RESUMEN
Succinylcholine is the gold standard neuromuscular blocker for rapid sequence induction; however, its use is associated with fasciculation and myalgia. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials comparing gabapentinoids versus placebo for the prevention of fasciculations and succinylcholine-induced myalgias. Six randomized clinical studies were included with a total of 481 patients - 241 in the intervention group and 240 in the placebo group. Gabapentinoids reduced the incidence of succinylcholine-induced myalgia (RRâ¯=â¯0.69, 95% CI 0.56-0.84, Pâ¯<â¯.001), which remained statistically significant for pregabalin (RRâ¯=â¯0.71, 95% CI 0.54-0.93, Pâ¯=â¯.013) and gabapentin (RRâ¯=â¯0.61, 95% CI 0.45-0.82, Pâ¯=â¯.001) separately. There was no difference in fasciculations between the groups (RRâ¯=â¯0.92, 95% CI 0.82-1.03, Pâ¯=â¯.148). Preoperative use of gabapentinoids is associated with lower incidence of succinylcholine-induced myalgias within the first 24â¯h of surgery.