We conducted a meta-analysis to examine the effect of intraoperative monitoring of neuromuscular function on the incidence of postoperative residual curarisation (PORC). PORC has been considered present when a patient has a train-of-four (TOF) ratio of < 0.7 or < 0.9. We analysed data from 24 trials (3375 patients) that were published between 1979 and 2005. We excluded data on mivacurium from t...

Neuromuscular blockade is a pharmacological adjunct for anesthesia and for surgical interventions. Neuromuscular blockers can facilitate ease of instrumentation and reduce complications associated with intubation. An undesirable sequela of these agents is residual neuromuscular blockade. Residual neuromuscular blockade is linked to aspiration, diminished response to hypoxia, and obstruction of ...

We read with interest the study by Lu et al. about routine sugammadex reversal in patients with rocuroniuminduced neuromuscular blockade undergoing thyroidectomy. This study showed that after a single intubating dose of rocuronium, sugammadex 2 mg/kg was effective to restore sufficient neuromuscular function, allowing intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM). Also, this article concluded that impl...

This European Neuromuscular Centre (ENMC) care workshop was attended by 19 professionals working in the field of neuromuscular disorders (pediatric and adult), pain or fatigue from 8 different countries (USA, Great Britain, Germany, France, Italy, Sweden, Denmark and the Netherlands), and 3 patient representatives coming from the Netherlands. This ENMC organized workshop aimed to achieve consen...

PURPOSE OF REVIEW To revise the current literature on concepts for neuromuscular block management. Moreover, consequences of incomplete neuromuscular recovery on patients' postoperative pulmonary outcome are evaluated as well. RECENT FINDINGS The incidence of residual paralysis may be as high as 70% and even small degrees of residual paralysis may have clinical consequences. Neostigmine shoul...

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Calcium channel blockers may interact with neuromuscular blockers, increasing its effects. Research studies about this interaction display controversial results. In some studies these drugs produced neuromuscular blockage, or contracture, or no effect at all was proved over skeletal neuromuscular response. This study assessed the nifedipine effects over muscular respon...

Acute neuromuscular paralysis (ANMP) is a clinical syndrome characterized by rapid onset muscle weakness progressing to maximum severity within several days to weeks (less than 4 wk). Bulbar and respiratory muscle weakness may or may not be present. It is a common neurological emergency which requires immediate and careful investigations to determine the etiology because accurate diagnosis has ...

OBJECTIVE To provide an overview of the continuum of muscular responses that typically occur with joint perturbation. The applications and limitations of surface electromyography (sEMG) in evaluating these responses are also addressed. Research applications assessing sex differences in these neuromuscular response characteristics are discussed along with suggestions for future research. DATA ...

During mammalian development, neuromuscular junctions and some other postsynaptic cells transition from multiple- to single-innervation as synaptic sites are exchanged between different axons. It is unclear whether one axon invades synaptic sites to drive off other inputs or alternatively axons expand their territory in response to sites vacated by other axons. Here we show that soon-to-be-elim...

260 February 2014 P aspiration is rare during daily life, thanks to amazingly well-organized protective mechanisms, such as swallowing (and coordinated cessation of breathing during swallowing), coughing, and laryngeal closure.1 If any part of these mechanisms is impaired, the risk of aspiration increases. In this issue of ANesthesIOLOgY, hårdemark Cedborg et al.2 have shown that in asymptomati...