Prolonged infusion of suxamethonium in infants and children.
The neuromuscular blockade produced by a prolonged (greater than 90 min) continuous infusion of suxamethonium and measured with train-of-four stimulation was studied in 20 infants and 20 children during nitrous oxide and halothane in oxygen anaesthesia. The results were compared with a previous study in adults. Suxamethonium requirement was increased in infants and children. Mean peak infusion rates were 297 and 284 micrograms kg-1 min-1 in infants and children, compared with 134 micrograms kg-1 min-1 in adults. An initial tachyphylaxis was followed by bradyphylaxis, and the peak requirement occurred earlier in infants than in children and adults (40 v. 80-100 min). Phase II block developed during the tachyphylaxis. Recovery of neuromuscular activity commenced after stopping the infusion and was accelerated with neostigmine.
D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007263:Infusions, Parenteral; D009388:Neostigmine / Q000494:pharmacology; D009469:Neuromuscular Junction / Q000502:physiology; D013390:Succinylcholine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D009435:Synaptic Transmission / Q000187:drug effects; D013997:Time Factors
D009388:Neostigmine; D013390:Succinylcholine