Comparison of effects of cisatracurium and rocuronium on intubation conditions and hemodynamic variables

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare the intubation conditions, neuromuscular and hemodynamic effects with adverse effects of 3xED95 doses of cisatracurium and rocuronium. Fourty-nine patients (ASA I-II) undergoing elective operation were included in the study. Anesthesia was induced with propofol (2.5 mg/kg) and fentanyl (1 ?g/kg), and neuromuscular monitoring was established. Cisatracurium (0.15 mg/kg) were given group I (Group C, n=24), and rocuronium (0.9 mg/kg) in group II (Group R, n=25). Intubation of the trachea was performed, one and two minutes after muscle relaxants injection in Group R and Group C, respectively. Intubation scores, complications, heart rate (HR) and mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), the times from injection of muscle relaxant to complete ablation of T1 (onset time, T0), from injection to recovery of T1 to 25% of baseline (clinical duration of action, T25) and to 75% of baseline (T75), and recovery index (T25-T75) were recorded. Onset times for group R was significantly shorter than Group C (p<0.0001). Intubation conditions, T25, T75 and recovery index were similar in the two groups. In Group R, HR was significantly higher than Group C for the first 5 min. Two patients (8%) in Group C and 7 patients (28%) in Group R experienced skin rushes (p>0.05). Bronchospasm was developed in 2 patients (8%) in Group C. Spontaneous movements of hands associated with rocuronium administration were observed in 7 patients (28%) (p>0.05). In conclusion the onset time of rocuronium was shorter, but cisatracurium provided a more stable hemodynamic parameters. However, rises in HR with rocuronium injection were within clinically acceptable values.