A systematic review of sugammadex vs neostigmine for reversal of neuromuscular blockade

Abstract

We reviewed systematically sugammadex vs neostigmine for reversing neuromuscular blockade. We included 17 randomised controlled trials with 1553 participants. Sugammadex reduced all signs of residual postoperative paralysis, relative risk (95% CI) 0.46 (0.29-0.71), p = 0.0004 and minor respiratory events, relative risk (95% CI) 0.51 (0.32-0.80), p = 0.0034. There was no difference in critical respiratory events, relative risk (95% CI) 0.13 (0.02-1.06), p = 0.06. Sugammadex reduced drug-related side-effects, relative risk (95% CI) 0.72 (0.54-0.95), p = 0.02. There was no difference in the rate of postoperative nausea or the rate of postoperative vomiting, relative risk (95% CI) 0.94 (0.79-1.13), p = 0.53, and 0.87 (0.65-1.17), p = 0.36 respectively.