The Divided Doses of Neostigmine for the Rapid Recovery at Profound Muscle Relaxation of Pancuronium in Rabbits

Kim, Kyo Sang; Na, Do Jun; Jun, Jong Hun; Shin, Woo Jong

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The reversal of neuromuscular blocker might be accelerated if the anticholinesterase was administered in divided doses. This study has been conducted to evaluate the correct ratio of divided doses of neostigmine for the rapid recovery in the rabbits after pancuronium when the profound relaxation(PTC=0) was confirmed.
METHODS
Rabbits(n=60) were randomly allocated to 6 groups. After pancuronium 0.2 mg/kg intravenously, spontaneous recovery was evaluated in group 1. When the profound relaxation(PTC=O) was confirmed at 5 min. after pancuronium, neostigmine 50 ug/kg was injected as a bolus in group 2. At that time, neostigmine was given at 10 ug/kg followed by 40 ug/kg 3 min. later in group 3. At that time, neostigmine was given at 20 ug/kg followed by 30 ug/kg 3 min. later in group 4. At that time, neostigmine was given at 30 ug/kg followed by 20 ug/kg 3 min. later in group 5. At that time, neostigmine was given at 40 ug/kg followed by 10 ug/kg 3 min. later in group 6.
RESULTS
The mean time from injection of pancuronium to 95% recovery was 99.3 min. in group 1, 59.8 min. in group 2, 53.2 min. in group 3, 51.5 min. in group 4, 50.8 min. in group 5 and 41.1 min. in group 6. The recovery index was significantly reduced in group 6(p<0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
We conclude that the recovery time is reduced when neostigmine is administered in divided doses: a larger priming dose followed by a smaller bolus at profound relaxation.