A Comparative Study of Haemodynamic Effects and Intubation Conditions of Rocuronium Bromide Versus Suxamethonium

Abstract

BACKGROUND Suxamethonium chloride was a time-tested depolarising muscle relaxant with quick onset of action and produced excellent intubating conditions, but it is contraindicated and hazardous in certain situations. Rocuronium bromide had the most rapid onset, intermediate duration of action, minimal cardiovascular side effects and with no histamine release, emerged as a good alternative. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of rocuronium bromide in comparison to succinylcholine for use during rapid sequence induction of anaesthesia. Fifty patients posted for elective surgeries were divided into two groups of 25 each randomly. Group S received succinylcholine 1.5 mg/kg and Group R received rocuronium bromide of 0.9 mg/kg. Laryngoscopy and intubation was done at 60 seconds after assessing the relaxation of jaw, vocal cords status and response to intubation using a standard intubation scoring system by a double-blind assessor. Results were tabulated and analysed using appropriate statistical methods. Excellent intubating conditions were seen in 100% of Group S and 90% in Group R respectively. Haemodynamic changes returned to pre-induction baseline values by the end of 5 minutes in both groups. Hence, we concluded that rocuronium bromide was a safer and a good alternative to succinylcholine for rapid sequence intubation of anaesthesia in adult patients where succinylcholine was contraindicated provided that there was no anticipated difficulty in intubation.