Abstract
Objectives. To compare two levels of continuous cisatracurium-induced curarization in hypoxemic, ventilated patients.
Design and setting. An open-labeled, multicenter, prospective, randomized study.
Patients. Hundred two patients with a ratio between arterial oxygen tension and inspired oxygen tension (PaO2/FIO2) less than 200 despite optimization of sedation and ventilation were randomized into group 1 (n=52) with an end point of no response at orbicularis oculi to train-of-four (TOF) stimulation or group 2 (n=50) with an end point of two responses.
Measurements and results. The PaO2/FIO2 and end-inspiratory plateau airway pressure (Pplat) were evaluated at baseline (before curarization) and at regular intervals once TOF end points had been attained for up to 2 h afterwards (T2 h). A decrease of 1 cmH2O or more of Pplat at T2 h compared to baseline was observed in 37% and 50% of the patients in groups 1 and 2, respectively (p=0.17). Time courses of PaO2/FIO2 (mmHg) and Pplat (cmH2O) [mean (SD)] were equivalent in both groups, with a mild increase in PaO2/FIO2 [p=0.0014; from 126 (33) to 141 (55) and from 134 (40) to 152 (52), respectively, in groups 1 and 2] and decrease in Pplat [p=0.016; from 29.1 (8.9) to 28.5 (8.8) and from 27.7 (7.5) to 26.6 (7.6)]. Median total durations of curarization were 28.9 h (3.1–219.7) in group 1 and 31.4 h (1.6–650.6) in group 2. Median cisatracurium infusion rates were 5.2 µg kg–1 min–1 (2.1–13.7) in group 1 and 3.6 µg kg1 min–1 (1.0–13.5) in group 2. The median delay to recovery from paralysis was shorter in group 2 (0.75 h vs 1.25 h; p=0.0008).
Conclusion. When a prolonged curarization is decided upon in an ICU patient, a blockade at 2/4 at TOF at orbicularis oculi has similar effects on respiratory parameters as a blockade at 0/4, allowing a decrease in total administered doses and a shortening of the recovery of muscle strength after cessation of infusion.
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Lagneau, F., D'honneur, G., Plaud, B. et al. A comparison of two depths of prolonged neuromuscular blockade induced by cisatracurium in mechanically ventilated critically ill patients. Intensive Care Med 28, 1735–1741 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00134-002-1508-y
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00134-002-1508-y