression, who experienced severe malignant hyperthermia due to succinylcholine administration during an ECT session. She presented with a high fever of 40.2 °C, tachycardia of 140/min, hypertension with a blood pressure exceeding 200 mmHg, significant muscle rigidity, and impaired consciousness. These symptoms emerged two hours after ECT, which occurred in a psychiatric ward rather than an operating room, and reached their peak in less than 24 h. She was given 60 mg of dantrolene, which quickly reduced the muscular rigidity. Subsequently, she received two additional doses of 20 mg and 60 mg of dantrolene, which brought her fever down to 36.2 °C and completely eased her muscle rigidity within two days after ECT. Conclusions This is the first reported case of potentially lethal malignant hyperthermia after ECT. In addition, it highlights the delayed onset of malignant hyperthermia following an ECT procedure, emphasizing the necessity for psychiatrists to recognize its onset even after the treatment. In the light of potentially lethal consequences of malignant hyperthermia, it is critically important for psychiatrists to closely monitor both intraoperative and postoperative patient’s vital signs and characteristic physical presentations, promptly identify any symptomatic emergence, and treat it immediately with dantrolene.

Background and Aim: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an effective intervention for psychiatric patients. Succinylcholine is considered the drug of choice for muscle relaxation for ECT. Significant adverse effects of succinylcholine include fasciculation and myalgia. Dexmedetomidine is a highly selective α-2 adrenergic agonist. This study aims to determine the efficacy of a low dose of dexmedetomidine in reducing succinylcholine-induced myalgia in patients receiving ECT. Methods: This randomised controlled trial was conducted on 100 patients, aged 18–65 years, undergoing ECT, who were randomly allocated into two groups with an allocation ratio of 1:1. Group D received intravenous (IV) dexmedetomidine 0.25 µg/kg, and Group C received IV normal saline (0.9%). Patients’ self-reported myalgia scores were measured after 60 min of the procedure. Fasciculations were noted after IV succinylcholine administration. Heart rate (HR) and mean blood pressure (MBP) were measured at baseline, after infusion (5 min) and after ECT (0, 2.5, 5, 10, 15, 30 min). Continuous data were analysed using a Student’s t-test for two-group comparisons, a mixed model analysis of variance for group comparisons and various time point analyses. Categorical data were analysed using the Chi-square/Fisher’s exact test. Results: There were no differences between the groups regarding demographics. Myalgia and fasciculations were less in Group D than in Group C (P < 0.001). MBP and HR changes were comparable (P > 0.05). Conclusion: A low dose of dexmedetomidine (0.25 µg/kg) effectively reduces myalgia and fasciculations due to succinylcholine in patients undergoing electroconvulsive therapy.

Rapid sequence intubation (RSI) is frequently performed by emergency medical services (EMS). We investigated the relationship between succinylcholine and rocuronium use and time until first laryngoscopy attempt, first-pass success, and Cormack-Lehane (CL) grades. We included adult patients for whom prehospital RSI was attempted from July 2015 through June 2022 in a retrospective, observational study with pre-post analysis. Timing was verified using recorded defibrillator audio in addition to review of continuous ECG, pulse oximetry, and end-tidal carbon dioxide waveforms. Our primary exposure was neuromuscular blocking agent (NMBA) used, either rocuronium or succinylcholine. Our prespecified primary outcome was the first attempt Cormack-Lehane view. Key secondary outcomes were first laryngoscopy attempt success rate, timing from NMBA administration to first attempt, number of attempts, and hypoxemic events. Of 5,179 patients in the EMS airway registry, 1,475 adults received an NMBA while not in cardiac arrest. Cormack-Lehane grades for succinylcholine and rocuronium were similar: grade I (64%, 59% [95% CI 0.64–1.09]), grade II (16%, 21%), grade III (18%, 16%), grade IV (3%, 3%). The median interval from NMBA administration to start of the first attempt was 57 s for succinylcholine and 83 s for rocuronium (mean difference 28 [95% CI 20–36] seconds). First attempt success was 84% for succinylcholine and 83% for rocuronium. Hypoxemic events were present in 25% of succinylcholine cases and 23% of rocuronium cases. Prehospital use of either rocuronium or succinylcholine is associated with similar Cormack-Lehane grades, first-pass success rates, and rates of peri-intubation hypoxemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated whether abnormal peak inversion spontaneous potentials (PISPs) recorded at resting myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) stem from the discharge of muscle spindles. Forty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups. Five groups underwent MTrP modeling intervention, whereas one group did not receive intervention and was duly designated as the blank control. After model construction, five rat models were randomly subjected to ramp-and-hold stretch tests, succinylcholine injection, eperisone hydrochloride injection, saline injection, and blank drug intervention. By contrast, the rats in the blank control group were subjected to ramp-and-hold stretch tests as a control. Frequencies and amplitudes of PISPs were recorded pre- and post-interventions and compared with those of the blank group. Stretch tests showed that the depolarization time and amplitude of PISPs ranged from 0.4 ms to 0.9 ms and from 80 uV to 140 μV, respectively. However, no PISPs were observed in the control rats. The frequency of PISPs in the ramp and hold phases and the first second after the hold phase was higher than that before stretching (p < 0.01). Succinylcholine and eperisone exerted excitatory and inhibitory effects on PISPs, respectively. In the group injected with 0.9% saline, no considerable differences of the PISPs were observed during the entire observation period. In conclusion, PISPs recorded at resting MTrPs are closely related to muscle spindles. The formation of MTrPs may be an important factor that regulate dysfunctional muscle spindles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Administration of succinylcholine to patients with a variant in the butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) gene increases the risk of anesthesia emergence prior to recovery from neuromuscular blockade (NMB). Application of quantitative neuromuscular monitoring (NMM) can identify residual NMB. We present two patients with abnormal BChE gene variants. In the first case, quantitative monitoring was applied too late to prevent awareness, but allowed diagnosis and prevented admission to the intensive care unit. In the second case, monitoring was applied prior to NMB, which enabled early diagnosis and prevented premature awakening from anesthesia. These cases illustrate the importance of quantitative NMM, even in short cases and with short-acting depolarizing agents such as succinylcholine. The clinical implications of this report include a more consistent use of NMM to identify and manage patients with undiagnosed abnormal BChE and to prevent premature anesthesia emergence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pediatric difficult airway management is more challenging for an anesthesiologist due to anatomical and physiological differences as compared to adults. Moreover, the familiarity with the use of difficult airway equipment in adults does not equate to proficiency for the same in children. So, here we are presenting the management of a unique case of a difficult airway due to postburn neck contracture in a 4-year-old child, which was managed successfully with the help of a video laryngoscope after the failure attempt with a flexible fiberoptic bronchoscope. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION The goal of rapid sequence intubation is to secure the patients airway smoothly and quickly, minimizing the chances of regurgitation and aspiration of gastric contents. Traditionally succinylcholine chloride has been the neuromuscular blocking drug of choice for use in rapid sequence intubation because of its rapid onset of action and profound relaxation. Succinylcholine chloride remains unsurpassed in providing ideal intubating conditions. However the use of succinylcholine chloride is associated with many side effects like muscle pain, bradycardia, hyperkalaemia and rise in intragastric and intraocular pressure. Rocuronium bromide is the only drug currently available which has the rapidity of onset of action like succinylcholine chloride. Hence the present study was undertaken to compare rocuronium bromide with succinylcholine chloride for use during rapid sequence intubation in adult patients METHODOLOGY The study population consisted of 90 patients aged between 18-60 years posted for various elective surgeries requiring general anaesthesia at Sri Venkateswara Medical College, Tirupati study population was randomly divided into 2 groups with 30 patients in each sub group. 1. Group I: Intubated with succinylcholine chloride 1 mg kg-1 (n = 30) 2. Group II: Intubated with rocuronium bromide 0.9 mg kg-1 (n = 30) Intubating conditions were assessed at 60 seconds based on the scale adopted by Toni Magorian et al. 1993. The haemodynamic parameters in the present study were compared using p-value obtained from student t-test. RESULTS It was noted that succinylcholine chloride 1 mg kg-1 body weight produced excellent intubating conditions in all patients. Rocuronium bromide 0.9 mg kg-1 body weight produced excellent intubating conditions in 96.67% of patients, which was comparable to that of succinylcholine chloride. INTERPETATION AND CONCLUSION Thus, from the present study, it is clear that succinylcholine chloride is the drug of choice for rapid sequence intubation. Rocuronium bromide is a safe alternative to succinylcholine chloride in conditions where succinylcholine chloride is contraindicated and in whom there no anticipated difficult airway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rocuronium bromide is a new amino steroidal neuromuscular blocking agent which is structurally related to vecuronium and its onset time and intubating conditions are comparable with succinylcholine and without the undesirable side effects. Aims and Objectives: This study was planned to evaluate the ideal intubating dose of rocuronium bromide by comparing intubating conditions achieved by its different doses of rocuronium bromide and to consider rocuronium as an ideal intubating muscle relaxing agent, in place of succinylcholine chloride for elective long surgeries. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on 120 patients who fulfilled the eligibility criteria. These patients were randomized into four groups of 30 each by block randomization technique. Each group received rocuronium bromide 0.6 mg/kg, 0.9 mg/kg, 1.2 mg/kg, and succinylcholine chloride 1 mg/kg, respectively. Results: Out of all the three doses of rocuronium bromide 0.9 mg/kg produced a similar intubating condition as succinylcholine chloride in the dose of 1 mg/kg without undue prolongation of the neuromuscular blockade. Conclusion: Rocuronium bromide can be used as an alternative to succinylcholine as an ideal intubating muscle relaxing agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and purpose Muscle relaxants have been integral to medical practice for decades, benefiting both anesthesiologists for smooth patient intubation and surgeons requiring deep muscle relaxation. This article focuses on succinylcholine, a prominent muscle relaxant, exploring its historical context, efficacy, and the accumulated data on potential life-threatening side effects. The manuscript analyzes the available knowledge regarding the adverse effects of succinylcholine in clinical practice, presenting literature-identified methods aimed at risk mitigation. Summarizing the current understanding of succinylcholine's risks seeks to enhance its effective use, decrease adverse incidents in patients, and contribute to the overall safety of both patients and healthcare providers. Material and methods The following review of studies was based on articles obtained from the PubMed and Google Scholar databases. Key search terms included suxamethonium, succinylcholine, suxamethonium hyperkalemia, suxamethonium myalgia, suxamethonium anaphylaxis, suxamethonium cholinesterase deficiency, and suxamethonium malignant hyperthermia. Conclusions Suxamethonium's adverse effects range from muscle pain-related discomfort to rare, potentially lethal multi-organ complications, impacting patients' health diversely. Despite its drawbacks, succinylcholine remains crucial in anesthesiology. Ongoing research offers avenues to counteract or mitigate side effects. However, these methods necessitate further research to develop universal, widely available protocols in clinical settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Background and Aims: Stagnara wake-up test is a simple reproducible neuromonitoring method during spinal surgery which replaces the evoked potential monitoring in the absence of neuromonitoring facilities. Dexmedetomidine (DEX) effect on the intraoperative wake-up test is still unclear. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of DEX on the quality of wake-up test during spinal correction surgery. Methods: A randomized controlled study was carried out over 62 patients randomized into two equal groups planned for elective minimally invasive corrective spine surgery. Instead of atracurium administration in the control group, patients in the experimental group were administered titrated continuous intravenous infusion of DEX at a dose of 0.2-0.7 μg/kg/hour. Lidocaine 2 spray around the vocal cords was done in both the groups to facilitate toleration of the endotracheal tube. Results: The DEX group showed statistically significant longer duration and better quality of the wake-up test. Statistically significant better haemodynamic state, a lower amount of intraoperative sedatives and higher amount of intraoperative analgesics were also evident in the DEX group. The postoperative Ramsay sedation scale was significantly lower in the DEX group just after extubation. Conclusion: The DEX use has shown an improving effect on the wake-up test quality, with slightly prolonged wake-up time. The present work supports the use of DEX as an adjuvant drug alleviating the need for the neuromuscular blockade, inducing a better haemodynamic profile, exhibiting better sedation and improving the awakening condition. Keywords: Corrective spine surgery, dexmedetomidine, wake-up test, Author(s): Wesameldin A. Sultan (corresponding author) [1]; Noha A. Afify [1] INTRODUCTION Scoliotic correction is a very challenging procedure and carries a lot of complications.[sup.[1]] Both motor and sensory evoked [...]

Objectives: To compare the quality of intubating conditions and hemodynamic responses to the administration of Rocuronium Bromide and Succinyl Choline during general anesthesia. Methods: This was a comparative study conducted at the anesthesiology department of a tertiary care medical college. Sixty patients undergoing various surgeries under general anesthesia were included in this study based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Patients were divided into Group S (receiving succinylcholine) and Group R (receiving rocuronium). In all patients, the quality of intubating conditions was assessed. Excellent or good conditions were considered to be acceptable intubating conditions, whereas fair and poor conditions were considered unacceptable. Results: Mean age, weight, gender distribution, and ASA grades were comparable in both groups. The overall quality of intubation was found to be better in group S than in group R, and the difference was statistically significant (P=0.004). The duration of action was significantly longer in group R than in group S (P

Introduction and purpose Muscle relaxants have been integral to medical practice for decades, benefiting both anesthesiologists for smooth patient intubation and surgeons requiring deep muscle relaxation. This article focuses on succinylcholine, a prominent muscle relaxant, exploring its historical context, efficacy, and the accumulated data on potential life-threatening side effects. The manuscript analyzes the available knowledge regarding the adverse effects of succinylcholine in clinical practice, presenting literature-identified methods aimed at risk mitigation. Summarizing the current understanding of succinylcholine's risks seeks to enhance its effective use, decrease adverse incidents in patients, and contribute to the overall safety of both patients and healthcare providers. Material and methods The following review of studies was based on articles obtained from the PubMed and Google Scholar databases. Key search terms included suxamethonium, succinylcholine, suxamethonium hyperkalemia, suxamethonium myalgia, suxamethonium anaphylaxis, suxamethonium cholinesterase deficiency, and suxamethonium malignant hyperthermia. Conclusions Suxamethonium's adverse effects range from muscle pain-related discomfort to rare, potentially lethal multi-organ complications, impacting patients' health diversely. Despite its drawbacks, succinylcholine remains crucial in anesthesiology. Ongoing research offers avenues to counteract or mitigate side effects. However, these methods necessitate further research to develop universal, widely available protocols in clinical settings.

Background: When used in cases with penetrating eye injuries, succinylcholine can lead to the disastrous complication of vision loss by increasing intraocular pressure and increasing the risk of globe rupture. The goal of this research was to determine if pre-treatment with intravenous dexmedetomidine could mitigate the effects of succinylcholine and intubation on intraocular pressure. Methods: The study was prospective and randomized. After discussing the technique in detail, the study was done on 50 eligible patients with the agreement of an ethical committee and the patients' signed informed consent. Research for this study was carried out at Lifecare Hospital, Baniyas, Abu Dhabi between January 2016 to December 2017. Results: The intraocular pressure of the study group decreased after receiving premedication. After succinylcholine and intubation, IOP rose in all three groups, but in the study groups, it never went beyond pre-treatment levels. The sympathetic response to laryngoscopy and intubation was successfully suppressed at both doses of dexmedetomidine, but hemodynamic stability was better at 0.4 mcg/kg than at 0.6mcg/kg. Conclusion: When it comes to preventing an increase in intraocular pressure (IOP) and dampening the sympathetic response, both dosages of dexmedetomidine i.e. 0.4 mcg/kg and 0.6 mcg/kg are equally effective. Nevertheless, the dose of 0.4 mcg/kg is associated with greater hemodynamic stability. Hence, preventing an increase in intraocular pressure with dexmedetomidine 0.4 mcg/kg may be useful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: One of the most important preconditions for any anesthetic operation is perioperative hemodynamic stability during laryngoscopy and intubation, which has been the subject of extensive research and documentation. Numerous approaches have been proposed to protect the patient from the sympathetic reaction, intraocular pressure (IOP) response, and catecholamine response during laryngoscopy and intubation. Aims and Objectives: To study the efficacy of two doses of intravenous dexmedetomidine premedication given as a single bolus dose over 10 min, 0.4 µg/kg and 0.6 µg/kg, 10 min before induction in preventing the rise of intraocular pressure following succinylcholine administration and endotracheal intubation. Materials and Methods: A retrospective randomized study was conducted. Ethical committee permission and signed informed consent were obtained from 60 eligible patients before the trial began. Results: Premedication with either 0.4 mcg/kg I.V. or 0.6 mcg/kg I.V. of dexmedetomidine diluted in normal saline at a 2 mcg/mL concentration administered over 10 min before induction resulted in significant obtundation of the rise in IOP associated with succinylcholine administration and intubation. Sympathetic response to laryngoscopy and intubation was also significantly diminished. The dose of 0.4 mcg/kg I.V. produced the best hemodynamic stability. Conclusion: Therefore, from the above research it can be concluded that, before succinylcholine delivery and intubation, dexmedetomidine 0.4 mcg/kg I.V. can be used as a premedication in situations where an increase in IOP could be hazardous. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pyloric distensibility has been reported as a predictive measure in gastroparesis. Measures can be obtained either during endoscopy under anesthesia or in unsedated patients. However, the impact of anesthetic drugs on the results of pyloric characteristics remains unknown. The objective of the present study was to determine the impact of anesthetics on pyloric characteristics measured using EndoFLIP® in patients with gastroparesis. Methods: Consecutive patients with gastroparesis from three French tertiary centers were retrospectively analyzed. Patients with a previous history of pyloric intervention were not considered for analysis. Medical records were reviewed for the potential use of anesthetic drugs during EndoFLIP® measurement. Key Results: One hundred twenty‐five patients were included in the present study [median age: 55.0 years (43.0–66.0)]. Thirty‐four patients (27.2%) had pyloric assessment without general anesthesia and 91 patients (72.8%) with general anesthesia. Pyloric pressure at 40 mL of distension was higher in patients with general anesthesia in comparison with patients without general anesthesia [18.7 (13.0–25.6) mmHg vs. 15.4 (11.9–20.7) mmHg; p = 0.044)]. In multivariate analysis, suxamethonium chloride administration was associated with decreased pyloric distensibility (OR: 3.9; 95% CI: 1.3–11.4; p = 0.013) while ephedrine was rather associated with increased pyloric distensibility (OR: 0.3; 95% CI: 0.1–0.9; p = 0.036). Conclusions and Inferences: This study is the first to have found an impact of general anesthesia on pyloric measurement using the EndoFLIP®. Therefore, further studies are needed to confirm these findings, if possible, prospective studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

RATIONALE: Controversies and practice variations exist related to the pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic management of the airway during rapid sequence intubation (RSI). OBJECTIVES: To develop evidence-based recommendations on pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic topics related to RSI. DESIGN: A guideline panel of 20 Society of Critical Care Medicine members with experience with RSI and emergency airway management met virtually at least monthly from the panel's inception in 2018 through 2020 and face-to-face at the 2020 Critical Care Congress. The guideline panel included pharmacists, physicians, a nurse practitioner, and a respiratory therapist with experience in emergency medicine, critical care medicine, anesthesiology, and prehospital medicine; consultation with a methodologist and librarian was available. A formal conflict of interest policy was followed and enforced throughout the guidelines-development process. METHODS: Panelists created Population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcome (PICO) questions and voted to select the most clinically relevant questions for inclusion in the guideline. Each question was assigned to a pair of panelists, who refined the PICO wording and reviewed the best available evidence using predetermined search terms. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) framework was used throughout and recommendations of "strong" or "conditional" were made for each PICO question based on quality of evidence and panel consensus. Recommendations were provided when evidence was actionable; suggestions, when evidence was equivocal; and best practice statements, when the benefits of the intervention outweighed the risks, but direct evidence to support the intervention did not exist. RESULTS: From the original 35 proposed PICO questions, 10 were selected. The RSI guideline panel issued one recommendation (strong, low-quality evidence), seven suggestions (all conditional recommendations with moderate-, low-, or very low-quality evidence), and two best practice statements. The panel made two suggestions for a single PICO question and did not make any suggestions for one PICO question due to lack of evidence. CONCLUSIONS: Using GRADE principles, the interdisciplinary panel found substantial agreement with respect to the evidence supporting recommendations for RSI. The panel also identified literature gaps that might be addressed by future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]