Evaluation of Intubating Conditions in Paediatric Patients- A Comparative Study of Succinylcholine and Two Different Doses of Rocuronium

Abstract

BACKGROUND The need for a muscle relaxant with rapid onset of action as Succinylcholine (Sch.) became apparent due to some untoward side effects of Sch. Rocuronium has the most rapid onset of action among the currently available agents and found to have no obvious side effects. Though both Sch. and Rocuronium provide excellent intubating conditions, the former is superior. A possible approach to improve the ability of rocuronium to produce perfect conditions for intubation would be to increase the dose administered. MATERIALS AND METHODS This non randomized control trial study was conducted on 75 patients of age 1-10 years, American Society of Anesthesiologists (expand) grade I and grade II devoid of any other comorbidities, undergoing elective surgeries after taking informed parental consent. Patients had either Mallampati class I and II divided in three groups 25 each. Sample size was calculated for convenience. RESULTS In GpA 96% (24 Pts), in GpB 52% (13 pts) and in GpC 76% (19 pts) showed excellent intubating conditions. Onset time was least in GpA i.e. 54.12 sec while it was 135.2 sec in GpB and 90.20 sec in GpC. There was statistically significant difference of lag time between GpA and GpB and in GpB and GpC while no difference in GpA and GpC. In terms of twitch height, onset time, clinical duration and recovery index, no significant difference was observed among all three groups. CONCLUSION Rocuronium in the dose of 0.9 mg/kg is an acceptable alternative of Sch. for rapid and excellent intubating conditions without any untoward side effects.