Reversal of Rocuronium Induced Neuromuscular Block with Sugammadex in Patients Under 2 Years of Age. A Series of 280 Cases

Abstract

AIM: Neuromuscular muscle relaxants are still indispensable for surgical procedures requiring general anesthesia, and the use of these agents may result in postoperative residual curarization. Sugammadex may offer a distinct advantage to pediatric patients where residual neuromuscular blockade may be poorly tolerated. Sugammadex is approved for use in adults and children over two years. This is the main reason why large-scale studies could not be conducted in the group of patients younger than two years old. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of sugammadex for reversing deep rocuronium-induced neuromuscular blockade in children under two years of age.

METHODS: Pediatric patients younger than two years of age who underwent neurosurgery under sevoflurane anesthesia were included in the study. Neuromuscular block was achieved by the administration of rocuronium. It was antagonized by the administration of 5 mg/kg sugammadex and evaluated using train-of-four (TOF). Primary outcome measure was the time from sugammadex administration to return of the TOF ratio to 0,9. Postoperative adverse events were also recorded.

RESULTS: Two hundred eighty patients (10 day-24 months of age; 3-18 kg) were included in this study. Reversal of deep rocuronium-induced neuromuscular block with sugammadex was rapid in all patients. No residual curarization or recurarization was observed. No adverse events or hypersensitivity reactions were observed after administration of sugammadex.

CONCLUSION: Reversal of rocuronium-induced deep neuromuscular block in infants was rapid and safe. Sugammadex provided safe extubation in patients younger than two years of age who had undergone neurosurgery. Research Fund.