Anesthesia-Related Pharmacology and Toxicology
The use of rocuronium in a patient with cystic fibrosis and end-stage lung disease made safe by sugammadex reversal
Porter MV, Paleologos MS (Royal Prince Alfred Hosp, New South Wales, Australia) Anaesth Intensive Care 39:299-302, 2011§
Evidence Ranking
• D
Expert Rating
• 2
Commentary
Postoperative residual neuromuscular block results in decreased hypoxic drive,1 increased incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications,2,3 and decreased coordination of the musculature involved in swallowing.4 While estimates are that postoperative residual neuromuscular block occurs in 10% to 40% of patients receiving a general anesthetic with neuromuscular blockade, it is generally not appreciated in the clinical setting.5 There is, however, a subset of patients that will tolerate this compromise of muscle strength more poorly than the general population. The authors of this case report mention some of these, including patients with myasthenia gravis and patients with compromised pulmonary function, especially those needing to have a short surgical procedure where complete recovery from neuromuscular blockade (even after the administration of an anticholinesterase) is unlikely.
Sugammadex binds to rocuronium so that the neuromuscular blocking agent is unable to bind to the acetylcholine receptor of the neuromuscular junction. The rocuronium-sugammadex complex is eliminated in the urine.6 Because of its mechanism of action, sugammadex will cause more rapid recovery of neuromuscular function than an anticholinesterase administered at the same point in spontaneous recovery.7 Because complete recovery of neuromuscular function (a train-of-four ratio >0.9) is increasingly recognized as adequate recovery, this type of rapid and complete recovery profile will become increasingly necessary. In addition to decreasing the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications, complete recovery of neuromuscular function after the administration of sugammadex results in shorter postanesthesia care unit stays and shorter times to discharge from the hospital. Whether the savings in medical care costs will be enough to off set the acquisition cost of sugammadex will have to be determined. Because sugammadex is not available for use in the United States, clinicians practicing here will have to continue to optimize care using agents that are available.