The effect of d-tubocurarine priming on an ED95 dose of vecuronium bromide

Abstract

Study objective: To examine how priming with ED10 d-tubocurarine prior to the administration of ED95 vecuronium bromide affects onset and duration of neuromuscular blockade.

Design: Prospective, randomized, observer-blinded study.

Setting: Operating room at a university cancer center.

Patients: 40 ASA physical status I and II patients undergoing ambulatory surgical procedures.

Interventions: Patients were randomized to one of two groups. Group 1 patients received d-tubocurarine 50 micrograms/kg intravenously (IV), followed by vecuronium 60 micrograms/kg IV. Group 2 patients received vecuronium 60 micrograms/kg IV without priming. All patients received a total IV anesthetic consisting of alfentanil and propofol for induction of anesthesia and propofol alone for maintenance of anesthesia.

Measurements and main results: Onset of muscle relaxation was determined with an electromyograph (Datex Relaxograph), documenting time to 80% depression of the first twitch in a train-of-four (T(1)80%), percent depression of T1 at 60 and 90 seconds (T(1)60 and T(1)90, respectively), T4:T1 ratio at 90 seconds, and time to achieve maximal blockade (Bmax). Recovery was evaluated by measuring the time required for return of T1 to 25% of the baseline value. Intubating conditions were assessed at 90 seconds after vecuronium administration and graded on a 1 (jaw tight, impossible to intubate) to 4 (jaw relaxed, vocal cords immobile) scale. All criteria measuring onset of neuromuscular blockade (i.e., T(1)80%, T(1)60, T(1)90, T4:T1, and Bmax) were significantly shorter (p < 0.05) in patients who received d-tubocurarine. Recovery was similar in both groups. Intubation scores were significantly better 90 seconds after priming (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: These results indicate that crossover dosing of nondepolarizing muscle relaxants may have synergistic effects. Priming with ED10 d-tubocurarine prior to an ED95 dose of vecuronium shortens the time to 80% T1 depression and produces satisfactory intubating conditions at 90 seconds, without prolonging the duration of the Therefore, d-tubocurarine is an attractive drug for priming vecuronium in short operative procedures that require muscle relaxation.