Doxacurium block is not influenced by age.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the influence of aging on the efficacy and safety of doxacurium.


METHODS
Open, randomized, phase III study.


METHODS
Inpatient ophthalmic surgery clinic at a university medical center.


METHODS
30 elderly patients (65 years or older) compared with a control group of 30 younger patients (18 to 64 years).


METHODS
An elective ophthalmological surgical intervention of more than 2 hours' expected duration with general anesthesia with isoflurane.


RESULTS
Neuromuscular function after a bolus dose of doxacurium was monitored electromyographically. No significant difference was observed in maximum block achieved or onset time. Clinical duration of neuromuscular block was similar in both groups. Hemodynamic changes were clinically unimportant.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of doxacurium in elderly patients is possible with no need for dose adjustment. Doxacurium might be a good choice for patients with cardiac disease who are scheduled for long surgical procedures.
Department of Anesthesiology, University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.
J C
JC
De Mey
G
G
Rolly
N
N
Den Blauwen
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D000758:Anesthesia; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D004576:Electromyography; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects; D006439:Hemodynamics / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal; D007546:Isoquinolines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009407:Nerve Block; D003473:Neuromuscular Nondepolarizing Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D013508:Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures; D011229:Preanesthetic Medication
D007546:Isoquinolines; D003473:Neuromuscular Nondepolarizing Agents; C049429:doxacurium