Air versus saline in the loss of resistance technique for identification of the epidural space.

BACKGROUND: The success of epidural anaesthesia depends on correct identification of the epidural space. For several decades, the decision of whether to use air or physiological saline during the loss of resistance technique for identification of the epidural space has been governed by the personal experience of the anaesthesiologist. Epidural block remains one of the main regional anaesthesia techniques. It is used for surgical anaesthesia, obstetrical analgesia, postoperative analgesia and treatment of chronic pain and as a complement to general anaesthesia. The sensation felt by the anaesthesiologist from the syringe plunger with loss of resistance is different when air is compared with saline (fluid). Frequently fluid allows a rapid change from resistance to non-resistance and increased movement of the plunger. However, the ideal technique for identification of the epidural space remains unclear. OBJECTIVES: • To evaluate the efficacy and safety of both air and saline in the loss of resistance technique for identification of the epidural space.• To evaluate complications related to the air or saline injected. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (2013, Issue 9), MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Latin American and Caribbean Health Science Information Database (LILACS) (from inception to September 2013). We applied no language restrictions. The date of the most recent search was 7 September 2013. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-randomized controlled trials (quasi-RCTs) on air and saline in the loss of resistance technique for identification of the epidural space. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently assessed trial quality and extracted data. MAIN RESULTS: We included in the review seven studies with a total of 852 participants. The methodological quality of the included studies was generally ranked as showing low risk of bias in most domains, with the exception of one study, which did not mask participants. We were able to include data from 838 participants in the meta-analysis. We found no statistically significant differences between participants receiving air and those given saline in any of the outcomes evaluated: inability to locate the epidural space (three trials, 619 participants) (risk ratio (RR) 0.88, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.33 to 2.31, low-quality evidence); accidental intravascular catheter placement (two trials, 223 participants) (RR 0.90, 95% CI 0.33 to 2.45, low-quality evidence); accidental subarachnoid catheter placement (four trials, 682 participants) (RR 2.95, 95% CI 0.12 to 71.90, low-quality evidence); combined spinal epidural failure (two trials, 400 participants) (RR 0.98, 95% CI 0.44 to 2.18, low-quality evidence); unblocked segments (five studies, 423 participants) (RR 1.66, 95% CI 0.72 to 3.85); and pain measured by VAS (two studies, 395 participants) (mean difference (MD) -0.09, 95% CI -0.37 to 0.18). With regard to adverse effects, we found no statistically significant differences between participants receiving air and those given saline in the occurrence of paraesthesias (three trials, 572 participants) (RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.69 to 1.15); difficulty in advancing the catheter (two trials, 227 participants) (RR 0.91, 95% CI 0.32 to 2.56); catheter replacement (two trials, 501 participants) (RR 0.69, 95% CI 0.26 to 1.83); and postdural puncture headache (one trial, 110 participants) (RR 0.83, 95% CI 0.12 to 5.71). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Low-quality evidence shows that results do not differ between air and saline in terms of the loss of resistance technique for identification of the epidural space and reduction of complications. Applicability might be compromised, as most of the results described in this review were obtained from parturient patients. This review underlines the need to conduct well-designed trials in this field. 

Incentive spirometry for prevention of postoperative pulmonary complications in upper abdominal surgery.

BACKGROUND: This is an update of a Cochrane Review first published in The Cochrane Library 2008, Issue 3.Upper abdominal surgical procedures are associated with a high risk of postoperative pulmonary complications. The risk and severity of postoperative pulmonary complications can be reduced by the judicious use of therapeutic manoeuvres that increase lung volume. Our objective was to assess the effect of incentive spirometry compared to no therapy or physiotherapy, including coughing and deep breathing, on all-cause postoperative pulmonary complications and mortality in adult patients admitted to hospital for upper abdominal surgery. OBJECTIVES: Our primary objective was to assess the effect of incentive spirometry (IS), compared to no such therapy or other therapy, on postoperative pulmonary complications and mortality in adults undergoing upper abdominal surgery.Our secondary objectives were to evaluate the effects of IS, compared to no therapy or other therapy, on other postoperative complications, adverse events, and spirometric parameters. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library 2013, Issue 8), MEDLINE, EMBASE, and LILACS (from inception to August 2013). There were no language restrictions. The date of the most recent search was 12 August 2013. The original search was performed in June 2006. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of IS in adult patients admitted for any type of upper abdominal surgery, including patients undergoing laparoscopic procedures. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two authors independently assessed trial quality and extracted data. MAIN RESULTS: We included 12 studies with a total of 1834 participants in this updated review. The methodological quality of the included studies was difficult to assess as it was poorly reported, so the predominant classification of bias was 'unclear'; the studies did not report on compliance with the prescribed therapy. We were able to include data from only 1160 patients in the meta-analysis. Four trials (152 patients) compared the effects of IS with no respiratory treatment. We found no statistically significant difference between the participants receiving IS and those who had no respiratory treatment for clinical complications (relative risk (RR) 0.59, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.30 to 1.18). Two trials (194 patients) IS compared incentive spirometry with deep breathing exercises (DBE). We found no statistically significant differences between the participants receiving IS and those receiving DBE in the meta-analysis for respiratory failure (RR 0.67, 95% CI 0.04 to 10.50). Two trials (946 patients) compared IS with other chest physiotherapy. We found no statistically significant differences between the participants receiving IS compared to those receiving physiotherapy in the risk of developing a pulmonary condition or the type of complication. There was no evidence that IS is effective in the prevention of pulmonary complications. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There is low quality evidence regarding the lack of effectiveness of incentive spirometry for prevention of postoperative pulmonary complications in patients after upper abdominal surgery. This review underlines the urgent need to conduct well-designed trials in this field. There is a case for large RCTs with high methodological rigour in order to define any benefit from the use of incentive spirometry regarding mortality.

Global neonatal perioperative mortality: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: There are large differences in health care among countries. A higher perioperative mortality rate (POMR) in neonates than in older children and adults has been recognized worldwide. The aim of this study was to provide a systematic review of published 24-h and 30-day POMRs in neonates from 2011 to 2022 in countries with different Human Development Index (HDI) levels. DESIGN AND SETTING: A systematic review with a meta-analysis of studies that reported 24-h and 30-day POMRs in neonates was performed. We searched the databases from January 2011 to July 30, 2022. MEASUREMENTS: The POMRs (per 10,000 procedures under anesthesia) were analyzed according to country HDI. The HDI levels ranged from 0 to 1, representing the lowest and highest levels, respectively (very-high-HDI: ≥ 0.800, high-HDI: 0.700-0.799, medium-HDI: 0.550-0.699, and low-HDI: < 0.550). The magnitude of the POMRs by country HDI was studied using meta-analysis. MAIN RESULTS: Eighteen studies from 45 countries were included. The 24-h (n = 96 deaths) and 30-day (n = 459 deaths) POMRs were analyzed from 33,729 anesthetic procedures. The odds ratios (ORs) of the 24-h POMR in low-HDI countries were higher than those in very-high- (OR 8.4, 95% CI 1.7-40.4; p = 0.008), high- (OR 7.3, 95% CI 2.2-24.4; p = 0.001) and medium-HDI countries (OR 7.7, 95% CI 3.1-18.7; p < 0.0001) but with no odds differences between very-high- and high-HDI countries (p = 0.879), very-high- and medium-HDI countries (p = 0.915) and high- and medium-HDI countries (p = 0.689). The odds of a 30-day POMR in low-HDI countries were higher than those in very-high-HDI countries (OR 6.9, 95% CI 1.9-24.6; p = 0.002) but not in high-HDI countries (OR 1.4, 95% CI 0.6-3.0; p = 0.396). CONCLUSIONS: The review demonstrated very high global POMRs in a surgical population of neonates independent of the country HDI level. We identified differences in 24-h and 30-day POMRs between low-HDI countries and other countries with higher HDI levels.

Intravenous versus inhalation anaesthesia for one-lung ventilation.

BACKGROUND: This is an update of a Cochrane Review first published in The Cochrane Library, Issue 2, 2008.The technique called one-lung ventilation can confine bleeding or infection to one lung, prevent rupture of a lung cyst or, more commonly, facilitate surgical exposure of the unventilated lung. During one-lung ventilation, anaesthesia is maintained either by delivering an inhalation anaesthetic to the ventilated lung or by infusing an intravenous anaesthetic. It is possible that the method chosen to maintain anaesthesia may affect patient outcomes. Inhalation anaesthetics may impair hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction (HPV) and increase intrapulmonary shunt and hypoxaemia. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this review was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of intravenous versus inhalation anaesthesia for one-lung ventilation. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL); The Cochrane Library (2012, Issue 11); MEDLINE (1966 to November 2012); EMBASE (1980 to November 2012); Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS, 1982 to November 2012) and ISI web of Science (1945 to November 2012), reference lists of identified trials and bibliographies of published reviews. We also contacted researchers in the field. No language restrictions were applied. The date of the most recent search was 19 November 2012. The original search was performed in June 2006. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomized controlled trials and quasi-randomized controlled trials of intravenous (e.g. propofol) versus inhalation (e.g. isoflurane, sevoflurane, desflurane) anaesthesia for one-lung ventilation in both surgical and intensive care participants. We excluded studies of participants who had only one lung (i.e. pneumonectomy or congenital absence of one lung). DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently assessed trial quality and extracted data. We contacted study authors for additional information. MAIN RESULTS: We included in this updated review 20 studies that enrolled 850 participants, all of which assessed surgical participants－no studies investigated one-lung ventilation performed outside the operating theatre. No evidence indicated that the drug used to maintain anaesthesia during one-lung ventilation affected participant outcomes. The methodological quality of the included studies was difficult to assess as it was reported poorly, so the predominant classification of bias was 'unclear'. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Very little evidence from randomized controlled trials suggests differences in participant outcomes with anaesthesia maintained by intravenous versus inhalational anaesthesia during one-lung ventilation. If researchers believe that the type of drug used to maintain anaesthesia during one-lung ventilation is important, they should design randomized controlled trials with appropriate participant outcomes, rather than report temporary fluctuations in physiological variables.

Plasma Fibrinogen as a Predictor of Perioperative-Blood-Component Transfusion in Major-Nontraumatic-Orthopedic-Surgery Patients: A Cohort Study.

There is a trend towards increased perioperative bleeding in patients with plasma fibrinogen levels < 200 mg/dL-1. This study aimed to assess whether there is an association between preoperative fibrinogen levels and perioperative blood-product transfusion up to 48 h after major orthopedic surgery. This cohort study included 195 patients who underwent primary or revision hip arthroplasty for nontraumatic etiologies. Plasma fibrinogen, blood count, coagulation tests, and platelet count were measured preoperatively. A plasma fibrinogen level of 200 mg/dL-1 was the cutoff value used to predict blood transfusion. The mean (SD) plasma fibrinogen level was 325 (83) mg/dL-1. Only thirteen patients had levels < 200 mg/dL-1, and only one of them received a blood transfusion, with an absolute risk of 7.69% (1/13; 95%CI: 1.37-33.31%). Preoperative plasma fibrinogen levels were not associated with the need for blood transfusion (p = 0.745). The sensitivity and the positive predictive value of plasma fibrinogen < 200 mg/dL-1 as a predictor of blood transfusion were 4.17% (95%CI: 0.11-21.12%) and 7.69% (95%CI: 1.12-37.99%), respectively. Test accuracy was 82.05% (95%CI: 75.93-87.17%), but positive and negative likelihood ratios were poor. Therefore, preoperative plasma fibrinogen level in hip-arthroplasty patients was not associated with the need for blood-product transfusion.

Effects of Plasma-Lyte.½ and 0.9% saline in renal function after deceased-donor kidney transplant: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The influence of different crystalloid solutions infused during deceased-donor kidney transplant on the incidence of delayed graft function remains unclear. We investigated the influence of Plasma-Lyte.½ vs. 0.9% saline on the incidence of delayed graft function in deceased-donor kidney transplant recipients. METHODS: We conducted a single-blind randomized controlled trial of 104 patients aged 18 to 65 years who underwent deceased-donor kidney transplant under general anesthesia. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either Plasma-Lyte.½ (n.ß=.ß52) or 0.9% saline (n.ß=.ß52), at the same infusion volume, for intraoperative fluid replacement. The primary outcome was the occurrence of delayed graft function. Secondary outcomes included metabolic and electrolytic changes at the end of surgery. RESULTS: Two patients in the Plasma-Lyte.½ group and one in the 0.9% saline group died postoperatively and were not included for analysis. The incidence of delayed graft function in Plasma-Lyte.½ and 0.9% saline groups were 60.0% (95% Confidence Interval [95% CI 46.2...72.4]) and 74.5% (95% CI 61.1...84.4), respectively (p.ß=.ß0.140). Mean (standard deviation) values of immediate postoperative pH and serum chloride levels in Plasma-Lyte.½ and 0.9% saline groups were 7.306 (0.071) and 7.273 (0.061) (p.ß=.ß0.013), and 99.6 (4.2) mEq.L-1 and 103.3 (5.6) mEq.L-1, respectively (p.ß<.ß0.001). All other postoperative metabolic and electrolyte variables were not statistically different at the immediate postoperative period (p.ß>.ß0.05). CONCLUSION: In deceased-donor kidney transplant recipients, the incidence of delayed graft function is not influenced by Plasma-Lyte.½ or 0.9% saline used for intraoperative fluid replacement.

Intermittent Fasting before Laparotomy: Effects on Glucose Control and Histopathologic Findings in Diabetic Rats.

(1) Background: Intermittent fasting is a nutrition practice in which individuals fast for several hours in a day, mainly with feeding time during the daylight hours. They seek to improve metabolic performance and cellular resistance to stress. In this study, we tested the fasting protocol to investigate the glycemic effect in a laparotomy perioperative period in diabetic rats and histopathologic findings. (2) Methods: The animals were diabetic-induced with alloxan. Two groups were set according to the feeding protocol: free food and intermittent fasting, whose rats could only eat 8 h in the daylight. Both groups were anesthetized, and a laparotomy was performed. We evaluated the glucose levels during the perioperative period, and we accessed organ histology seeking damage of kidney, bowel and liver after surgical trauma, and we evaluated the wound healing process. (3) Results: Glycemic levels were improved in the intermittent fasting group, especially in the post-operative period after laparotomy. Comparing both groups' tubular damage showed interdependency with mice with worse glycemic level (Z = 2.3; p = 0.0215) and wound-healing parameters showed interdependency with rats with better glycemic status for neovascularization (Z = 2.2; p = 0.0273) and the presence of sebaceous and sweat gland in the healing process (Z = 2.30; p = 0.0215). (4) Conclusions: Intermittent fasting before surgery can be a tool to improve glycemic levels in diabetic rats, with improvement especially in the post-operative period.

[Occupational hazards, DNA damage, and oxidative stress on exposure to waste anesthetic gases]. / Riscos ocupacionais, danos no material genético e estresse oxidativo frente à exposição aos resíduos de gases anestésicos.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The waste anesthetic gases (WAGs) present in the ambient air of operating rooms (OR), are associated with various occupational hazards. This paper intends to discuss occupational exposure to WAGs and its impact on exposed professionals, with emphasis on genetic damage and oxidative stress. CONTENT: Despite the emergence of safer inhaled anesthetics, occupational exposure to WAGs remains a current concern. Factors related to anesthetic techniques and anesthesia workstations, in addition to the absence of a scavenging system in the OR, contribute to anesthetic pollution. In order to minimize the health risks of exposed professionals, several countries have recommended legislation with maximum exposure limits. However, developing countries still require measurement of WAGs and regulation for occupational exposure to WAGs. WAGs are capable of inducing damage to the genetic material, such as DNA damage assessed using the comet assay and increased frequency of micronucleus in professionals with long-term exposure. Oxidative stress is also associated with WAGs exposure, as it induces lipid peroxidation, oxidative damage in DNA, and impairment of the antioxidant defense system in exposed professionals. CONCLUSIONS: The occupational hazards related to WAGs including genotoxicity, mutagenicity and oxidative stress, stand as a public health issue and must be acknowledged by exposed personnel and responsible authorities, especially in developing countries. Thus, it is urgent to stablish maximum safe limits of concentration of WAGs in ORs and educational practices and protocols for exposed professionals.

Minimal fresh gas flow sevoflurane anesthesia and postoperative acute kidney injury in on-pump cardiac surgery: a randomized comparative trial

Abstract Background Compound A is generated by sevoflurane when it reacts with carbon dioxide absorbers with strong bases at minimal fresh gas flow (FGF) and is nephrotoxic in animals. No conclusive data has shown increased risk in humans. The aim of this study was to investigate if minimal FGF promotes an increase in the incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) when compared to high FGF in patients undergoing on-pump cardiac surgery under sevoflurane anesthesia. Methods Two hundred and four adult patients scheduled for on-pump cardiac surgery under sevoflurane anesthesia were randomly allocated to two groups differentiated by FGF: minimal FGF (0.5 L.min−1) or high FGF (2.0 L.min−1). Baseline creatinine measured before surgery was compared daily to values assayed on the first five postoperative days, and 24-hour urinary output was monitored, according to the KDIGO (Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes) guideline to define postoperative cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury (CSA-AKI). Creatinine measurements were also obtained 20 and 120 days after hospital discharge. Results Postoperative AKI occurred in 55 patients, 26 patients (29.5%) in the minimal FGF group and 29 patients (31.5%) in the high FGF group (p= 0.774). Twenty days after discharge, 11 patients (6.1%) still had CSA-AKI and 120 days after discharge only 2 patients (1.6%) still had CSA-AKI. Conclusions When compared to high FGF, minimal FGF sevoflurane anesthesia during on-pump cardiac surgery is not associated with increased risk of postoperative AKI in this population at high risk for renal injury.

[Ultrasound dynamics of gastric content volumes after the ingestion of coconut water or a meat sandwich. A randomized controlled crossover study in healthy volunteers]. / Dinâmica ultrassonográfica dos volumes do conteúdo gástrico após a ingestão de água de coco ou sanduíche de carne. Um estudo cruzado controlado e randômico com voluntários saudáveis.

BACKGROUND: Adequate preoperative fasting is critical in preventing pulmonary aspiration of gastric content. We proposed to study the sonographic gastric content dynamics after the ingestion of liquid or solid food in healthy volunteers and confront it with current guidelines for preoperative fasting times. METHODS: We performed a prospective, crossover, evaluator-blinded study involving 17 healthy volunteers of both sexes. Each participant fasted for 10h and was subjected to a baseline gastric ultrasound, intake of 400mL of coconut water or a 145g, 355kcal meat sandwich, and sonographic gastric evaluations after 10min and every hour until the stomach was completely empty. RESULTS: At baseline, all subjects had an empty stomach. At 10min, gastric content [mean + standard deviation (SD)] was 240.4 + 69.3 and 248.2 + 119.2mL for liquid and solid foods, respectively (p>0.05). Mean + SD gastric emptying times were 2.5 + 0.7 and 4.5 + 0.9h for liquid and solid foods, respectively (p<0.001). For the drink, the stomach was completely empty in 59% and 100% of the subjects after two and four hours, and for the sandwich, 65% and 100% of the subjects after four and seven hours, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Sonographic gastric dynamics for coconut water and a meat sandwich resulted in complete gastric emptying times higher and lower, respectively, than those suggested by current guidelines for preoperative fasting.

Systematic survey of randomized trials evaluating the impact of alternative diagnostic strategies on patient-important outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: To provide a perspective on the current practice of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) of diagnostic strategies focusing on patient-important outcomes. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: We conducted a comprehensive search of MEDLINE and included RCTs published in full-text reports that evaluated alternative diagnostic strategies. RESULTS: Of 56,912 unique citations, we sampled 7,500 and included 103 eligible RCTs, therefore suggesting that MEDLINE includes approximately 781 diagnostic RCTs. The 103 eligible trials reported on: mortality (n = 41; 39.8%); morbidities (n = 63; 61.2%); symptoms/quality of life/functional status (n = 14; 13.6%); and on composite end points (n = 10; 9.7%). Of the studies that reported statistically significant results (n = 12; 11.6%), we judged 7 (58.3%) as at low risk of bias with respect to missing outcome data and 4 (33.3%) as at low risk of bias regarding blinding. Of the 41 RCTs that reported on mortality, only one (2.4%) reported statistically significant results. Of 63 RCTs addressing morbidity outcomes, 11 (17.5%) reported statistically significant results, all of which reported relative effects of greater than 20%. CONCLUSION: RCTs of diagnostic tests are not uncommon, and sometimes suggest benefits on patient-important outcomes but often suffer from limitations in sample size and conduct.

Effects of dexmedetomidine on renal system and on vasopressin plasma levels. Experimental study in dogs.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Perioperative acute renal failure increases morbidity and mortality. Alpha2-adrenergic agonists used in anesthesia increase urinary output and maintain cardiovascular stability. This study aimed at investigating the effects of dexmedetomidine on renal system and on vasopressin plasma levels in anesthetized dogs. METHODS: This study involved 36 adult mixed-breed dogs anesthetized with propofol, fentanyl, and isoflurane, which were randomly distributed in three groups receiving: G1 -20 mL of 0.9% saline in 10 minutes, followed by 20 mL of the same solution in one hour; G2 -20 mL of 0.9% saline with dexmedetomidine (1 microg kg(-1)) in 10 minutes, followed by 20 mL of the same solution with the same dexmedetomidine dose (1 microg kg(-1)) in one hour; and G3 -20 mL of 0.9% saline with dexmedetomidine (2 microg kg(-1)) in 10 minutes, followed by 20 mL of the same solution with the same dexmedetomidine dose (2 microg kg(-1)) in one hour. Renal and hemodynamic variables and vasopressin plasma levels were studied in four periods: M1 (control) - immediately after the stabilization period; M2 - after initial injection of the solution being studied, coinciding with the beginning of continuous injection of the same solution; M3 - 30 minutes after M2; and M4 - 30 minutes after M3. RESULTS: Dexmedetomidine has decreased heart rate and maintained adequate cardiovascular stability, as cardiac output was kept constant. Urinary output was increased for G2 and G3 as compared to G1. For G2 and G3, urinary osmolality has decreased in M3 and M4. For G3, values of free water clearance were increased throughout the experiment. Vasopressin plasma levels have decreased for G3, resulting in lower values as compared to G1 and G2 in M2 and M4. CONCLUSIONS: In anesthetized dogs, low doses of dexmedetomidine inhibit vasopressin secretion, causing aqueous diuresis. These actions might protect kidneys during ischemic events.

Onset time and duration of rocuronium, atracurium and mivacurium in pediatric patients.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Neuromuscular blockers (NMB) are widely used in pediatric anesthesia, but there is no ideal NMB. This study aimed at evaluating onset and recovery time, hemodynamic changes and tracheal intubation conditions of rocuronium, atracurium and mivacurium in pediatric patients. METHODS: Participated in this study 67 children aged 30 months to 12 years, physical status ASA I and II, who were allocated into three groups: G1 = 0.9 mg kg(-1) rocuronium (n = 22); G2 = 0.5 mg kg(-1) atracurium (n = 22); G3 = 0.15 mg kg(-1) mivacurium (n = 23). Anesthesia was induced with 50 microg kg(-1) alfentanil, 3 mg kg(-1) propofol, sevoflurane and N2O/O2. Neuromuscular block was monitored by acceleromyography on the ulnar nerve pathway. The following parameters were evaluated: onset time (OT), clinical duration (T25) relaxation time (T75) and recovery time (T(25-75)). Heart rate (HR) and mean blood pressure (MBP) were recorded in 6 moments, as well as tracheal intubation conditions. RESULTS: Median OT was: G1 = 0.6 min, G2 = 1.3 min, G3 = 1.9 min. Median T25 was: G1 = 38 min, G2 = 41.5, G3 = 8.8 min. Median T75 was: G1 = 57.7 min; G2 = 54.6 min, G3 = 13.6 min. Median T(25-75) was: G1 = 19.7 min, G2 = 13.1 min and G3 = 4.8 min. Tracheal intubation conditions were excellent for most children in all groups. There were no significant MBP and HR clinical changes. CONCLUSIONS: Rocuronium (0.9 mg kg(-1)) had the fastest onset time and mivacurium (0.15 mg kg(-1)) the shortest recovery time in pediatric patients anesthetized with sevoflurane. Rocuronium, mivacurium and atracurium had also not determined significant hemodynamic changes and allowed for excellent tracheal intubation conditions.