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Vecuronium infusions in patients with renal failure in an ITU
Author(s) -
SMITH C. L.,
HUNTER J. M.,
JONES R. S.
Publication year - 1987
Publication title -
anaesthesia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.839
H-Index - 117
eISSN - 1365-2044
pISSN - 0003-2409
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2044.1987.tb03980.x
Subject(s) - medicine , anesthesia , bolus (digestion) , renal function , vecuronium bromide , adverse effect , infusion pump , respiratory failure , surgery
Summary The use of an infusion of vecuronium is described in seven patients with renal and respiratory failure in an intensive therapy unit. Neuromuscular function was monitored throughout using the train‐of‐four twitch technique. A bolus dose of vecuronium (0.1 mg/kg) was given, followed immediately by a continuous infusion (0.05 mg/kg/hour). The infusion rate was adjusted until the first twitch of the train was helow 20% of control and then run at a constant rate. There was a marked variation in the dose of vecuronium administered (0.01—0.65 mg/kg/hour). Two patients, who appeared to be most sensitive to the drug, were both receiving metronidazole. Recovery of neuromuscular function was extremely prolongea and widely variable (6–37 hours) on stopping the infusion. No adverse cardiovascular effects or evidence of histamine release were seen as a result of administration of the drug. Vecuronium is probably more suitable for administration in bolus doses rather than by infusion in patients with renal and respiratory failure.