[Precurarization of succinylcholine with cisatracurium: the influence of the precurarization interval].

Abstract

PURPOSE:

To determine the influence of two different pretreatment intervals, i.e. 3 and 6 min, on the efficacy of 0.01 mg/kg cisatracurium in preventing succinylcholine-induced fasciculations and myalgia.

METHODS:

A total of 60 adult patients were randomized and received either 0.01 mg/kg cisatracurium (0.2*ED(95)) i.v. (Cis 3 group: pretreatment interval 3 min, Cis 6 group: pretreatment interval 6 min) or normal saline i.v. (placebo group) prior to injection of succinylcholine. The incidence and severity of fasciculations and myalgia and side-effects of precurarization were assessed.

RESULTS:

The incidence of muscle fasciculations was only reduced in the Cis 6 group (45%) compared with the Placebo group (85%), p<0.05. Cisatracurium was associated with a higher incidence of paralytic symptoms in both pretreatment groups (Cis 3: 75%, Cis 6: 80%) compared with the Placebo group (30%), p<0.05.

CONCLUSION:

Cisatracurium is only effective in preventing succinylcholine-induced fasciculations when a longer pretreatment interval, i.e. 6 min instead of 3 min, is chosen. Precurarization led to signs of paralysis in both pretreatment groups in the majority (75-80%) of patients without reducing the incidence or severity of postoperative myalgia.

• Authors: T Mencke, C Becker, J Schreiber, M Bolte, T Fuchs-Buder
• Journal: Der Anaesthesist (Anaesthesist) Vol. 51 Issue 9 Pg. 721-5 (Sep 2002) ISSN: 0003-2417 [Print] Germany
• Vernacular Title: Präkurarisierung von Succinylcholin mit Cisatracurium Der Einfluss des Präkurarisierungsintervalls.
• PMID: 12232643 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Neuromuscular Depolarizing Agents
• Neuromuscular Nondepolarizing Agents
• Atracurium
• Succinylcholine

Topics

• Adult
• Anesthesia
• Atracurium (adverse effects)
• Fasciculation (chemically induced, physiopathology, prevention & control)
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Neuromuscular Depolarizing Agents
• Neuromuscular Nondepolarizing Agents (adverse effects)
• Pain, Postoperative (chemically induced, epidemiology, prevention & control)
• Postoperative Complications (epidemiology)
• Succinylcholine
• Time Factors