Fatal hyperpyrexia following the use of pancuronium bromide in the pig.

Atropine (0.04 mg/kg) was given half an hour before the operation by intramuscular injection. Anaesthesia was induced using 10 per cent halothane in an oxygen and nitrous oxide mixture (4 l./min of each) via a Magill circuit, using a Hall dog mask. After intubation, pancuronium bromide (0.13 mg/kg) was given by intravenous injection and anaesthesia was maintained with a mechanical ventilator using oxygen 3 l./min, nitrous oxide 5 l./min and occasional additions of 0.5 per cent halothane. The apparatus was adjusted to give a tidal volume of 450-500 ml at a ventilation rate of 18-20/min. The same dose of pancuronium bromide was repeated after 10 min and subsequently half the quantity administered at 10-15 min intervals during dissection of the liver. Little pancuronium was required during the anhepatic phase of the transplant operation.