Pancuronium is a
neuromuscular blocking agent commonly used to eliminate agitation in sick newborn infants requiring
mechanical ventilation. Experimental data supporting this method of intervention are controversial, and hemodynamic studies in newborn infants report conflicting results. This study was designed to determine the hemodynamic effects of
pancuronium administered under conditions of normoxia,
hypoxia, and preexposure to
hypoxia in neonatal piglets with normal lungs. After baseline hemodynamic and blood gas measurements were obtained,
pancuronium was administered in two i.v. bolus
injections of 0.1 mg/kg. Tidal volume and minute ventilation were maintained constant during the experimental procedure by adjusting
ventilator settings. Twenty min after
pancuronium, no changes from baseline values were found in arterial blood
gases, heart rate, cardiac output, mean arterial pressure, systemic vascular resistance, pulmonary artery pressure, pulmonary vascular resistance, central venous pressure, or pulmonary capillary wedge pressure in any of the three conditions studied. In conclusion,
pancuronium administered during normoxia,
hypoxia, or after preexposure to
hypoxia while controlled ventilation is maintained does not alter systemic or pulmonary hemodynamic status of the newborn piglet.