Pediatric Intraoperative Electromyographic Responses at the Adductor Pollicis and Flexor Hallucis Brevis Muscles: A Prospective, Comparative Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Peripheral nerve stimulation with a train-of-four (TOF) pattern can be used intraoperatively to evaluate the depth of neuromuscular block and confirm recovery from neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs). Quantitative monitoring can be challenging in infants and children due to patient size, equipment technology, and limited access to monitoring sites. Although the adductor pollicis muscle is the preferred site of monitoring, the foot is an alternative when the hands are unavailable. However, there is little information on comparative evoked neuromuscular responses at those 2 sites. METHODS: Pediatric patients undergoing inpatient surgery requiring NMBA administration were studied after informed consent. Electromyographic (EMG) monitoring was performed simultaneously in each participant at the hand (ulnar nerve, adductor pollicis muscle) and the foot (posterior tibial nerve, flexor hallucis brevis muscle). RESULTS: Fifty patients with a mean age of 3.0 ± standard deviation (SD) 2.9 years were studied. The baseline first twitch amplitude (T1) of TOF at the foot (12.46 mV) was 4.47 mV higher than at the hand (P <.0001). The baseline TOF ratio (TOFR) before NMBA administration and the maximum TOFR after antagonism with sugammadex were not different at the 2 sites. The onset time until the T1 decreased to 10% or 5% of the baseline value (T1) was delayed by approximately 90 seconds (both P =.014) at the foot compared with the hand. The TOFR at the foot recovered (TOFR ≥0.9) 191 seconds later than when this threshold was achieved at the hand (P =.017). After antagonism, T1 did not return to its baseline value, a typical finding with EMG monitoring, but the fractional recovery (maximum T1 at recovery divided by the baseline T1) at the hand and foot was not different, 0.81 and 0.77, respectively (P =.68). The final TOFR achieved at recovery was approximately 100% and was not different between the 2 sites. CONCLUSIONS: Although this study in young children demonstrated the feasibility of TOF monitoring, interpretation of the depth of neuromuscular block needs to consider the delayed onset and the delayed recovery of TOFR at the foot compared to the hand. The delay in achieving these end points when monitoring the foot may impact the timing of tracheal intubation and assessment of adequate recovery of neuromuscular block to allow tracheal extubation (ie, TOFR ≥0.9).

Remifentanil for tracheal intubation without neuromuscular blocking drugs in adult patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

There is increasing interest in the use of short-acting opioids such as remifentanil to facilitate tracheal intubation. The aim of this systematic review was to determine the efficacy and safety of remifentanil for tracheal intubation compared with neuromuscular blocking drugs in adult patients. We conducted a systematic search for randomised controlled trials evaluating remifentanil for tracheal intubation. Primary outcomes included tracheal intubation conditions and adverse events. Twenty-one studies evaluating 1945 participants were included in the analysis. Use of remifentanil (1.5-4.0 µg.kg-1) showed no evidence of a difference in tracheal intubation success rate compared with neuromuscular blocking drugs (risk ratio (95%CI) 0.97 (0.94-1.01); six studies; 1232 participants; I2 28%; p = 0.16; moderate-certainty evidence). Compared with neuromuscular blocking drugs, the use of remifentanil (2.0-4.0 µg.kg-1) makes little to no difference in terms of producing excellent tracheal intubation conditions (risk ratio (95%CI) 1.16 (0.72-1.87); two studies; 121 participants; I2 31%, p = 0.54; moderate-certainty of evidence). There was no evidence of an effect between remifentanil (2.0-4.0 µg.kg-1) and neuromuscular blocking drugs for bradycardia (risk ratio (95%CI) 0.44 (0.01-13.90); two studies; 997 participants; I2 81%; p = 0.64) and hypotension (risk ratio (95%CI) 1.05 (0.44-2.49); three studies; 1071 participants; I2 92%; p = 0.92). However, the evidence for these two outcomes was judged to be of very low-certainty. We conclude that remifentanil may be used as an alternative drug for tracheal intubation in cases where neuromuscular blocking drugs are best avoided, but more studies are required to evaluate the haemodynamic adverse events of remifentanil at different doses.

Spontaneous recovery from neuromuscular block after a single dose of a muscle relaxant in pediatric patients: A systematic review using a network meta-analytic and meta-regression approach.

BACKGROUND: Age-related differences in the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) and the short duration of many surgical procedures put pediatric patients at risk of postoperative residual curarization (PORC). To date, the duration of neuromuscular blocking agent effect in children has not been analyzed in a quantitative review. The current meta-analysis aimed to compare spontaneous recovery following administration of various types and doses of neuromuscular blocking agents and to quantify the effect of prognostic variables associated with the recovery time in pediatric patients. METHOD: We searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and controlled clinical trials (CCTs) that compared the time to 25% T1 (t25), from 25% to 75% T1 (RI25-75), and to ≥90% train-of-four (tTOF90) neuromuscular recovery between common neuromuscular blocking agent treatments administered as a single bolus to healthy pediatric participants. We compared spontaneous t25, RI25-75, and tTOF90 between (1) neuromuscular blocking agent treatments and (2) age groups receiving a given neuromuscular blocking agent intervention and anesthesia technique. Bayesian random-effects network and pairwise meta-analyses along with meta-regression were used to evaluate the results. RESULTS: We used data from 71 randomized controlled trials/controlled clinical trials including 4319 participants. Network meta-analysis allowed for the juxtaposition and ranking of spontaneous t25, RI25-75, and tTOF90 following common neuromuscular blocking agent interventions. For all neuromuscular blocking agents a log-linear relationship between dose and duration of action was found. With the neuromuscular blocking agent treatments studied, the average tTOF90 (mean[CrI95]) in children (>2-11 y) was 41.96 [14.35, 69.50] and 17.06 [5.99, 28.30] min shorter than in neonates (<28 d) and infants (28 d-12 M), respectively. We found a negative log-linear correlation between age and duration of neuromuscular blocking agent effect. The difference in the tTOF90 (mean[CrI95]) between children and other age groups increased by 21.66 [8.82, 34.53] min with the use of aminosteroid neuromuscular blocking agents and by 24.73 [7.92, 41.43] min with the addition of sevoflurane/isoflurane for anesthesia maintenance. CONCLUSIONS: The times to neuromuscular recovery are highly variable. These can decrease significantly with age and are prolonged when volatile anesthetics are administered. This variability, combined with the short duration of many pediatric surgical procedures, makes quantitative neuromuscular monitoring mandatory even after a single dose of neuromuscular blocking agent.

Extravascular injection of neuromuscular blocking drugs: A systematic review of current evidence and management.

Extravascular injection of neuromuscular blocking drugs (NMBDs) can cause a neuromuscular block because of systemic absorption. Currently, there are no guidelines available on managing extravasation of NMBDs. This article reviews the available literature on extravasation of NMBDs. Medline and Embase databases were searched for studies concerning the paravenous or subcutaneous injection of NMBDs. Nine articles were included consisting of seven case reports, one case series and one clinical trial. Rocuronium was used as primary NMBD in nine cases, vecuronium in two cases and pancuronium in one case. Although there exists significant heterogeneity between the reported information in the included studies, the majority of the case reports describe a slower onset, with a median delay of 20 min and prolonged duration of the neuromuscular block. Nine patients had a residual neuromuscular block at the end of the surgery. Postoperative monitoring in the recovery room was prolonged (median time 4 h). Most studies suggest that the delay in NMBD onset and recovery is caused by the formation of a subcutaneous depot, from which the NMBD is slowly absorbed into the systemic circulation. According to the current literature, extravasation of NMBDs results in an unpredictable neuromuscular block. Strategies to prevent potentially harmful side effects, such as frequent train-of-four (TOF) monitoring, the use of NMBD reversal agents and prolonged length of stay in the postanaesthesia care unit (PACU), should be considered. This article suggests a clinical pathway that can be used after extravascular injection of NMBDs.

Comparison of a Modern Digital Mechanomyograph to a Mechanomyograph Utilizing an Archival Grass Force Transducer.

BACKGROUND: Mechanomyography is the traditional gold standard research technique for quantitative assessment of neuromuscular blockade. Mechanomyography directly measures the isometric force generated by the thumb in response to ulnar nerve stimulation. Researchers must construct their own mechanomyographs since commercial instruments are no longer available. A mechanomyograph was constructed, and its performance was compared against an archival mechanomyography system from the 1970s that utilized an FT-10 Grass force transducer, hypothesizing that train-of-four ratios recorded on each device would be equivalent. METHODS: A mechanomyograph was constructed using 3D-printed components and modern electronics. An archival mechanomyography system was assembled from original components, including an FT-10 Grass force transducer. Signal digitization for computerized data collection was utilized instead of the original paper strip chart recorder. Both devices were calibrated with standard weights to demonstrate linear voltage response curves. The mechanomyographs were affixed to opposite arms of patients undergoing surgery, and the train-of-four ratio was measured during the onset and recovery from rocuronium neuromuscular blockade. RESULTS: Calibration measurements exhibited a positive linear association between voltage output and calibration weights with a linear correlation coefficient of 1.00 for both mechanomyography devices. The new mechanomyograph had better precision and measurement sensitivity than the archival system: 5.3 mV versus 15.5 mV and 1.6 mV versus 5.7 mV, respectively (P < 0.001 for both). A total of 767 pairs of train-of-four ratio measurements obtained from eight patients had positive linear association (R 2 = 0.94; P < 0.001). Bland-Altman analysis resulted in bias of 3.8% and limits of agreement of -13% and 21%. CONCLUSIONS: The new mechanomyograph resulted in similar train-of-four ratio measurements compared to an archival mechanomyography system utilizing an FT-10 Grass force transducer. These results demonstrated continuity of gold standard measurement of neuromuscular blockade spanning nearly 50 yr, despite significant changes in the instrumentation technology.

Effect of Remifentanil vs Neuromuscular Blockers During Rapid Sequence Intubation on Successful Intubation Without Major Complications Among Patients at Risk of Aspiration: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: It is uncertain whether a rapid-onset opioid is noninferior to a rapid-onset neuromuscular blocker during rapid sequence intubation when used in conjunction with a hypnotic agent. Objective: To determine whether remifentanil is noninferior to rapid-onset neuromuscular blockers for rapid sequence intubation. Design, Setting, and Participants: Multicenter, randomized, open-label, noninferiority trial among 1150 adults at risk of aspiration (fasting for <6 hours, bowel occlusion, recent trauma, or severe gastroesophageal reflux) who underwent tracheal intubation in the operating room at 15 hospitals in France from October 2019 to April 2021. Follow-up was completed on May 15, 2021. Interventions: Patients were randomized to receive neuromuscular blockers (1 mg/kg of succinylcholine or rocuronium; n = 575) or remifentanil (3 to 4 µg/kg; n = 575) immediately after injection of a hypnotic. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was assessed in all randomized patients (as-randomized population) and in all eligible patients who received assigned treatment (per-protocol population). The primary outcome was successful tracheal intubation on the first attempt without major complications, defined as lung aspiration of digestive content, oxygen desaturation, major hemodynamic instability, sustained arrhythmia, cardiac arrest, and severe anaphylactic reaction. The prespecified noninferiority margin was 7.0%. Results: Among 1150 randomized patients (mean age, 50.7 [SD, 17.4] years; 573 [50%] women), 1130 (98.3%) completed the trial. In the as-randomized population, tracheal intubation on the first attempt without major complications occurred in 374 of 575 patients (66.1%) in the remifentanil group and 408 of 575 (71.6%) in the neuromuscular blocker group (between-group difference adjusted for randomization strata and center, -6.1%; 95% CI, -11.6% to -0.5%; P = .37 for noninferiority), demonstrating inferiority. In the per-protocol population, 374 of 565 patients (66.2%) in the remifentanil group and 403 of 565 (71.3%) in the neuromuscular blocker group had successful intubation without major complications (adjusted difference, -5.7%; 2-sided 95% CI, -11.3% to -0.1%; P = .32 for noninferiority). An adverse event of hemodynamic instability was recorded in 19 of 575 patients (3.3%) with remifentanil and 3 of 575 (0.5%) with neuromuscular blockers (adjusted difference, 2.8%; 95% CI, 1.2%-4.4%). Conclusions and Relevance: Among adults at risk of aspiration during rapid sequence intubation in the operating room, remifentanil, compared with neuromuscular blockers, did not meet the criterion for noninferiority with regard to successful intubation on first attempt without major complications. Although remifentanil was statistically inferior to neuromuscular blockers, the wide confidence interval around the effect estimate remains compatible with noninferiority and limits conclusions about the clinical relevance of the difference. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03960801.

Quantitative Neuromuscular Monitoring and Postoperative Outcomes: A Narrative Review.

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.

Optimal Sedation in Patients Who Receive Neuromuscular Blocking Agent Infusions for Treatment of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome-A Retrospective Cohort Study From a New England Health Care Network.

OBJECTIVES: Two previously published trials (ARDS et Curarisation Systematique [ACURASYS] and Reevaluation of Systemic Early Neuromuscular Blockade [ROSE]) presented equivocal evidence on the effect of neuromuscular blocking agent infusions in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (acute respiratory distress syndrome). The sedation regimen differed between these trials and also within the ROSE trial between treatment and control groups. We hypothesized that the proportion of deeper sedation is a mediator of the effect of neuromuscular blocking agent infusions on mortality. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Seven ICUs in an academic hospital network, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (Boston, MA). PATIENTS: Intubated and mechanically ventilated ICU patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (Berlin definition) admitted between January 2008 until June 2019. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The proportion of deeper sedation was defined as days with nonlight sedation as a fraction of mechanical ventilation days in the ICU after acute respiratory distress syndrome diagnosis. Using clinical data obtained from a hospital network registry, 3,419 patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome were included, of whom 577 (16.9%) were treated with neuromuscular blocking agent infusions, for a mean (sd) duration of 1.8 (±1.9) days. The duration of deeper sedation was prolonged in patients receiving neuromuscular blocking agent infusions (4.6 ± 2.2 d) compared with patients without neuromuscular blocking agent infusions (2.4 ± 2.2 d; p < 0.001). The proportion of deeper sedation completely mediated the negative effect of neuromuscular blocking agent infusions on in-hospital mortality (p < 0.001). Exploratory analysis in patients who received deeper sedation revealed a beneficial effect of neuromuscular blocking agent infusions on mortality (49% vs 51%; adjusted odds ratio, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.63-0.99, adjusted absolute risk difference, -0.05; p = 0.048). CONCLUSIONS: In acute respiratory distress syndrome patients who receive neuromuscular blocking agent infusions, a prolonged, high proportion of deeper sedation is associated with increased mortality. Our data support the view that clinicians should minimize the duration of deeper sedation after recovery from neuromuscular blocking agent infusion.

Reducing the dose of neuromuscular blocking agents with adjuncts: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Acute global shortages of neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBA) threaten to impact adversely on perioperative and critical care. The use of pharmacological adjuncts may reduce NMBA dose. However, the magnitude of any putative effects remains unclear. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs. We searched Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Database (1970-2020) for RCTs comparing use of pharmacological adjuncts for NMBAs. We excluded RCTs not reporting perioperative NMBA dose. The primary outcome was total NMBA dose used to achieve a clinically acceptable depth of neuromuscular block. We assessed the quality of evidence using the GRADE (Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) criteria. Data are presented as the standardised mean difference (SMD); I2 indicates percentage of variance attributable to heterogeneity. RESULTS: From 3082 records, the full texts of 159 trials were retrieved. Thirty-one perioperative RCTs met the inclusion criteria for meta-analysis (n=1962). No studies were conducted in critically ill patients. Reduction in NMBA dose was associated with use of magnesium (SMD: -1.10 [-1.44 to -0.76], P<0.001; I2=85%; GRADE=moderate), dexmedetomidine (SMD: -0.89 [-1.55 to -0.22]; P=0.009; I2=87%; GRADE=low), and clonidine (SMD: -0.67 [-1.13 to -0.22]; P=0.004; I2=0%; GRADE=low) but not lidocaine (SMD: -0.46 [-1.01 to -0.09]; P=0.10; I2=68%; GRADE=moderate). Meta-analyses for nicardipine, diltiazem, and dexamethasone were not possible owing to the low numbers of studies. We estimated that 30-50 mg kg-1 magnesium preoperatively (8-15 mg kg h-1 intraoperatively) reduces rocuronium dose by 25.5% (inter-quartile range, 14.7-31). CONCLUSIONS: Magnesium, dexmedetomidine, and clonidine may confer a clinically relevant sparing effect on the required dose of neuromuscular block ing drugs in the perioperative setting. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO: CRD42020183969.

Relationship of perioperative anaphylaxis to neuromuscular blocking agents, obesity, and pholcodine consumption: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: The observation that patients presenting for bariatric surgery had a high incidence of neuromuscular blocking agent (NMBA) anaphylaxis prompted this restricted case-control study to test the hypothesis that obesity is a risk factor for NMBA anaphylaxis, independent of differences in pholcodine consumption. METHODS: We compared 145 patients diagnosed with intraoperative NMBA anaphylaxis in Western Australia between 2012 and 2020 with 61 patients with cefazolin anaphylaxis with respect to BMI grade, history of pholcodine consumption, sex, age, comorbid disease, and NMBA type and dose. Confounding was assessed by stratification and binomial logistic regression. RESULTS: Obesity (odds ratio [OR]=2.96, χ2=11.7, P=0.001), 'definite' pholcodine consumption (OR=14.0, χ2=2.6, P<0.001), and female sex (OR=2.70, χ2=9.61, P=0.002) were statistically significant risk factors for NMBA anaphylaxis on univariate analysis. The risk of NMBA anaphylaxis increased with BMI grade. Confounding analysis indicated that both obesity and pholcodine consumption remained important risk factors after correction for confounding, but that sex did not. The relative rate of rocuronium anaphylaxis was estimated to be 3.0 times that of vecuronium using controls as an estimate of market share, and the risk of NMBA anaphylaxis in patients presenting for bariatric surgery was 8.8 times the expected rate (74.9 vs 8.5 per 100 000 anaesthetic procedures). CONCLUSIONS: Obesity is a risk factor for NMBA anaphylaxis, the risk increasing with BMI grade. Pholcodine consumption is also a risk factor, and this is consistent with the pholcodine hypothesis. Rocuronium use is associated with an increased risk of anaphylaxis compared with vecuronium in this population.

Sedation, Analgesia, and Paralysis in COVID-19 Patients in the Setting of Drug Shortages.

The rapid spread of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has led to a global pandemic. The 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) presents with a spectrum of symptoms ranging from mild to critical illness requiring intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Acute respiratory distress syndrome is a major complication in patients with severe COVID-19 disease. Currently, there are no recognized pharmacological therapies for COVID-19. However, a large number of COVID-19 patients require respiratory support, with a high percentage requiring invasive ventilation. The rapid spread of the infection has led to a surge in the rate of hospitalizations and ICU admissions, which created a challenge to public health, research, and medical communities. The high demand for several therapies, including sedatives, analgesics, and paralytics, that are often utilized in the care of COVID-19 patients requiring mechanical ventilation, has created pressure on the supply chain resulting in shortages in these critical medications. This has led clinicians to develop conservation strategies and explore alternative therapies for sedation, analgesia, and paralysis in COVID-19 patients. Several of these alternative approaches have demonstrated acceptable levels of sedation, analgesia, and paralysis in different settings but they are not commonly used in the ICU. Additionally, they have unique pharmaceutical properties, limitations, and adverse effects. This narrative review summarizes the literature on alternative drug therapies for the management of sedation, analgesia, and paralysis in COVID-19 patients. Also, this document serves as a resource for clinicians in current and future respiratory illness pandemics in the setting of drug shortages.

Effects of neuromuscular blocking agents on the clinical performance of i-gel® and surgical condition in elderly patients undergoing hand surgery: a prospective randomized controlled trial.

Background: The effects of neuromuscular blocking agents on the clinical performance of supraglottic airway devices and surgical condition in elderly patients undergoing hand surgery have not been established. We evaluated the effects of rocuronium on the clinical performance of an i-gel® supraglottic device and surgical condition in elderly patients undergoing orthopedic hand surgery. Methods: Patients aged 65-85 years were randomized to receive either rocuronium (rocuronium group) or saline (control group). We compared the rates of successful insertion of the i-gel on the first attempt as a primary outcome and also assessed the adequacy of i-gel maintenance during controlled ventilation, anesthetic requirement, surgical condition, and recovery time. Results: The rates of successful insertion of the i-gel on a first attempt were 93.1% in the rocuronium group versus 82.1% in the control group (P = 0.423). Peak inspiratory pressure (PIP) was lower in the rocuronium group than in the control group (15.2 vs. 17.9 cmH2O, respectively, P = 0.028). Spontaneous breathing was less common in the rocuronium group (24.1% vs. 57.1%, respectively, P = 0.011). The requirement of additional fentanyl to suppress spontaneous breathing or patient movement was less in the rocuronium group than in the control group (24.1% vs. 50.0%, respectively, P = 0.043). Surgical condition did not differ between the two groups. Recovery time was shorter in the rocuronium group than in the control group (8.4 vs. 9.9 min, respectively, P = 0.030). Conclusions: Rocuronium did not enhance the success rate of inserting the i-gel® or the surgical condition in elderly patients. However, using rocuronium reduced PIP, the frequency of spontaneous breathing, the requirement for additional fentanyl and patients' recovery time.

Lidocaine combined with magnesium sulfate preserved hemodynamic stability during general anesthesia without prolonging neuromuscular blockade: a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Lidocaine and magnesium sulfate have become increasingly utilized in general anesthesia. The present study evaluated the effects of these drugs, isolated or combined, on hemodynamic parameters as well as on the cisatracurium-induced neuromuscular blockade (NMB). METHODS: At a university hospital, 64 patients, ASA physical status I and II, undergoing elective surgery with similar pain stimuli were randomly assigned to four groups. Patients received a bolus of lidocaine and magnesium sulfate before the tracheal intubation and a continuous infusion during the operation as follows: 3 mg.kg- 1 and 3 mg.kg- 1.h- 1 (lidocaine - L group), 40 mg.kg- 1 and 20 mg.kg- 1.h- 1 (magnesium - M group), equal doses of both drugs (magnesium plus lidocaine - ML group), and an equivalent volume of isotonic solution (control - C group). Hemodynamic parameters and neuromuscular blockade features were continuously monitored until spontaneous recovery of the train of four (TOF) ratio (TOFR > 0.9). RESULTS: The magnesium sulfate significantly prolonged all NMB recovery features, without changing the speed of onset of cisatracurium. The addition of lidocaine to Magnesium Sulfate did not influence the cisatracurium neuromuscular blockade. A similar finding was observed when this drug was used alone, with a significantly smaller fluctuation of mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) measures during anesthesia induction and maintenance. Interestingly, the percentage of patients who achieved a TOFR of 90% without reaching T1-95% was higher in the M and ML groups. Than in the C and L groups. There were no adverse events reported in this study. CONCLUSION: Intravenous lidocaine plays a significant role in the hemodynamic stability of patients under general anesthesia without exerting any additional impact on the NMB, even combined with magnesium sulfate. Aside from prolonging all NMB recovery characteristics without altering the onset speed, magnesium sulfate enhances the TOF recovery rate without T1 recovery. Our findings may aid clinical decisions involving the use of these drugs by encouraging their association in multimodal anesthesia or other therapeutic purposes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT02483611 (registration date: 06-29-2015).

BET 2: Is the use of long-acting neuromuscular blocking agents for intubation associated with reduced provision of postintubation sedation?

A short cut review was conducted to assess if the use of rocuronium in the ED was associated with a decrease in the provision of postintubation sedation. Four papers were identified that presented the best evidence to answer the question. Again the studies, relevant outcomes, results and weaknesses are tabulated. All the identified studies were retrospective and there was a plethora of outcome measures used. When compared with suxamethonium, rocuronium was associated with a delayed initiation and reduced dose of postintubation sedation.

Difficult airway predictors were associated with decreased use of neuromuscular blocking agents in emergency airway management: a retrospective cohort study in Thailand.

BACKGROUND: It is recommended that difficult airway predictors be evaluated before emergency airway management. However, little is known about how patients with difficult airway predictors are managed in emergency departments. We aimed to explore the incidence, management and outcomes of patients with difficult airway predictors in an emergency department. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study using intubation data collected by a prospective registry in an academic emergency department from November 2017 to October 2018. Records with complete assessment of difficult airway predictors were included. Two categories of predictors were analyzed: predicted difficult intubation by direct laryngoscopy and predicted difficult bag-mask ventilation. The former was evaluated based on difficult external appearance, mouth opening and thyromental distance, Mallampati score, obstruction, and limited neck mobility as in the mnemonic "LEMON". The latter was evaluated based on difficult mask sealing, obstruction or obesity, absence of teeth, advanced age and reduced pulmonary compliance as in the mnemonic "MOANS". The incidence, management and outcomes of patients with these difficult airway predictors were explored. RESULTS: During the study period, 220 records met the inclusion criteria. At least 1 difficult airway predictor was present in 183 (83.2%) patients; 57 (25.9%) patients had at least one LEMON feature, and 178 (80.9%) had at least one MOANS feature. Among patients with at least one difficult airway predictor, both sedation and neuromuscular blocking agents were used in 105 (57.4%) encounters, only sedation was used in 65 (35.5%) encounters, and no medication was administered in 13 (7.1%) encounters. First-pass success was accomplished in 136 (74.3%) of the patients. Compared with patients without predictors, patients with positive LEMON criteria were less likely to receive neuromuscular blocking agents (OR 0.46 (95% CI 0.24-0.87), p = 0.02) after adjusting for operator experience and device used. There were no significant differences between the two groups regarding glottic view, first-pass success, or complications. The LEMON criteria poorly predicted unsuccessful first pass and glottic view. CONCLUSIONS: In emergency airway management, difficult airway predictors were associated with decreased use of neuromuscular blocking agents but were not associated with glottic view, first-pass success, or complications.

Compliance With Evidence-Based Processes of Care After Transitions Between Staff Intensivists.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to evaluate the impact of transitions of care among staff intensivists on the compliance with evidence-based processes of care. DESIGN: Cohort study using data from the Toronto Intensive Care Observational Registry. SETTING: Seven academic ICUs in Toronto, Ontario. PATIENTS: Critically ill mechanically ventilated adult patients. INTERVENTIONS: We explored the effects of the weekly transition of care among staff intensivists on compliance with three evidence-based processes of care (spontaneous breathing trials, lung-protective ventilation, and neuromuscular blocking agents). Two practices that are less guided by evidence (early discontinuation of antibiotics and extubation attempts) served as positive controls. We conducted the analysis using generalized estimating equations to account for clustering at the patient level. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The cohort consisted of 10,570 patients admitted between June 2014 and August 2018. Compliance varied for each practice (63.6%, 42.5%, and 21.1% for lung-protective ventilation, spontaneous breathing trials, and neuromuscular blockade, respectively). There was no effect of transitions of care on compliance with spontaneous breathing trials (odds ratio, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.95-1.07), lung-protective ventilation (odds ratio, 1.07, 95% CI, 0.90-1.26), or neuromuscular blockade use (odds ratio, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.75-1.20). However, early antibiotic discontinuation was more likely (odds ratio, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.06-1.42) and extubation attempts were less frequent (odds ratio, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.65-0.93) after a transition of care. CONCLUSIONS: We observed no significant impact of transitions of care between individual staff physicians on evidence-based processes of care for mechanically ventilated adult patients. However, transitions were associated with a lower likelihood of extubation and higher odds of earlier discontinuation of antibiotics.

To Block or Not: Updates in Neuromuscular Blockade in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.

Objective: To review and evaluate neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) in critically ill patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Data Sources: A literature search utilizing PubMed was performed (January 1991 to January 2020) using the following search terms: (neuromuscular blocking agents OR neuromuscular blockade OR cisatracurium OR rocuronium OR vecuronium OR pancuronium OR atracurium) AND *acute respiratory distress syndrome OR acute lung injury). Publications in English were evaluated. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Relevant clinical studies in humans were considered. Data Synthesis: Although NMBAs have been used for decades in the setting of ARDS, questions regarding mortality benefit remain. Early NMBA, within 48 hours of lung injury, have been historically used in critically ill patients with ARDS to aid in increasing alveolar recruitment, improving patient-ventilator synchrony, and promoting oxygenation by the prevention of contraction of respiratory muscles. Until recently, the literature showed an improvement in 90-day adjusted mortality. However, recent literature has demonstrated the lack of a mortality benefit. The continued receipt of NMBAs, with no clear benefit, could potentially lead to increased costs, skin breakdown, corneal abrasions, venous thromboembolisms, intensive care unit acquired weakness, and awareness with inappropriate sedation. Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice: This review aims at discussing the preferred NMBA based on mechanism of action and reviews specific clinical trial data for the use of NMBAs in ARDS, clinical implications of these trial data, complications for the use of NMBAs, and needed future directions. Conclusions: The mortality benefit of NMBAs in ARDS has contradicting evidence with potentially serious adverse effects and notable controversies.

Utilization Patterns of Perioperative Neuromuscular Blockade Reversal in the United States: A Retrospective Observational Study From the Multicenter Perioperative Outcomes Group.

BACKGROUND: Following the introduction of sugammadex to the US clinical practice, scarce data are available to understand its utilization patterns. This study aimed to characterize patient, procedure, and provider factors associated with sugammadex administration in US patients. METHODS: This retrospective observational study was conducted across 24 Multicenter Perioperative Outcomes Group institutions in the United States with sugammadex on formulary at the time of the study. All American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I-IV adults undergoing noncardiac surgery from 2014 to 2018 receiving neuromuscular blockade (NMB) were eligible. The study established 3 periods based on the date of first documented sugammadex use at each institution: the presugammadex period, 0- to 6-month transitional period, and 6+ months postsugammadex period. The primary outcome was reversal using sugammadex during the postsugammadex period-defined as 6 months after sugammadex was first utilized at each institution. A multivariable mixed-effects logistic regression model controlling for institution was developed to assess patient, procedure, and provider factors associated with sugammadex administration. RESULTS: A total of 934,798 cases met inclusion criteria. Following the 6-month transitional period, sugammadex was used on average in 40.0% (95% confidence interval [CI], 39.8-40.2) of cases receiving NMB. Multivariable analysis demonstrated sugammadex use to be associated with train-of-four count of 0-1 (adjusted odds ratio = 4.06; 95% CI, 33.83-4.31) or 2 (2.45; 2.29-2.62) vs 3-4 twitches before reversal; the amount of NMB administered (3.01; 2.88-3.16) for the highest effective dose 95 quartile compared to the lowest quartile; advanced age (1.83; 1.71-1.95) compared to age <41; male sex (1.36; 1.32-1.39) compared to female sex; major thoracic surgery (1.26; 1.13-1.39); congestive heart failure (1.17, 1.07-1.28); and ASA III or IV (1.13; 1.10-1.16) versus ASA I or II. CONCLUSIONS: Our data demonstrate broad early clinical adoption of sugammadex following Food and Drug Administration approval. Sugammadex is used preferentially in cases with higher degrees of NMB before reversal and in patients with greater burden of comorbidities and known risk factors for residual blockade or pulmonary complications.

Initial emergency department mechanical ventilation strategies for COVID-19 hypoxemic respiratory failure and ARDS.

INTRODUCTION: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is an emerging viral pathogen that causes the novel coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) and may result in hypoxemic respiratory failure necessitating invasive mechanical ventilation in the most severe cases. OBJECTIVE: This narrative review provides evidence-based recommendations for the treatment of COVID-19 related respiratory failure requiring invasive mechanical ventilation. DISCUSSION: In severe cases, COVID-19 leads to hypoxemic respiratory failure that may meet criteria for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The mainstay of treatment for ARDS includes a lung protective ventilation strategy with low tidal volumes (4-8 mL/kg predicted body weight), adequate positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), and maintaining a plateau pressure of < 30 cm H2O. While further COVID-19 specific studies are needed, current management should focus on supportive care, preventing further lung injury from mechanical ventilation, and treating the underlying cause. CONCLUSIONS: This review provides evidence-based recommendations for the treatment of COVID-19 related respiratory failure requiring invasive mechanical ventilation.

Neuromuscular-blocking agents for tracheal intubation in pediatric patients (0-12 years): A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The benefit of using neuromuscular-blocking agents to facilitate tracheal intubation in pediatric patients remains unclear due to variations in design, treatments, and results among trials. By combining the available evidence, we aimed to establish whether scientific findings are consistent and can be generalized across various populations, settings, and treatments. METHODS: A systematic search for randomized controlled trials, related to the use of neuromuscular-blocking agents for tracheal intubation in American Society of Anesthesiologists class I-II participants (0-12 years), was performed. We considered all randomized controlled trials that studied whether intubation conditions and hemodynamics obtained by using neuromuscular-blocking agents were equivalent to those that were achieved without neuromuscular-blocking agents. We combined the outcomes in Review Manager 5.3 (RevMan, The Cochrane Collaboration) by pairwise random-effects meta-analysis using a risk ratio (RR) for intubation conditions and mean difference for hemodynamic values (mean [95% Confidence Intervals]). Heterogeneity among trials was explored using sensitivity analyses. RESULTS: We identified 22 eligible randomized controlled trials with 1651 participants. Overall, the use of a neuromuscular-blocking agent was associated with a clinically important increase in the likelihood of both excellent (RR = 1.41 [1.19-1.68], I2  = 76%) and acceptable (RR = 1.13 [1.07-1.19], I2  = 68%) intubating conditions. There is strong evidence that both unacceptable intubation conditions (RR = 0.35 [0.22-0.46], I2  = 23%) and failed first intubation attempts (RR = 0.25 [0.14-0.42], I2  = 0%) were less likely to occur when a neuromuscular-blocking agent was used compared with when it was not. Higher systolic or mean arterial pressures (mean difference = 13.3 [9.1-17.5] mm Hg, I2  = 69%) and heart rates (mean difference = 15.9 [11.0-20.8] beats/min, I2  = 75%) as well as a lower incidence of arrhythmias were observed when tracheal intubation was facilitated by neuromuscular-blocking agents. CONCLUSION: The use of a neuromuscular-blocking agent during light-to-moderate depth of anesthesia can improve the quality as well as the success rate of tracheal intubation and is associated with better hemodynamic stability during induction of anesthesia.