Study on Comparative Effects of Rocuronium and Succinylcholine During Rapid Sequence Intubation

ABSTRACT

Background: Patients frequently need a rapid sequenceinduction (RSI) endotracheal intubation technique duringemergencies or electively to protect against aspiration inconditions like pregnancy, abdominal pathologies especiallyobstruction or ileus, neurologic disease, or in difficult airway.Traditionally succinylcholine has been the most commonlyused muscle relaxant for this purpose because of its fast onsetand short duration; unfortunately, it can have serious sideeffects. Rocuronium has been suggested as an alternative tosuccinylcholine for intubation.Methods: This study was done at department of anesthesiaSMBT Institute of Medical Science and Research Center,Dhamangaon Tal. Igatpuri, Nashik, Maharashtra, India. Thepatients were systematically randomized into three groups oftwenty each. Group A Succinylcholine 1.5 mg/kg, Group BRocuronium bromide 0.6 mg/kg &Group C Rocuroniumbromide 0.9 mg/kg.Intubating conditions, onset of action andadverse effects were observed.Results: It was observed that group A & group C patients hadexcellent intubation conditions with faster onset of action forgroup A patients. Adverse effects were not seen in any of thethree groups.Conclusion: Our study concludes that Succinylcholine is anideal agent for intubation in all surgical procedures. Intubatingconditions of Rocuronium bromide at a dose of 0.9mg/kg(3xED95) is comparable to Succinylcholine 1.5mg/kgat1minute. Rocuronium bromide 0.9mg/kg can be used safelyin patients where succinylcholine is contraindicated.