Quantitative Neuromuscular Monitoring and Postoperative Outcomes: A Narrative Review

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Glenn S. Murphy ◽  
Sorin J. Brull

Over the past five decades, quantitative neuromuscular monitoring devices have been used to examine the incidence of postoperative residual neuromuscular block in international clinical practices, and to determine their role in reducing the risk of residual neuromuscular block and associated adverse clinical outcomes. Several clinical trials and a recent meta-analysis have documented that the intraoperative application of quantitative monitoring significantly reduces the risk of residual neuromuscular blockade in the operating room and postanesthesia care unit. In addition, emerging data show that quantitative monitoring minimizes the risk of adverse clinical events, such as unplanned postoperative reintubations, hypoxemia, and postoperative episodes of airway obstruction associated with incomplete neuromuscular recovery, and may improve postoperative respiratory outcomes. Several international anesthesia societies have recommended that quantitative monitoring be performed whenever a neuromuscular blocking agent is administered. Therefore, a comprehensive review of the literature was performed to determine the potential benefits of quantitative monitoring in the perioperative setting.

1996 ◽  
Vol 84 (2) ◽  
pp. 362-367. ◽  
Author(s):  
David R. Bevan ◽  
Raymond Kahwaji ◽  
John M. Ansermino ◽  
Eleanor Reimer ◽  
Michael F. Smith ◽  
...  

Background The rapid recovery from mivacurium- induced neuromuscular block has encouraged omission of its reversal. The purpose of this study was to determine, in children and in adults, whether failure to reverse mivacurium neuromuscular block was associated with residual neuromuscular block on arrival in the postanesthesia care unit. Methods In 50 children, aged 2-12 yr, and 50 adults, aged 20-60 yr, anesthesia was induced and maintained with propofol and fentanyl, and neuromuscular block was achieved by an infusion of mivacurium, to maintain one or two visible responses to train-of-four (TOF) stimulation of the ulnar nerve. At the end of surgery, mivacurium infusion was stopped, and 10 min later, reversal was attempted with saline or 0.5 mg x kg(-1) edrophonium by random allocation. On arrival in the postanesthesia care unit, a blinded observer assessed patients clinically and by stimulation of the ulnar nerve with a Datex electromyogram in the uncalibrated TOF mode. Results Children arrived in the postanesthesia care unit 8.2 +/- 3-4 min after reversal of neuromuscular block and showed no sign of weakness, either clinically or by TOF stimulation. Although TOF ratio was greater in children who had received edrophonium (1.00 +/- 0.05 vs. 0.93 +/- 0.01, P<0.01), TOF was >0.7 in all children. Adults arrived in the postanesthesia care unit 12.9 +/- 5.3 min after reversal of neuromuscular block(P<0.01 vs. children). Six in the saline group demonstrated weakness (two required immediate reversal of neuromuscular block, and TOF was <0.7 in four others), compared with TOF <0.7 in only one of the edrophonium group (P<0.05). Conclusions This study demonstrated that, in adults, failure to reverse mivacurium neuromuscular block was associated with an increased incidence of residual block. Such weakness was not observed in children receiving similar anesthetic and neuromuscular blocking regimens.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruixue hou ◽  
Liangyu wu ◽  
Yadong liu ◽  
Fangfang miao ◽  
Cheng yin ◽  
...  

Abstract Objectives: Avoidance of residual neuromuscular blockade (RNMB) is crucial to decrease anesthesia-related pulmonary complications. At present, no data are available for HIV-infected patients about the occurrence of RNMB. In this trial, we aim to investigate the incidence of RNMB in such patients. Methods: Data were prospectively collected on 45 normal and 45 HIV-infected patients (18-65 yr). The train-of-four stimulation (TOF-Watch SX) was used to evaluate the level of neuromuscular block from the induction of anesthesia to back to the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) by an assessor, but blind to the anesthesiologist. Primary endpoint was the presence of RNMB at PACU admission, defined as a train-of-four (TOF) ratio < 0.9. The onset time (from application of cisatracurium to maximum depression of T1), no reaction time (from zero of T1 to non-zero), and clinical duration (from application to 25% recovery of T1) were determined for each patient. Results: The incidence of RNMB was 37.5% in HIV- infected patients and 32.5% in normal patients (difference, 5%; 99% CI, −16% to 26 1%; p=0.815). The onset time was no different between two groups (4.05±0.88 min in HIV-infected group vs. 3.85±1.08 min in normal group (p=0.37)). The no reaction time was also similarly between two groups ( 49.83±3.81min in HIV-infected group vs. 48.98±5.12min in normal group (p=0.40)). The clinical duration was 53.78±3.05 min and 52.40±5.02 min in HIV-infected group and normal group, respectively (p=0.14). Conclusion: The odds of RNMB were not significantly different in HIV-infected young patients compared to normal persons.


1960 ◽  
Vol 198 (5) ◽  
pp. 939-942 ◽  
Author(s):  
Norimoto Urakawa ◽  
Toshio Narahashi ◽  
Takehiko Deguchi ◽  
Yoshio Ohkubo

Maltoxin, an amine obtained from brew malt rootlet, causes a neuromuscular block in the frog. Its mode of action on the frog's sartorius muscle has been studied mainly with the aid of intracellular microelectrodes. Maltoxin of 10–5 concentration caused an over-all depolarization of the muscle fibers; therefore, direct and indirect stimulations of the muscle were ineffective in producing muscle action potential. Progressive repolarization took place thereafter and the muscle became excitable by direct stimulation, though indirect stimulation remained ineffective for a long period of time. Small end-plate potentials observed could not be explained in terms of depolarization. It was found that the sensitivity of the end-plate membrane to acetylcholine was effectively depressed by maltoxin, and that this is responsible for the persistent neuromuscular block. The initial over-all depolarization caused by maltoxin was fairly antagonized by a previous treatment with d-tubocurarine. It is concluded that maltoxin has a dual mode of action, having some resemblance to acetylcholine, decamethonium, succinylcholine and nicotine.


1999 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 57-62 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juliana Noda Bechara ◽  
Denise Tabacchi Fantoni ◽  
Paulo Sergio de Moraes Barros ◽  
Elton Rodrigues Migliati ◽  
Marcio Augusto Ferreira ◽  
...  

It has been emphasized in the human medical literature, that when using a neuromuscular blocking agent, it is of vital importance the monitoring of the neuromuscular block and that these agents should never be used without it. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of the neuromuscular transmission monitor TOF-Guard in horses. Twelve horses were randomly assigned whether to receive pancuronium or atracurium as the neuromuscular blocking agent. All horses were pre-medicated with romifidine, anaesthesia induced with diazepam and ketamine and maintenance with halothane. Abolition of spontaneous ventilation was accomplished by the administration of atracurium or pancuronium. The time from injection of the muscle relaxant agent to the onset of maximum block (T1=0), recovery of T1 to 25% and the recovery of TOF ratio to 0.7 were recorded, as was the time for recovery of T1 from 25 to 75%. It was concluded that it is very important the neuromuscular transmission monitoring during the use of a nondepolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent, since it provides a safer anaesthetic and surgical procedure with the use of adequate dosages and due to the impossibility of a superficialization of the neuromuscular blockade during a surgical procedure. The TOF-Guard showed to be a good option for neuromuscular monitoring in horses.


2005 ◽  
Vol 103 (4) ◽  
pp. 695-703 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francois Gijsenbergh ◽  
Steven Ramael ◽  
Natalie Houwing ◽  
Thijs van Iersel

Background Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors are widely used for the reversal of neuromuscular blocking agents. However, acetylcholinesterase inhibitors have several side effects and are not effective during profound block. Org 25969 is a modified gamma-cyclodextrin that encapsulates the neuromuscular blocking agent, rocuronium bromide (Esmeron/Zemuron, NV Organon, Oss, The Netherlands), forming a tightly bound complex with an association constant of approximately 10 m. Chemical encapsulation of rocuronium promotes dissociation of rocuronium from the acetylcholine receptor, thereby reversing the neuromuscular block without the side effects associated with acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. Methods Twenty-nine healthy male volunteers were enrolled to investigate the safety, pharmacokinetics, and efficacy of Org 25969. In part 1, Org 25969 or placebo was administered to 19 subjects during one to three treatment periods each. In part 2, a further 10 subjects received general anesthesia on two separate occasions, using an intubating dose of 0.6 mg/kg rocuronium. Three minutes after rocuronium administration, Org 25969 or placebo was given in random order. Six doses of 0.1-8.0 mg/kg Org 25969 were evaluated. Neuromuscular block was measured using an acceleromyograph, the TOF-Watch-SX (NV Organon, Oss, The Netherlands). Results All adverse events related to Org 25969 treatment were of limited duration and mild intensity, except for a period of paresthesia, seen in one patient receiving 8 mg/kg Org 25969, which was of moderate intensity. No adverse events required any treatment, and all subjects recovered from them. When 8 mg/kg Org 25969 was given, the train-of-four ratio returned to 0.9 within 2 min after its administration. No signs of recurarization were observed. Conclusions Org 25969 was both well tolerated and effective in reversing neuromuscular block induced by rocuronium in 29 human volunteers.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ákos I. Fábián ◽  
Edömér Tassonyi ◽  
Vera Csernoch ◽  
Marianna Fedor ◽  
Tamás Sohajda ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Residual neuromuscular block at the end of surgery may compromise the patient’s safety. The risk of airway complications can be minimized through monitoring of neuromuscular function and reversal of neuromuscular block if needed. Effective reversal can be achieved with selective relaxant binding agents, however, sugammadex is the only clinically approved drug in this group. We investigated the concentration–response properties of a novel selective relaxant binding agent, carboxymethyl-γ-cyclodextrin for the reversal of neuromuscular block. We evaluated the hypothesis that it is equally potent for reversing neuromuscular block as sugammadex. Methods Phrenic nerve – hemidiaphragm tissue preparations were isolated from male Wistar rats and suspended in a tissue holder allowing electrical stimulation of the nerve and monitoring of muscle contraction force. Concentration–response relationships were constructed for the neuromuscular blocking agents rocuronium, pipecuronium, and vecuronium. The half-effective concentrations of sugammadex and carboxymethyl-γ-cyclodextrin for reversal of neuromuscular block were determined. Results The half effective concentrations (95% confidence interval, CI) were 7.50 (6.93–8.12) μM for rocuronium, 1.38 (1.33–1.42) μM for pipecuronium, and 3.69 (3.59–3.80) μM for vecuronium. The half effective concentrations (95% CI) of carboxymethyl-γ-cyclodextrin and sugammadex were 35.89 (32.67–39.41) μM and 3.67 (3.43–3.92) μM, respectively, for the reversal of rocuronium-induced block; 10.14 (9.61–10.70) μM and 0.67 (0.62–0.74) μM, respectively, for the reversal of pipecuronium-induced block; and 376.1 (341.9–413.8) μM and 1.45 (1.35–1.56) μM, respectively, for the reversal of vecuronium-induced block. Conclusions Carboxymethyl-γ-cyclodextrin is an effective, but less potent agent for reversal of neuromuscular block than sugammadex.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristen Flight ◽  
Jennifer J Yang ◽  
Lindsay M Urben ◽  
Michael J Schontz

Neuromuscular blocking drugs, which include depolarizing and nondepolarizing drugs, are used to facilitate intubation and provide skeletal muscle relaxation during surgery and in the intensive care unit. The agents differ in their mechanism, duration of action, side-effect profile, and metabolism. Succinylcholine is the only depolarizing agent in clinic use and is typically used for emergent control of the airway, rapid sequence intubations, and short surgical procedures. The risk of hyperkalemia in certain clinical conditions and risk of malignant hyperthermia in susceptible individuals limit the use of succinylcholine in specific patient populations. Nondepolarizing agents vary in their duration of action, but all provide muscle relaxation for a longer duration than succinylcholine. Clinical effects of neuromuscular blocking drugs can be assessed with neuromuscular monitoring, although there is significant variability among providers in the regular use of neuromuscular monitoring. Reversal agents are used to restore neuromuscular transmission, as residual neuromuscular blockade after extubation has been associated with multiple adverse events, including hypoxemia, atelectasis, and aspiration. Sugammadex is an encapsulating agent capable of immediately reversing the effects of rocuronium-induced neuromuscular blockade that will likely impact the way many providers administer rocuronium and may decrease the future use of succinylcholine. This review contains 4 figures, 6 tables, and 41 references. Keywords: hyperkalemia, neuromuscular monitoring, neuromuscular transmission, nondepolarizing neuromuscular blocking agents, residual neuromuscular blockade, reversal agents, succinylcholine sugammadex, sugammadex


Author(s):  
Jennifer M. Hunter ◽  
Thomas Fuchs-Buder

Over the past 70 years since the introduction of d-tubocurarine, the search for an ideal neuromuscular blocking agent has led to the development of the depolarizing drug, succinylcholine (suxamethonium), with its rapid onset of action and plasma metabolism, and a series of non-depolarizing agents of which there are two groups: benzylisoquinoliniums (e.g. atracurium, cisatracurium and mivacurium) and aminosteroidal agents (e.g. pancuronium, vecuronium and rocuronium). The need to monitor neuromuscular block perioperatively to ensure the appropriate dose of any neuromuscular blocking drug is given has led to the development of several nerve stimulation techniques. Particularly useful clinically are the train-of-four twitch response, double-burst stimulation, and the post-tetanic count. Their benefits and limitations are considered in this chapter. The most suitable equipment to monitor neuromuscular block and the appropriate anatomical sites for stimulation are discussed. To prevent residual block with its pathophysiological consequences such as upper airway and pharyngeal dysfunction and potential respiratory failure at the end of surgery, antagonizing agents are used. These are of two types: anticholinesterases such as neostigmine and edrophonium, and the γ‎-cyclodextrin, sugammadex. The pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of neuromuscular blocking drugs and their antagonists are altered by the extremes of age, obesity, and several disease states including renal and hepatic failure, neuromuscular disorders, and critical illness. The altered response to all these drugs in these pathologies, which is related to their metabolism and excretion, is considered in detail, together with their other side-effects including the particular disadvantages to the use of succinylcholine.


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