Intubating Conditions Under Non-Depolarizing Muscle Relaxants – A Comparative Study

ABSTRACT

Introduction: In conditions like significant burns,traumatic injuries or an abdominal infection succinylcholineadministration could be hazardous as it is associatedwith dangerous hyperkalemia. Vecuronium, atracuriumand Pancuronium not only are the alternatives but alsooffer skeletal muscle relaxation at shortest intervals postintubation. We assessed the intubating conditions achievedand the hemodynamic effects of pancuronium, vecuronium,and atracurium among patients undergoing routine surgicalprocedures requiring general anaesthesia.Material and methods: A prospective randomized trial wascarried out among 60 participants aged 15-56, who were inthe good physical condition and belonged to ASA I or ASAII categories.study was conducted at Civil Hospital, AizawlMizoram. The patients were randomly allocated to 3 groups oftwenty each viz, Group A, Group B and Group C. Followinginduction of anaesthesia Inj. Pancuronium bromide 0.1 mg/kg.was given to Group A; Inj. Vecuronium 0.1 mg/kg to GroupB. and Inj. Atracurium 0.6 mg/kg to Group C. Pulse rate andblood pressure were recorded immediately and time intervalafter intubation.Results: The apnoea time was longest in group A (57±7seconds) followed by group C (50±14 seconds) and groupB (49±8 seconds). The mean pulse rate, however, variedsignificantly post-intubation across the three groups. Theintergroup comparison showed a significantly higher rise ofthe mean arterial pressure in group A compared with group Bat all corresponding tie intervals in the post intubation period.Conclusion: Though all the three skeletal muscle relaxantsprovided adequate intubating conditions, Vecuronium offeredthe shortest intubation time while the Pancuronium took thelongest time.