[Electromyographic response to precurarization with vecuronium bromide].
OBJECTIVE
To analyze electromyographic response and clinical effects after precurarization with vecuronium bromide (0.01 mg/Kg), also noting intubation conditions and the presence or not of fasciculations after administration of succinylcholine (1.5 mg/Kg).


METHODS
A single precurarization dose of vecuronium was administered to 20 patients 5 minutes before anesthetic induction for general surgery. During this period we monitored neuromuscular transmission of the cubital nerve in the wrist by electromyography with a series of 4 stimuli, expressing each as the percentage of the first response and of the ratio T4/T1. We also recorded clinical repercussions. General anesthesia was then induced; after administration of succinylcholine, the presence or not of fasciculations was noted and intubation conditions were evaluated.


RESULTS
The electromyographic response after precurarization was highly variable, as 4 different responses were recorded. We found potentiation phenomena in 20% of our patients, diminished response in 60%, fatigue phenomena in 15% and no change in 5%. Clinical signs noted were blurred vision and heavy eyelids. Fasciculations disappeared in 95% of the patients and intubation conditions were excellent.


CONCLUSIONS
Vecuronium at a precurarization dose produces highly varied but well-tolerated electromyographic responses. The drug is effective in eliminating fasciculations produced by succinylcholine and does not affect intubation conditions.
López-Vidaur
P
P
Servicio de Anestesiología, Hospital Príncipe de Asturias, Madrid.
Seiz
A
A
de la Cruz
C A
CA
Fraile
J R
JR
Criado
A
A
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004576:Electromyography; D005207:Fasciculation / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013390:Succinylcholine / Q000009:adverse effects; D014673:Vecuronium Bromide / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D014673:Vecuronium Bromide; D013390:Succinylcholine
Respuesta electromiográfica de la precurarización con bromuro de vecuronio.