title: Effects of paralysis with pancuronium bromide on joint mobility in premature infants.
abstract: To study the effects of muscle paralysis on joint mobility, we compared eight premature infants treated with pancuronium bromide with a control group. A significant reduction was observed in hip and knee flexion, and in ankle dorsal extension, which tended to resolve in time. We conclude that muscle paralysis reduces the mobility of selected joints; spontaneous activity appears to prevent long-term contractures.
authors.affiliation: Intensive Care Unit, University Children's Hospital, Zürich, Switzerland.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Fanconi
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ensner
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Knecht
mesh_terms: D000842:Ankle / Q000503:physiopathology; D006615:Hip / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000503:physiopathology; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000187:drug effects; D009132:Muscles / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010197:Pancuronium / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010243:Paralysis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012121:Respiration, Artificial; D012127:Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000628:therapy
chemical_list: D010197:Pancuronium