title: A double-blind comparison of vecuronium administered by the Springfusor infusion device to vecuronium by intermittent bolus injection in critically ill adult patients.
abstract: To evaluate the Springfusor infusion device for clinical use in an Intensive Care Unit and to compare the technique of intermittent bolus and constant infusion of muscle relaxants, we undertook a prospective double-blind randomized placebo-controlled study. Twenty critically ill ventilated patients requiring muscle paralysis were investigated. Although we could show no clinical advantage in infusing vecuronium, the Springfusor provided a more constant level of paralysis compared with hourly bolus doses. The device is robust, easy to use and reduces nursing workload. This may translate into cost-saving improvement in patient care if the Springfusor is used to provide muscle relaxation, sedation and analgesia.
authors: Intensive Care Unit, Baragwanath Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa.
authors: R
authors: R
authors: Freebairn
authors: G M
authors: GM
authors: Joynt
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Lipman
authors: P A
authors: PA
authors: Bothma
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000698:Analgesia; D000771:Anesthesia, Intravenous / Q000295:instrumentation*; D017046:Cost Savings; D003422:Critical Care; D016638:Critical Illness / Q000191:economics / Q000451:nursing; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000008:administration & dosage; D007260:Infusion Pumps; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous / Q000295:instrumentation; D008297:Male; D009469:Neuromuscular Junction / Q000187:drug effects; D010919:Placebos; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012121:Respiration, Artificial; D014673:Vecuronium Bromide / Q000008:administration & dosage*
chemical_list: D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D010919:Placebos; D014673:Vecuronium Bromide